In this episode, Sarah Trott talks with pediatric sleep consultant Dr. Angelique Millette to answer the top 10 TODDLER sleep questions every parent has. (Go to the BABY episode if you want help with baby sleep! Link below.) Dr. Millette shares her expertise on the challenges of toddler sleep, providing practical solutions for common issues like bedtime resistance, night wakings, early morning risings, and more. She also covers how to recognize signs of sleep readiness, establish effective...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ida Eden, a reproductive psychiatrist and faculty member at Weill Cornell Medicine, to explore how you can optimize your emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or simply navigating the transition into parenthood, Dr. Eden will provide insights and practical tools to help you feel empowered and supported. Find out what to do BEFORE baby arrives, and how you can start...

On this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we're bringing you the ultimate travel guide for parents. Our special guests, Mother Up creators Kacie McDonnell Hosmer, former host of FOX Nation and Mansion Global, and Gianna DeMedio Simon, host of the podcast So Sorry for Your Loss, share their tried-and-true tips for traveling with little ones. Between them, they’ve wrangled three children under four while navigating air and car travel, and their advice will help you make your next trip...

Rather amazingly, there hasn't been much research into the causes and potential cures for the nausea that around 70% of people experience during pregnancy. Until now. Thankfully, Dr Marlena Fejzo is dedicating her life's work to finding ways to alleviate the full spectrum of mild cases of "morning sickness" to severe nausea to, on the extreme end, hyperemesis. She herself experienced hyperemesis. She knows firsthand the debilitating effects of the disease. Already she has clearly identified...

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast, we are joined by an experienced financial advisor, Laura Davis CFP.  This episode centers on how families can create a budget that sets the family up for financial success, including: what a budget is, how to create one, considerations before having a baby, what to budget for during pregnancy, postpartum and longer term (kids education, your own retirement etc.) We also have a great conversation around helping raise children to be financially...

Dr Rebecca Dekker of Evidence Based Birth provides clear, plain-language guidance on postpartum recovery, including the very immediate period after birth from delivering the placenta and then through the extended fourth trimester. Learn what the evidence points to so that you can make informed decisions and enhance your recovery period. Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Resources Skin to Skin After A Cesarean Evidence on Pitocin During the Third Stage of Labor Why Postpartum...

In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we asked a panel of breastfeeding educators and practitioners to help us put together a 2-part guide on breastfeeding. Importantly, this is a NO JUDGMENT guide. Just the facts and plain language explanations that help you on your journey. Part 2 covers a wide range of topics including: managing milk supply, breast pump usage, feeding schedules and more. Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Links and resources mentioned on the show:...

In this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, we asked a panel of breastfeeding educators and practitioners to help us put together a 2-part guide on breastfeeding. Importantly, this is a NO JUDGMENT guide. Just the facts and plain language explanations that help you on your journey. The content of the guide includes answers to the top breastfeeding questions new parents frequently have during the first 24 hours with a newborn through to the continued breastfeeding years. Full show notes...

In this episode we are joined by an experienced financial advisor, Laura Davis CFP. Laura shares her expertise in transforming financial lives and provides actionable steps that parents and soon-to-be parents can take to secure a strong financial future for their families. Learn the three financial must-dos for families that can help set your family up for success. Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com Links/resources mentioned: (more links available in full notes article) Sara...

Having six children means Shari Stamps knows a fair bit about preparing for postpartum. Since having kids, she's dedicated her life to growing her experience as a perinatal professional, taking many courses including doula training. Now she's sharing her wisdom from her own parenting experience plus her professional training with us. Hear Shari's tips for postpartum and birth preparation, including: Who to Include in a Comprehensive Support VillageWhen to Start Putting Resources in...

Ali Starling joins us to talk about the significant and often under-discussed topic of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). Ali Starling is an experienced midwife and academic from the University of California San Francisco. We talk about her passions: midwifery, mental health, and the intersection between the two.  Our discussion thoroughly explores how new parents can navigate the challenging psychological landscape following childbirth. Listen to learn more about:  the nature of...

This episode features Kiran Saluja, the Executive Director of the PHFE WIC (Women Infants Children) Program. She is a respected authority in the field of nutrition and breastfeeding. With a career spanning nearly 40 years, Kiran brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and passion to our discussion.  We talk about common breastfeeding challenges and solutions, nutritional guidance, and the significance of building a robust support network, including practical advice on:  What Diet to Maintain...

Here to answer the questions you always wanted to ask is Esther Gallagher, long-time birth and postpartum doula. Top questions on this episode include: Are Doulas Worth It? How Much Do they Cost and how do I get the service paid for?Can doulas bill my insurance / is it covered?What about workplace incentives like Carrot and Hello Cleo?Do doulas charge differently for virtual support?What about Medicaid paying for doulas?I’m someone who has had past trauma and I need special kind of support...

Leading pediatric sleep consultant Dr Angelique Millette answers the Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions every parent asks. We discuss real solutions that are safe and developmentally appropriate for your baby. We talk about solutions that really work and give you and your family the rest you need.  We all know how important sleep is for our mental and physical wellness, and so we’re diving into the topic with someone who has dedicated her life’s work to family sleep solutions - 25 years helping...

How can partners prepare for the fourth trimester? Sure, we have lots of practical suggestions such as relationship proofing, practical preparation, but there are some big considerations outside the practical. Listen in to learn how to create a level of connectedness that will ease the way for everything else that is to come. Enjoy! Sarah and Esther xo Full episode notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Parents benefit hugely from having regular and purposeful emotional outlets - when we take care of our own emotions, we are able to be more present, patient and connected with our children and families.  Listening Partnerships are a tool we recommend for every parent to keep in their parenting toolbox. Why? It's FREE, it takes 5 mins a week, and it has tremendous benefits!!!  Sarah and her real-life listening partner Kaitlin Solimine break down how to create and benefit from a listening...

It's Black Maternal Health Week and in this episode Sarah talks with Dr Amanda P Williams about the current state of postpartum maternal health and birth equity. Sarah first heard Dr Williams give the keynote talk at the Future of Maternal Care Summit. She invited Dr Williams onto the program to share her insights with all of our Fourth Trimester listeners. Dr Williams is raising the bar for all birthing people and families by helping hospitals and innovators with improved practices and...

Sarah, Nancy Myrick (Certified Nurse Midwife and birth center Director) and Leda Mast (Board Member of the SF Birth Center Foundation) discuss the ins and outs of birthing at a birth center.  They talk through the unique benefits birth centers offer and explore a wide range of birth center related topics designed to help inform the birthing journey, including: Birth framework: Three Main Options for Where to Give Birth - Hospital, Birth Center, HomeWhat a Birth Center isWhy People Choose...

In this episode of Fourth Trimester, we're joined by Dr. Melissa Dennis, a seasoned OBGYN with over two decades of experience in healthcare. Dr. Dennis shares her evidence-based insights and practical advice on how to navigate the often-overlooked but critical phase of birth recovery.  We discuss essential knowledge and practices that can support smoother recoveries and enhance the overall post-birth experience, including:  The Role of An OBGYNBirth Team Scenarios An Overview of the Six Week...

Unlock the secrets of newborn brain development with Childhood Educator Rebecca Walsh. Discover how to wire your baby for success. Listen to the full episode to learn what you need to know for helping your baby develop intelligence, plus the strong interpersonal and soft skills they’ll require later in life - both the EQ and IQ. You'll learn: * How the brain develops * What parents can do practically to optimize that development * "Serve and Return" interaction concept * How supporting...

In this episode of Fourth Trimester Podcast, functional medicine dietitian Bridgitte Mallinson joins us to explore the essentials of prenatal vitamins. She illuminates the purpose of various supplements, emphasizing their critical role in nurturing both maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy. Bridgitte explains which vital nutrients expectant mothers should prioritize and highlights red flags to watch out for when selecting prenatal supplements, empowering listeners to make informed...

This episode is a guide for how friends or family members can take a deeply human and holistic approach to supporting birthgivers when professional doula services are either inaccessible or unaffordable. Importantly, your support person (or persons if you are able to secure multiple helpers!) can provide crucial support before, during and after childbirth. Whoever is attending your birth - and/or helping you after the birth - must give this one a listen - your mom, your partner, your...

Gina Mundy is an attorney that specializes in childbirth cases and she is a bestselling author. For over two decades, she has analyzed the mistakes that are made during labor and delivery. Drawing on this knowledge, she has authored the book "A Parent's Guide to a Safer Childbirth" to help parents prevent these mistakes and have a healthy baby. Sarah and Gina discuss proactive steps parents can take in order to help ensure a safer birth experience. Overall, the focus is on transforming fear...

Did you know that appropriate, nurturing touch can relieve stress (for baby and parent/caregiver), facilitate secure attachment, optimize brain development, and potentially set a baby up for life to be a stable and healthy human? In this episode we will talk about the immense benefits of massaging your baby. Special guest Kari Marble, certified infant massage therapist, meditation leader and birth educator, shares wisdom drawn from her 20+ years in the healing arts. We cover: *When it is...