The 4th Trimester

My good friend Amy was talking about the first 3 months with a baby is like your 4th trimester of pregnancy.  I Googled this term last night about about 3:30 am because I wondered if other people had this idea too.  Come to find out I had already read the book this idea came from.  I forgot everything when I was pregnant.  I also think I was just worried about the practical application.

The idea is this - A guy named Harvey Karp came up with the term to explain the baby's transition from womb to life.  It is 3 months long (approximately) and there are things you can do to help your baby's last trimester go smoothly.  They are the 5 S's -Swaddling, Side/Stomach Position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking.  These are great for baby and help a parent calm a little fuss bucket.  This is great and all, but really the 4th trimester is just as much about the parent's transition as well.

To help myself not only survive but also enjoy this time, I have created what I like to call the 5 G's and a Q.  Here they are in no particular order.

1. Go to Sleep! - It doesn't matter if you have company or it is 5:00 in the evening.  Go to sleep you will not regret it. 
2. Give it up! - Quit worrying about house work or actual work.  It will make you crazy  you cannot do everything at once.  Take out is your friend! 
3. Get a Dang Shower! - Daily or anytime you feel like crying.  This means some days I take 2 and suddenly feel 100% better about my life. 
4. Give In! - Hold that baby all day long if you wanna.  I love this and it will not last forever.  You cannot spoil a new born right?! (I hope this is true or we are in big trouble) 
5. Get Out the House! - It feels good to do normal human things like grocery shop or stop for coffee.  Babies are small and portable. Heck, you don't even have to pack bottles if you nurse.  Grab a diaper and go. 
6. Quiet Time - Get it in even if it is just a "quiet moment"- you always feel better after a little time with the Lord. Just sayin'

I do have to say, that the days I follow these I am a much happier, healthier woman. I also tend to get more stuff done - funny enough.  I need to remember these every day to keep my head on straight.  I DO NOT use this everyday, but I bet my husband wishes I did.