The 4th Trimester: A Survival Guide to Self-Care (And Sanity)

Welcome to the *4th trimester*, the often-overlooked period where the magic of motherhood meets exhaustion and self-care becomes a necessity. Your little bundle of joy is here, but guess what? So are *you*. That’s right, the fourth trimester is not just for baby’s transition—it’s for *your* healing too.

Your body has done the equivalent of climbing Everest while juggling. Now it’s time to rest, recover, and take care of *yourself*—because you deserve it! Here’s a self-care cheat sheet to help you get through those early months with a little more grace (and a lot more comfort).

1. Rest...Or At Least Lie Down and Pretend
You’ve heard it a million times: "Sleep when the baby sleeps." Sure, sounds easy enough, right? But between feeding, changing, and navigating this new chapter, sleep can be scarce. If you can’t nap, at least aim to *rest*. That can mean lying down, closing your eyes, or just sitting quietly.

When your partner, friend, or family member offers to help, say *yes* without hesitation. This is the time to put your feet up—because you’ve earned it!

Maia Mum Recommendation: For those rare moments of lying down, try our *Maia Mum Washable High-Waisted C-Section Underwear*. Not only are they super soft and comfy, but they’ll keep your incision area supported and help you relax just a little bit more.

2. Nourish Your Body (And No, Half a Biscuit Doesn’t Count)
You might be so focused on feeding your baby that you forget to feed yourself. In between nappy changes and nursing, it’s easy to let proper meals slip by. But your body is in recovery mode, and it needs all the fuel it can get.

Quick Snack Ideas:
- Pre-cut veggies and hummus (the grab-and-go heroes).
- Oat bars or energy bites.
- A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit.

My Tip: Hydration is key! Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, your body needs plenty of water. Keep a giant water bottle nearby, and sip away like it’s your job.

Maia Mum Recommendation If you’re breastfeeding, consider our Milk Shells. They’re perfect for collecting any milk leakage during nursing, helping you avoid that post-feed “why am I drenched?!” moment.

3. Belly Masks: Treat Yourself Like Royalty
After giving birth, your belly might not look or feel the same for a while—and that’s totally normal. Your body has done something incredible! While you wait for things to settle, why not treat your postpartum belly to a bit of luxury?

For just $10, our Maia Mum Belly Masks can help nourish and soothe your skin. These masks are like a spa treatment for your tummy, offering hydration and helping you feel just a little more you. Pop one on during baby’s nap time, put your feet up, and enjoy 20 minutes of you time.

4. Postpartum Hair Loss: It’s Not Forever, I Promise
Around the third or fourth month postpartum, your hair might start shedding like a scene from a horror movie. Don’t panic—this is totally normal! It happens because of the shift in hormones, and while it’s annoying, it’s temporary.

My tip: Use gentle hair products and avoid super-tight hairstyles. Give your scalp a little massage when you shampoo to stimulate the follicles (and it feels great too).

Maia Mum Recommendation: Postpartum hair care is essential, but don’t forget about the rest of you. If your skin is feeling dry, pamper it with our Heal-It Nipple Cream. Yes, it’s amazing for sore nips, but it’s also a miracle worker for dry patches anywhere on your body!

5. Soothe Your Sore Spots (Yes, All of Them)
Breastfeeding might be a bonding experience, but let’s be real—it can be rough on your poor nipples. Chapped, sore, or cracked nipples can make feeding time a wince-worthy ordeal. But it doesn’t have to be!

Our Heal-It Nipple Cream is your secret weapon against soreness. It’s made with soothing ingredients that help heal and protect your nipples, so you can focus on feeding without the discomfort.

And let’s not forget about your other sore spots. Whether you had a vaginal birth or C-section, your body has been through a lot. For mums recovering from a C-section, our C-Section Silicone Tape is perfect for helping your incision heal smoothly. At $48 for a 150cm roll, this tape can minimize scarring and keep the area comfortable as you heal.

6. Take Baby Steps—Literally
Getting back into movement after giving birth can feel daunting, but even the smallest steps make a difference. You don’t need to rush into high-intensity workouts. Start slow with light stretches or short walks around the block. Moving your body will help ease the tension and boost your mood.