4th Trimester Project
A Village for Mothers
Breasts change during pregnancy, in the early postpartum period, and over the days and weeks following childbirth and beyond. This section is intended to provide an overview of common experiences with this part of your body during the 4th Trimester. You’ll find information to prepare and better know how and when to seek support. Problems with breasts can get better or sometimes the issues can worsen, including turning into an infection. While this section uses the more commonly known word “breastfeeding,” we recognize and lift up that some communities prefer the term “chestfeeding.” The following information covers a range of topics that your health care team can address in detail with you.
Like a labor and delivery plan, this is a fillable, custom plan for mom and families to share how they want to be supported after childbirth
Short videos on postpartum health & recovery FAQ
Postpartum Recovery Booklet on a variety of health and self-care topics
Fillable, custom medical care plan for mom to understand recovery and health information from their provider
Breast fullness and engorgement (when your breasts fill with milk and are firm to the touch) usually occurs around 3 to 5 days after delivery, depending on breast and nipple stimulation (such as the frequency of infant feeding) and also women’s individual bodies. Sometimes women who give birth by cesarean section experience later onset of […]
Breastfeeding is a learning process for mothers, babies, and the family as a whole. When newborns are first put to the breast, they sometimes have trouble opening their mouths wide enough to get a latch that is comfortable for moms. This reflects the small size of infants and changes over time as infants grow. Babies […]
Mastitis is a common condition among lactating mothers. It can often be caused by not removing enough milk from the breasts, which is sometimes referred to as milk stasis. Whenever you notice breast lumps, pain, or redness, guidance from your health care team right away can help prevent conditions from worsening. Mastitis can be feel […]
Discomfort with breastfeeding and breast pain are common. It can be a big factor into whether mothers continue breastfeeding/ expressing or not. Do not wait for pain to be persistent (defined by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine as lasting at least 2 weeks) before getting support. Kelly Mom offers detailed information on brief breast or […]
Breasts grow and change as part of your body’s preparation to feed your baby. This is a part of the reproductive cycle for women. If you have not noticed any changes with your breasts – such as an increase in size – over the course of pregnancy and birth, then discuss that with your health […]
There are many different types of health care professionals who can help with lactation and infant feeding, whether you are feeding your baby your milk, donor human milk, or formula. In many cases, questions on this topic can be answered by your health care team. However, many health care team members receive only limited training […]
I’m Sick! Can I Still Breastfeed My Baby? When you are sick with a newborn, everything – including infant feeding – is harder. Getting sick is the worst! Sometimes being sick may be caused by the challenges of all the new motherhood that weaken your immune system. Many parents wonder if it is okay to […]
Some mothers who have stopped breastfeeding may want to try to start again. Making milk again is possible. This process is known as relactation. It takes time and works for many, although you may not establish the level of milk production to exclusively breastfeed. Before you start to prepare your body to relactate, it is important to think about the reasons that you stopped lactating (making milk). Remembering what was hard and discuss that with your supports, […]
During pregnancy, hormones signal a woman’s body to prepare for milk production. Sometimes milk leaks from nipples prior to childbirth. For the first few days after birth, you may notice a thick, yellowish substance that can be expressed from your breasts. This is called colostrum. About 2-5 days after birth, colostrum will become whiter and […]
Alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (e.g. marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and other drugs) can go from the mother to the baby through breastmilk and/or by second-hand smoke. Alcohol and Human Milk For alcohol, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that “up to one drink per day is not known to be harmful to the baby, especially […]
The content of this website is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your health care provider. If you need emergency care, call 911 right away.
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