If you thought that there were only three trimesters during pregnant, guess again. Though it's more of a colloquial expression, there is a fourth trimester that covers the whole "new parent" phase as you and your newborn get to know each other. Though I'm still not completely confident in my role as a parent, absorbing as much info as I could during those first few months was a huge help. If you haven't started a list already, there are plenty of books every mom should read in the fourth trimester. Whether you're balancing a tablet on the armrest of your couch while breastfeeding or simply taking some time to focus on taking care of you, reading is never a bad idea.
I actually rolled my eyes the first time I heard someone use the term "fourth trimester." Even as a self-described progressive, liberal parent, it implied some fringe science kind of theory. But I learned not to judge a book by its cover (literally). It's simply the first three months of your baby's life outside your belly. My best friend was prepping me for motherhood as my due date was rapidly approaching and she suggested I read up on everything to know about the fourth trimester. I'm glad I took her advice because there's so much to discover about new parenthood in books.
1'The Fourth Trimester: And You Thought Labor Was Hard...' by Amy Einhorn
The Fourth Trimester by Amy Einhorn is a lighthearted read meant to add some humor to an otherwise stressful period of transition.
2'What Happens Next — The 4th Trimester: Hair To Toe Guide For Postpartum' by The Institute for Postpartum Care
What Happens Next — The 4th Trimester by The Institute for Postpartum Care offers an educational take on new parenthood and they don't spare on the details.
3'The 4th Trimester Bodies Project: Celebrating The Uncensored Beauty Of Motherhood' by Ashlee Wells Jackson
If you're feeling a bit down in the dumps about your postpartum body, look no further than The 4th Trimester Bodies Project by Ashlee Wells Jackson. This photography project beautifully captures how different motherhood can look on a wide variety of women.
4'I'm Not Fat, I'm Pregnant! Fourth Trimester Chapter: OMG, It's Out!' by Jaquie Brown
I'm Not Fat, I'm Pregnant! Fourth Trimester Chapter by Jaquie Brown reads like a conversation between best friends. The funny, messy, and embarrassingly raw moments aren't left out of this one.
5'The Fourth Trimester: Understanding, Protecting, And Nurturing An Infant Through The First Three Months' by Susan Brink
The Fourth Trimester by Susan Brink is the book of instructions you wish came with a new baby.
6'New Moms, New Families: Priceless Gifts Of Wisdom And Practical Advice From Mama Experts For The Fourth Trimester' by Gloria Ng
New Moms, New Families by Gloria Ng offers more holistic ways to process the experience of becoming a parent.
7'The Post-Partum Bible A Woman's Guide To Self-Care After Childbirth' by Joel S. Colton & Courtney Colton-Beaupre
The Post-Partum Bible by Dr. Joel S. Cotton and Courtney Colton-Beaupre reminds women how important it is to take care of themselves, too.
8'Life Will Never Be The Same: The Real Mom's Postpartum Survival Guide' by Drs. Anne L. Dunnewold and Diane G. Sanford
Life Will Never Be The Same by Drs. Anne L. Dunnewold and Diane G. Sanford provides the kind of honesty not many are willing to give about the reality of the fourth trimester.
9'Porn for New Moms: From The Cambridge Women's Pornography Cooperative' by The Cambridge Women's Pornography Cooperative
Porn For New Moms by The Cambridge Women's Pornography Cooperative is pretty much aimed at the hetero-normative crowd, but some of the pictures make for a good laugh.
10'Breathe, Mama, Breathe: 5-Minute Mindfulness For Busy Moms' by Shonda Moralis
Breathe, Mama, Breathe by therapist Shonda Moralis is a relaxing read for both during and after the fourth trimester.
11'Welcome To The Club: 100 Parenting Milestones You Never Saw Coming' by Raquel D'Apice
Welcome To The Club by Raquel D'Apice covers everything from embarrassing accidents to disgusting diapers.
12'Creating Your "New Normal": A Mom-Centric Guide For Navigating Your Crazy Wild Life With Love' by Alexis Meads
Instead of trying to fit a square block into a round hole, Creating Your 'New Normal' by Alexis Meads focuses on finding what's the right fit for you and your new family.
13'Mom Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book' by Papeterie Bleu Adult Coloring Books
Mom Life: A Snarky Adult Coloring Book by Papeterie Bleu Adult Coloring Books isn't exactly something you need to read, but I highly recommend keeping this handy for the times when you need to unwind.
