4th Trimester Project

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United States
Chapel Hill, NC
4th Trimester Project

Our goal is to transform the transition through the 4th Trimester. Our stakeholder teams will determine priority health themes and systems.

In the weeks following delivery, a woman must recover from childbirth, adapt to changing hormones, and learn to feed and care for her newborn. During this "4th Trimester," many women experience considerable challenges, including fatigue, pain, breastfeeding difficulties, depression, lack of sexual desire and incontinence. Amid these concerns, postpartum care is often fragmented among maternal and pediatric providers, and 20 to 40% of women do not attend a postpartum visit. Rising maternal mortality and morbidity in the US have made this work an even greater priority. Our goal is to bring together mothers, health care providers, and other stakeholders to define what families need most during the 4th Trimester. Based on the unmet health priorities that stakeholders identify, we will design research studies to deliver optimal care during this critical period, improving outcomes for mothers, infants and families.

11/06/2025

Pregnancy is considered to be a “stress test” for life. This means that health issues in pregnancy like gestational diabetes, heart problems, or high blood pressure, mean that there is a greater risk of having these conditions in the future (even if they get better after birth).

This can be scary information to consider. The postpartum check-in and screening is particularly important for women with health conditions.

Self-Care Tips & Resources
- Postpartum glucose testing even when blood sugar levels normalize after birth, make sure to get a glucose test at your postpartum visit and every 1–3 years after. Be sure to request morning appointments and fasting labs.
- Maintain healthy habits by continuing the pregnancy nutrition plan, emphasizing whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and veggies.
- Exercise regularly to support glucose control and heart health.
- Breastfeed can significantly reduce type 2 diabetes risk, especially with longer duration.
- Advocate for yourself! Ask for lactation help, nutrition counseling, and clear follow-up instructions. Keep warning signs and recovery markers top of mind because your health warrants vigilance up to a year postpartum.

10/16/2025

As new parents, one of the biggest concerns is how to keep your baby safe during sleep. At NewMomHealth, we believe every family deserves trustworthy, evidence-based guidance.

Here are key safe sleep tips to remember:

- Always place baby on their back to sleep, for naps and nighttime.
- Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet — no pillows, toys, or loose bedding in the sleep area.
- Keep the crib in the same room where you sleep (but not in the same bed) for at least 6 months.
- Avoid overheating — dress baby appropriately and don’t overbundle.
- Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime (once breastfeeding is well established).
- Always supervise, follow recommended guidelines, and talk with your pediatrician about safe sleep strategies.

Want more resources? Explore the “Baby Sleep” section of our Baby Care tools on NewMomHealth.com — you’ll find printable one-pagers, guides, and evidence-based information to build safer sleep habits.

Let’s raise awareness together:
- Share this post with new and expecting parents
- Tag someone who needs this reminder
- Save it for reference — when you need it!

Every baby deserves the safest sleep possible. Let’s support families in those critical early months.

10/06/2025

We believe maternal health is holistic. That means caring not just for your recovery and your baby — but also your long-term wellness.

Why this matters to new & expecting moms:

Hormonal shifts, pregnancy, breastfeeding — your body is doing extraordinary work. It’s more important than ever to stay vigilant about breast health.

Early detection saves lives. When found early, breast cancer has a much higher chance of successful treatment.

You’re not alone — your “village” includes your health, too.

09/23/2025

Webinar Alert! In partnership with TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Humana Military and Postpartum Support International, we are offering a free training primarily for mental health care providers who work with women during and following pregnancy, and who are interested in learning more about the unique factors that impact military mothers.

📅 Thursday, October 9
⌚11 am - 1 pm ET

Register here: https://hubs.la/Q03Kx5qV0

09/22/2025

Let's talk about postpartum hormones with Dr. Alison Stuebe.

09/16/2025

New motherhood is full of big emotions—and it’s okay to not feel “okay.” You’re not alone.

If you’re experiencing:

Intense sadness, worry, guilt or shame

Loss of joy, trouble sleeping or eating

Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Reach out now: tell a trusted person, call your healthcare provider, use 988 or maternal mental health hotlines. These feelings are real, valid, and treatable.

You deserve support. You deserve to heal.

Find additional information at http://NewMomHealth.com

09/10/2025

You are not alone. If you are pregnant or in the first year after birth and you're feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or thinking about hurting yourself — please reach out. Mood changes after birth are common, but some feelings can be signs of a crisis. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. For 24/7, confidential crisis support, call or text 988 or use the chat.

Signs to watch for:
• Intense hopelessness or feeling like a burden.
• Thoughts of killing yourself or planning how to do it.
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or the baby.
• Extreme mood swings, confusion, or hallucinations.
• Severe sleep problems, loss of interest in everything.

What to do:

Tell a trusted person you’re struggling. Don’t wait.

Call 988 now for free, confidential help any time.

Contact your provider or local mental health crisis services — say you’re pregnant or postpartum. If you can’t reach them, call 911.

If possible, remove access to means that could be used to hurt yourself.

Keep checking in with loved ones — new parents need support and many crises are preventable with help.

You matter. Your life matters. Help is available — reach out.
(For more info on postpartum mood changes and when to call your provider, see NewMomHealth.)

08/22/2025

Breastfeeding can mean enjoying beautiful, special, quiet moments together.

08/13/2025

Breastfeeding is a team sport. While mom leads the way, partners, family, and friends provide the love, encouragement, and practical help that make a difference.

This Breastfeeding Awareness Month, explore NewMomHealth.com for trusted, mom-tested resources to guide both new parents and their support networks—from responsive feeding tips to postpartum recovery and emotional well-being.

When we show up for moms, babies flourish.

07/24/2025

Accurate, relevant, and easy-to-access information is important for new moms to have at their fingertips – especially during those late nights with a newborn.

We’ve heard moms struggle with finding trustworthy resources about their postpartum care and recovery, which is why our team of experts and moms created the “Taking Care of You” booklet.

Visit
https://newmomhealth.com/resources/taking-care-of-you/ to access the English and Spanish booklets for yourself or someone you care about.

07/18/2025

There are resources for the unsure new mom.

Having one page that covers important health information for your newborn is important to have handy for you, and anyone caring for your baby. This one-pager includes important topics about baby’s health, including ‘when to call 911’ and ‘when to call a healthcare provider’ when something isn’t right.

Save this post, screenshot it, or download it here:
https://newmomhealth.com/resources/new-baby-health-information-one-pager/

07/16/2025

Breasts change during pregnancy, in the early postpartum period, and over the days and weeks following childbirth and beyond.

If you need support during your breastfeeding journey, visit our website to find information about topics ranging from lactation, infections (mastitis), pain, and taking care of yourself.

Visit http://NewMomHealth.com under 'My Health' in the menu.

Address

Chapel Hill, NC
27599

Website

http://www.newmomhealth.com/

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