4th Trimester Project

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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.
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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.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

As we welcome a fresh start, let’s prioritize maternal and newborn health. Whether you’re expecting, navigating postpartum, or supporting a loved one, remember:

- Balanced nutrition matters
- Postpartum care is essential
- Watch for warning signs up to a year after birth

Explore trusted resources for pregnancy, birth, and the 4th trimester at mombaby.org. Here’s to a healthy, empowered year for every mom and baby!

12/29/2025

Taking care of your blood sugar? For those with gestational diabetes, a balanced diet, regular activity, and blood sugar monitoring are key. Work with your healthcare provider to stay within targets and ensure a healthy pregnancy.

12/22/2025

Postpartum well-being matters! The 4th Trimester Project supports moms through emotional, physical, and social challenges. Visit newmomhealth.com (or saludmadre.com for Spanish) for recovery tips, support strategies, and tools to build your network during postpartum.

12/17/2025

Boost your iron intake during pregnancy! Iron deficiency is common—but easy to prevent with iron-rich foods and vitamin C to help absorption. Think spinach, lentils, fortified cereals, lean meats, and citrus fruits. Always follow your provider's advice on supplements!

MomBaby.org
NewMomHealth.com

12/10/2025

Now, more than ever, new parents need support. This economy has put quite a strain on new families, and navigating postpartum recovery while staying up on daily life and family needs is challenging.

Don't be afraid to tap into your community. Grandparents, friends, and other family members that you trust can be instrumental in the lives of new parents.

https://newmomhealth.com/selfcare/getting-ready-supporting-new-parents/

11/27/2025

As we gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on the incredible strength and resilience of mothers, babies, and families everywhere. We are deeply grateful for the dedicated healthcare teams, community partners, and advocates who work tirelessly to ensure every family receives compassionate, evidence-based care.

Gratitude reminds us that even in challenging times, there is so much to appreciate—the joy of new beginnings, the support of caring professionals, and the communities that rally around families during the most transformative moments of life.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate the power of connection and kindness. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, supporting a friend, or simply sharing a meal, know that your care makes a difference.

From all of us, Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate!

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

Address

Chapel Hill, NC
27599

Website

http://www.newmomhealth.com/

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