Thriving in the fourth trimester: The unexpected long term impacts of postpartum wellness decisions
- jaimiezaki
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
Postpartum Isn’t Just a Year to Survive — It’s a Season That Shapes Your Future Health
Most of us hear that postpartum is the “fourth trimester” — something to push through until life feels normal again. But what if postpartum isn’t just a year to survive? What if it’s one of the most important times to be intentional with our bodies, minds, and spirits — because how we care for ourselves now can echo for decades?
That’s the heart of a powerful conversation I recently had with Dr. Jenna Rayachoti, a naturopathic doctor and mother of two, on the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast. Dr. Jenna shared how her journey from Peace Corps volunteer to holistic women’s health provider opened her eyes to how deeply connected the postpartum and perimenopausal years really are
The Hidden Connection Between Postpartum and Menopause
In both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, the postpartum window is viewed as a sacred period of restoration — a time to replenish what was depleted through pregnancy and birth. Dr. Jenna explains that how we move through postpartum can influence the way we experience hormone balance, cycles, and even menopause years later.
In her practice, she sees clear patterns: women who felt depleted, unsupported, or dismissed in early motherhood often experience more intense hormonal fluctuations later in life. The takeaway? Our postpartum years matter more than most of us realize. They are not separate chapters, but part of one continuous story of womanhood.
Why Modern Motherhood Misses the Mark
Our current system rarely honors that. Many women are cleared at their six-week checkup and sent back into the world as if they haven’t just undergone one of the most transformational experiences of human existence. We celebrate “bouncing back” rather than healing deeply.
As Dr. Jenna says, “We are not small men. We are completely unique — physically, emotionally, spiritually. Yet our care system doesn’t reflect that.”
Instead of a single postpartum appointment, imagine care that mirrors prenatal
support — ongoing check-ins at 6, 12, and 24 weeks, centered on the mother’s recovery, mental health, and nourishment.
The Power of Community and Grace During Postpartum
Beyond the medical system, community care matters. Too many mothers navigate postpartum alone — distant from family, pressured to do it all, afraid to ask for help. But needing help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.
Let others cook for you, hold your baby, clean your home. Say yes to support and no to comparison. As Dr. Jenna beautifully reminds us, “You just did one of the hardest things a human can do. Give yourself grace.”
Even small steps — going to bed 15 minutes earlier, putting your phone away during late-night feeds, asking a friend to fold laundry — can change your healing trajectory by “1%,” steering you toward greater balance and peace.
Intentional Postpartum, Confident Motherhood
Postpartum is not the end of pregnancy; it’s the beginning of the rest of your motherhood story. When we nourish ourselves intentionally now, we build resilience for every stage to come — from toddler chaos to perimenopause and beyond.
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Transcript:
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
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