On this episode we are joined by Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, board-certified lactation consultant, and the author of the The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn.

We discuss medical as well as practical and emotional aspects of bonding, including why and how to bond with your newborn. This is great listening for parents, grandparents, supporters, visitors, and well, everyone really.

You'll learn the early aspects of newborn development in terms of practical, evidence-based tips for nurturing early connection as well as learn how that impacts lifelong health.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie Pediatrics on Call podcast | LinkedIn | Instagram

Dr Joanna's book The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn

Learn more Wire Your Baby for Success Through Optimal Newborn Brain Development | The Power of Touch in Supporting Infant Development

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Sonal Patel is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation specialist, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of NayaCare: Fourth Trimester Clinic. With a passion for improving maternal and infant health, she offers curated talks designed to empower professional women navigating the intersection of career, motherhood, and personal well-being.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel nayacare.org | Facebook | Instagram

Learn more Family Financial Wellness: Three Finance Must-dos for Families | How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux | How Partners Can Prepare for Parenthood (The Power of Snuggling)

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Petra is a birth & postpartum doula, birth educator, and fierce advocate for women reclaiming their power in birth.

After undergoing three Cesareans, she set off on a transformative journey that led to her vaginal birth after three Cesareans (VBA3C). That experience reshaped not only how she viewed birth but also how she found her voice—one that had been silenced by fear, external authority, and societal expectations.

Now, she is dedicated to helping other women do the same: break free from limiting beliefs, trust their intuition, and confidently advocate for the birth experience they deserve.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Petra Cruz birthingcometrue.com | Instagram | The Journey To VBAC Podcast

Learn more How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?) | Somatic Experiencing Can Build Attachment Between Parent And Child | Postpartum Support International | International Cesarean Awareness Network

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Here's a prep guide for hospital births that will help you feel more confident, and empower you with information that could help you avoid unnecessary procedures that can result in trauma and/or injury.

Our guest is HeHe Stewart, a birth doula and founder of The Birth Lounge, a non-judgmental, evidence-based childbirth education online platform known for helping parents navigate birth. HeHe also has her own podcast called the Birth Lounge. Here's some of what we discuss:

• how to avoid unnecessary C-sections
• how to confidently ask for options
• what to do if things don't go as expected
• crucial information to prepare you for hospital birth

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with HeHe Stewart Tranquility by HeHe | The Birth Lounge Education Platform

HeHe's Podcast The Birth Lounge Podcast

Learn more The 10 Questions Every First-Time Parent Asks | Home Birth As An Alternative To The Hospital | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You if You Don’t Have a Doula (What is a Doula?)

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

This Returning to Work Transition Guide is led by Career coach Michelle Olsen who specializes in helping women find clarity and purpose during career transitions.

Michelle holds a Master’s in Organizational Psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC)

Covered on this episode:

• Making the back to work transition with intention
• Finding the right balance for your family
• Creating a plan that aligns with your values
• Tips on what to ask for
• Factors to consider when making your own decisions about when, how and whether to return to work

Full show notes: fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Work with Michelle One-on-One: Greenlight Coaching Offer Code: RETURNTOWK for $100 OFF

Virtual workshop: Return to Work Group Workshop: Virtual Code: 4THTRIMESTER for $15 OFF (On $40 or more)

Connect with Michelle Olsen greenlight-coaching.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Learn more How to Maximize Maternity Leave & Paternity Benefits with MAMAttorney Daphne Delvaux | Prepare For Taking Maternity Leave Like A Pro

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading expert in holistic women’s development with over 20 years of experience. We explore how rewriting our beliefs about motherhood can lead to more joy, freedom, and self-love.

This episode is about learning how breaking free from outdated expectations can transform not only your parenting but your entire sense of self.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Connect with Dr Gertrude Lyons drgertrudelyons.com | Instagram | LinkedIn | Podcast

Learn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | The Birth Doula’s Guide to Navigating New Motherhood with Carson Meyer | The Top 10 Baby Sleep Questions Every Parent Asks

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

So here's what happens when a seasoned birth doula becomes a first-time mom. Carson Meyer, a sought-after doula, joins us to share her personal journey into motherhood.

With years of experience supporting parents through birth and postpartum, Carson brings a unique perspective on what she thought she knew versus what she learned firsthand.

In this episode, we talk about the realities of postpartum recovery, lessons from home birth, and the balance of caring for yourself while caring for a newborn.

Full show notes fourthtrimesterpodcast.com

Learn more A Parent’s Guide To Building Self-Trust (And Why It Matters) | How a Friend or Family Member Can Help You After You Have a Baby | Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection (including Carson's Chicken Seaweed Soup)

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian and the author three books designed to support healthy conception, birth and postpartum, including how to prevent and manage gestational diabetes.

Her books are Real Food for Fertility (co-authored by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food For Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes.

Lily shares important information all women should know about optimizing their diet for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum from a scientific perspective.

Even for women who aren't currently in the pregnancy state of mind, knowing this information early on helps everyone to make better choices down the road.

Connect with Lily Nichols lilynicholsrdn.com | Instagram

Learn more The Institute for Prenatal Nutrition | Postpartum Recovery Meals | Fourth Trimester Soups and Stews Collection | Nutrition and Nourishment - The Essentials

Resources HelloGaia Parenting Copilot | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Birth Plan | FREE DOWNLOAD Customizable Fourth Trimester Plan

Connect with Fourth Trimester Facebook | Instagram

Want trustworthy parenting data at your fingertips? Download HelloGaia Parenting Copilot for FREE today. The app uses reliable sources like ACOG, AAP, The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. FREE app available now on Apple & Google Play