18: What No One Tells You About the Fourth Trimester

Pregnancy gets all the prep—but what about postpartum? In this episode of Midwife Life, Diane Ortega, certified nurse midwife and maternal mental health advocate, shines a light on the fourth trimester—those crucial 12 weeks after birth that often get overlooked in standard care. Whether you’re currently pregnant, newly postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a real-talk guide to the physical, emotional, and mental realities of postpartum recovery. Diane breaks down everything from pelvic pain to postpartum rage—and calls out the major gaps in U.S. postpartum care. What You’ll Learn: What the fourth trimester really is How your body and mind recover post-birth What questions to ask your provider Signs of postpartum depression and anxiety Why support and policy change matter If you're feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or exhausted after birth—you’re not alone. This episode is a must-listen for every new mom (and everyone who loves one). 🎧 Listen now and share with a mama who needs to hear this. Resources Mentioned: Create a postpartum plan (free template): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FDQNwjVmYz1cPmmG_5lweHx_K7MQSur7/view Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/