The Fourth Trimester

By:  Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C

 As the sun began sinking earlier each day following my daughter’s late October birth, so did my mood and energy levels. Pregnancy had consumed 41 weeks of my life and while I certainly didn’t expect the early postpartum to be easy, the adjustment period was intense. Sleep deprivation colored most of our decisions and led to emotional dysregulation that was entirely unfamiliar. In sessions with perinatal women, I often hear about a deep sense of unease and anxiety that sets in around late afternoon, with uncertainty about the night ahead on their minds.  The more I began to seek answers for what I (and many others) were experiencing, I began noticing mention of what many refer to as the fourth trimester.

     The fourth trimester refers to the 12 weeks immediately following birth, which many find to be one of the more difficult life adjustments one can experience. The “Baby Blues” (not to be confused with Postpartum Depression) are incredibly common during the first two weeks, in part due to the significant hormonal changes that occur immediately upon birth. Adjusting to lack of sleep, new routines, lack of time for self/partners/other children, shifts in responsibilities, among other changes, can result in a range of complex emotions. What if we could simplify one aspect of the newborn stage, to better support moms and families during this transformational time?

     In recognition of this issue’s focus on women’s health, I sat down with Dr. Ashley Loboda, board-certified pediatrician, mom of four and trusted advocate for children and families. Dr. Loboda serves as both a pediatric hospitalist for St. Clair Hospital, as well as the owner and primary physician of Direct Pediatric Care in Mt. Lebanon. Dr. Loboda practices from a Direct Care model, providing care free from the constraints of insurance, with transparent pricing, no copayments or surprise bills following an appointment or procedure.  She also offers a direct cell phone number for patient access, same day appointments, psychiatric medication management and evaluation, medical grade ear piercing, house calls and same day appointments for urgent needs.

     What I found most impressive during our talk was Dr. Loboda’s commitment to supporting moms and families during the fourth trimester period. To that end, she provides “Fourth Trimester Package”, which includes:

• 6 home visits in a 3-month period

• Feeding advice and lactation support

• Unlimited text, email, phone and video access with Dr. Loboda for 3 months

• The comfort in knowing your pediatrician will come to you, especially during the cold and flu season, to provide care directly in your home

     Dr. Loboda provides this package for a one time fee of $500.  Patients are able to join the practice once the 3 month period ends, but this is completely up to them. Similar to midwife visits in countries such as the UK, allowing families to remain at home, while also providing more care to mom than one 6-week postpartum visit, is a wonderful thing. Supporting moms supports better outcomes and happier, healthier families. Feel free to contact Dr. Loboda at www.directpedcare.com, as well as via text or call (412) 212-7034 and info@directpedcare.com.  Wishing everyone a happy and healthy October!