Midwifery Today, Issue 102, Summer 2012

Theme: Fourth Stage

For many new parents, the postpartum period is a time of survival. The myriad changes that have just taken place emotionally, physically, mentally and financially can be difficult to transition into, but for many in our culture, this sensitive time is overlooked or under-supported. Some view this “fourth trimester” of birth as a nesting time, others see it as the first three months of a baby’s life and still others see it as only the first one or two hours after birth. In this issue of Midwifery Today, you will read how some of the rest of the world views this time, as well as gain some information on newborn procedures and practices.