Functional Fourth Trimester

Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo

Functional fourth trimester is a podcast series for new parents- covering common postpartum challenges, practical strategies, and featuring conversations with parents and healthcare professionals.

  1. -3 j

    When Birth Doesn't Go As Planned: Grieving the Vision and Trusting Your Body

    In this episode, we talk with guest speaker, Sarah, to hear the story of her two very different birth experiences. She shares the grief of an unexpected hospital transfer during her first planned home birth, the healing that followed, and the joy of welcoming her second baby through the peaceful home birth she had long hoped for.  Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    22 min

  2. 16 juin

    Navigating the NICU: A Nurse's Guide for Parents

    What is the NICU, and what can parents expect when their baby needs specialized care? In this episode, we sit down with a NICU nurse to discuss the NICU environment, common challenges families may face, and the medical equipment and care teams parents are likely to encounter. We also share practical ways parents can support their baby, participate in care, and navigate the NICU journey with greater confidence. Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    24 min

  3. 2 juin

    The Postpartum Gap: Building Support and Connection for New Parents

    In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Maria about the challenges new parents face postpartum, including isolation, lack of support, and the need for community during the transition into parenthood. We also explore how her business, In Kind Boxes, is helping families feel seen and supported through thoughtfully curated postpartum care boxes designed to nurture parents after birth. Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    26 min

  4. 24 mai

    The Best Toy Is You: Simple Ways to Support Infant Development

    On today's episode we talked with guest speaker Sarah all about how to actually play with your infant in a way that supports their overall development. We talk about tummy time, toy recommendations, and specific ways you can interact with your infant at different months.  Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    23 min

  5. 17 mai

    When Birth Doesn’t Go as Planned: Navigating Trauma and Healing After the Unexpected

    In this episode we talked with guest speaker Rachel about her traumatic birth experience due to preeclampsia. We talk about what it is like to navigate a traumatic birth and provide recommendations on how to cope and heal afterwards. If you are struggling to process an unexpected or traumatic birth, this episode is for you. Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    23 min

  6. 10 mai

    Exclusively Pumping: The Reality, the Challenges, and the Wins

    Exclusively pumping isn’t just a feeding method, it’s a demanding routine filled with unexpected challenges. In this episode, occupational therapist and mom Cassidy shares her personal journey, from navigating triple feeds to committing to exclusive pumping, along with the tools, logistics, and systems that helped her along the way. Whether you’re in the thick of it or simply want to understand the reality behind the schedule, this conversation offers honest insight, practical tips, and encouragement for every stage of the journey. Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    30 min

  7. 3 mai

    Postpartum & Beyond: The Hormonal Link to Longevity and Future Wellness

    In this episode we talk with guest speaker Laura about how hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum are closely connected to perimenopause, highlighting that these phases are part of a continuous hormonal journey rather than isolated events. We discuss how hormone drops after birth can mirror perimenopause symptoms, and early experiences—such as high blood pressure—may predict future health patterns. By understanding these connections, individuals can take a proactive approach through lifestyle choices, body awareness, and early care to support long-term wellness. Link to blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    27 min

  8. 26 avr.

    Movement Over Exercise: Small, Daily Shifts for Postpartum Mental Wellness

    On this episode, we talk with guest speaker Abigail about the video resource she created for her capstone project. We discuss the benefits of movement postpartum on your mental health, how the term "movement" is different from "exercise", and ways you can start getting back to movement safely after birth to promote your mental wellbeing.  Blog post with more information and resources: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

    23 min
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À propos

Functional fourth trimester is a podcast series for new parents- covering common postpartum challenges, practical strategies, and featuring conversations with parents and healthcare professionals.

Informations

  • Création
    Melissa O'Neal and Lauren Zatezalo
  • Années d’activité
    2 k
  • Épisodes
    19
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Functional Fourth Trimester
  • Site web de l’émission
    Functional Fourth Trimester