Functional Fourth Trimester

Melissa O'Neal OTR/L
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Kids & Family

Functional Fourth Trimester is a postpartum podcast for new and expecting parents, hosted by Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist. Each episode offers practical strategies for the fourth trimester and the realities of daily life after birth. Topics include postpartum recovery, pelvic floor healing, C-section recovery, breastfeeding challenges, exclusive pumping, infant sleep, tummy time and baby milestones, infant massage and bonding, postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, the NICU, and parenting multiples. You'll hear conversations with parents and healthcare professionals, plus simple, realistic tools for your body, your baby, and your mental health. Whether you're preparing for birth, newly home with a newborn, or months into parenthood, this show helps you feel supported and less alone. Learn more at functionalfourthtrimester.com

  1. 3d ago

    The Return to Work Transition: Creating a Sustainable Pumping Plan

    Going back to work while you are still pumping can feel overwhelming, especially when your workplace has no plan for where you will pump. In this episode, we talk with guest speaker Tiffany, a pediatric occupational therapist with a business background, about returning to work and pumping after her son was born. She shares what happened when she had no private place to pump, why her car became her best option, and the strategies that helped: learning your state's pumping laws, talking with your supervisor early, freezing milk well before your return, planning your workday around pumping, and taking care of yourself so you can keep feeding your baby. Blog post: https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog

  2. Jun 30

    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

  3. Jun 16

    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

  4. Jun 2

    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

  5. May 24

    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

  6. May 17

    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

  7. May 10

    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

  8. May 3

    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

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About

Functional Fourth Trimester is a postpartum podcast for new and expecting parents, hosted by Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist. Each episode offers practical strategies for the fourth trimester and the realities of daily life after birth. Topics include postpartum recovery, pelvic floor healing, C-section recovery, breastfeeding challenges, exclusive pumping, infant sleep, tummy time and baby milestones, infant massage and bonding, postpartum depression and anxiety, birth trauma, the NICU, and parenting multiples. You'll hear conversations with parents and healthcare professionals, plus simple, realistic tools for your body, your baby, and your mental health. Whether you're preparing for birth, newly home with a newborn, or months into parenthood, this show helps you feel supported and less alone. Learn more at functionalfourthtrimester.com

Information

  • Creator
    Melissa O'Neal OTR/L
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Melissa O'Neal OTR/L
  • Show Website
    Functional Fourth Trimester