4th Trimester Do's and Don'ts: What Every New Mama Needs to Know

April 30, 2025

Hey mama, how are you doing?


Not the "smiling for visitors" version or the "I’m fine, just tired" response. We mean, really; how are you?


The 4th trimester (those first 12 weeks postpartum) can feel like a whirlwind of feeding schedules, healing bodies, sleepless nights, and trying to figure out who you are now. Everyone’s asking about the baby, but we’re here to ask about you.


At ABC Fit Collective, we know that those early weeks can be both beautiful and brutally hard. You’re doing your best to take care of a brand-new human while trying to recover physically and emotionally. It’s a lot—and we want you to know you don’t have to do it alone.


So we put together this guide with our top 4th trimester do's and don'ts to support you during this incredibly important (and often overlooked) phase. No perfection required;  just support, encouragement, and some gentle guidance.

DO: Prioritize Rest (Yes, Really)

We know this might sound impossible. But rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Your body just did something incredible, and it needs time to heal.

  • Sleep when you can. Let the dishes wait. Let others help.
  • If lying down isn’t possible, even just closing your eyes and breathing deeply for a few minutes can help.
  • Postpartum recovery isn't linear—some days will be harder than others. Be kind to yourself.

DON'T: Try to "Bounce Back"

There is no rush to return to your pre-pregnancy body, schedule, or pace.

  • Social media highlight reels are not real life.
  • Healing takes time—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
  • This season is about connection and recovery, not perfection.

DO: Nourish Your Body

Eating well can feel like a challenge when you’re barely keeping up, but fueling your body will give you the strength and energy you need to care for your baby and yourself.

  • Focus on simple, nutrient-dense foods that support healing and milk production.
  • Hydrate, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
  • Keep easy snacks on hand: trail mix, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, smoothies.

DON'T: Ignore Pain or Red Flags

Postpartum pain, discomfort, and emotional shifts are normal—but if something feels "off," trust your gut.

  • Reach out to your OB, midwife, or pelvic floor therapist.
  • Postpartum depression and anxiety are common and treatable. There is no shame in getting help.
  • You deserve care just as much as your baby does.

DO: Move Gently (When You're Ready)

Movement can support your healing—but it needs to be the right kind of movement.

  • Start with breathwork, gentle core activation, and walking.
  • Avoid high-impact workouts or traditional ab exercises early on.
  • Inside the ABC Fit Virtual Gym, we offer guided 4th trimester-friendly workouts to rebuild strength safely.

DON'T: Compare Your Recovery to Anyone Else's

Every mama, every birth, every recovery is different.

  • Just because someone else is "back at it" doesn’t mean you should be.
  • Trust your body. Go at your own pace.
  • Progress isn’t a straight line. Celebrate the small wins.

The Bottom Line: You’re Doing Better Than You Think

The 4th trimester is tender, raw, and transformative. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, emotional, and unsure. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s okay to slow down.


At ABC Fit Collective, we’re here to remind you that your healing matters. Your strength matters. You matter.


If you’re ready for gentle guidance, expert-designed workouts, and a community of mamas who get it—join us inside the ABC Fit Virtual Gym.


You don’t have to navigate this alone. Let’s take care of you together.

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