Anne & Noémie.
Who are you?
Anne, 34 years old, architect and our little girl who has invited herself into our little family is called Noémie. She is 3 years old now.
How would you describe your fourth trimester?
The fourth trimester was an intense period in our lives. I was exhausted, my iron levels were alarmingly low, and I found myself confined to bed for just over a month, nursing our sweet baby. It was a time of mixed emotions – the joy of being with our newborn, and the overwhelming fatigue that accompanied it. The late-night feedings, the seemingly endless needs of our little one, and the challenges of breastfeeding, which took me three months to master (and trust me, it's not innate), left me feeling both elated and overwhelmed.
My partner was by my side, having taken two months off to support us, but we also felt isolated. Our friends seemed to only want positive news, photos, and videos, oblivious to our exhaustion. They couldn't fathom that life with a baby isn't all sunshine and roses. We yearned for help, even if it was just with groceries, to lighten our load and rediscover our connection as a couple.
While I cared for our baby, her dad managed everything at home. I longed for him to spend more time with our daughter and me. Doubts about our parenting abilities plagued us for the first five months of her life. Her arrival turned our lives upside down, making us question everything – our purpose, work, and even our living situation. Though we loved Paris, when our little one turned two, we decided to embark on a nomadic journey in search of ourselves.
We now find ourselves in Provence, and in a way, our 'fourth trimester' never truly ended. The transformation continues, and it's an ongoing journey that started with the arrival of our bundle of love and joy, over three years ago.
One thing you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
I wish I had known that the postpartum period is just as crucial to prepare for as childbirth, if not more so. I wish I had been ready to seek help at home while I still had my strength. It wasn't until my daughter turned one that I discovered that 'CAF' offers assistance to families during their baby's first year.
I yearned for informed, positive, and realistic insights to prepare me for what was to come, rather than the negative 'you'll see, when you're in the middle of it' comments. Looking back today, I realize that these women had experienced their own disappointments, and their bitterness stemmed from those difficult experiences. I hope they receive all the love and support they need.
For you, postpartum means...
An overwhelming wave of emotions engulfs us with its intensity. Love beyond measure, yet accompanied by numerous doubts. Miracles unfold amidst profound fatigue... all in abundance!
What would you like to tell a woman about to becoming a mum for the first time?
Be patient, have faith in yourself, and trust your child. Allow yourself to cry whenever you need to, and don't hesitate to seek assistance. Your world will be shaken, and you'll face challenges like never before, but this journey will fill you with immense pride.
Click here if you would you like to share your fourth trimester with us! ✨
