4th Trimester Services
The 4th trimester refers to the 12 weeks after a baby is born. It is the time we transition to parenthood and we learn to make many adjustments. This time of wonderment and marvel might be the most transformative in your entire life.
While the 4th trimester is filled with beautiful moments, it also can be fraught with self-doubt and hardship. For most of us, there is no rite of passage or recognition from our communities about the incredible transition being undertaken.
Breastfeed Atlanta seeks to give respect to all who find themselves in this new stage of life. While all of our services are built around supporting families through this process, the services on this page especially are important.
Support for Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health disorders are the most common complication of childbirth, affecting up to 20% of all birthing parents of every culture, age, and income level. Postpartum depression and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) encompass a spectrum of conditions that can occur anytime during pregnancy and within the first 12 months after childbirth. PMADs include anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and others. All birthing parents need support and access to care, and deserve to feel better. There is so much help (and hope!) available.
Asking for help might not be easy, but we ARE here to help. Breastfeed Atlanta offers support from providers who have extensive training and experience in supporting the mental health needs of parents during the fourth trimester. During a virtual, one-hour intake session, you’ll get individualized support from our providers who are certified in perinatal mental health, as well as a workable, accessible plan to get you back to feeling well. During this visit, you can expect the provider to:
ask questions and take detailed notes on your medical and mental health and social history to determine your individual risk factors based on your current symptoms
help you understand more about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and recommend treatment options
provide specific referrals to other providers
Initial visits usually are conducted virtually, but in-person visits are also possible.
You are not alone; the sooner you get support and treatment, the sooner you will feel more like yourself again.
Click HERE to visit Postpartum Support International and learn more about PMADs. Click HERE to download the Breastfeed Atlanta PMAD information flyer with local resources.
If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance:
Call/Text - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988
Call/Text - National Maternal Mental Health Hotline - 1-833-943-5746 (1-833-9-HELP4MOMS) in English and Spanish
Call - Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) - (800)-715-4225 or Text - "GA" to 741-741 to text a crisis counselor 24/7
Call 911 or go to your nearest hospital ER
Breastfeeding Medicine Consultations
During this visit, we address breastfeeding and lactation problems that might be more complex than what is usually covered in a typical lactation consult. These visits are performed or directly supervised by Advanced Practice Nurse-IBCLCs with an expanded scope of practice.
We provide a comprehensive exam and assessment and work with you to develop a plan and follow-up visits as needed. Additionally, you also might be offered prescription medications, lab tests, or special therapeutic procedures. While we do welcome referrals from lactation consultants and other healthcare professionals, referrals are not required. Issues commonly addressed in these visits include:
persistent low milk supply
mastitis (acute or recurrent)
persistent nipple and breast pain
nipple blebs
nipple and breast infections
induction of lactation
If you are not sure what kind of visit you need, please call the office to speak with the on-call IBCLC at 404-449-5141
