Welcome to Functional Fourth Trimester: Rethinking Daily Life After Birth
With Lauren Zatezalo, OT student, and Melissa O'Neal, OTR/L
The fourth trimester is real and many new parents are left to navigate it alone. In this first episode, we introduce ourselves, share the heart behind Functional Fourth Trimester, and explain why we're passionate about changing the postpartum experience. We'll walk through the topics we'll be covering and why the weeks after birth deserve far more support than they currently receive. If you've ever felt like postpartum care stops too soon, this podcast is for you.
What You Will Learn in This Episode
- What the fourth trimester actually is, and why the twelve weeks after birth deserve as much preparation as the birth itself.
- What occupational therapy is and why its framework is uniquely suited to the functional challenges of new parenthood.
- Why Lauren and Melissa started this podcast: the specific gap they observed and what they want it to fill.
- What topics this show covers and what kinds of guests you will hear from in future episodes.
- Whether this podcast is for you. By the end of this episode, you will know.
Show Notes and Resources
American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org). The Postpartum OT, Melissa O'Neal's practice. Postpartum Support International (postpartum.net).
From This Episode
Transcript excerpt coming soon.
Get the Free OT Guide to the Fourth Trimester
The practical OT guide to postpartum daily life. Free.
Educational content only. Not a substitute for professional care.
More to Explore
Wired and Tired: How the Nervous System Shapes Infant Sleep
18 min
In this first episode of our two-part sleep series, we explore the powerful connection between an infant's nervous system and sleep. We're joined by occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets, creator of the Rooted in Regulation Map, a framework that helps parents understand how regulation impacts sleep challenges. Together, we discuss why sleep struggles aren't just behavioral and how an overwhelmed nervous system can play a key role. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based perspective to help parents better understand and support their baby's sleep from the inside out.
Listen NowFrom Chaos to Calm: Simple Sleep Strategies for New Parents
Kaili Ets
19 min
In part two of our sleep series, we continue the conversation with occupational therapist and mom Kaili Ets to provide practical tools and strategies for better sleep. Building on our discussion about the nervous system's role in sleep, this episode dives into ways to support regulation for both babies and parents. Kaili shares simple, realistic approaches you can begin using right away to create a more connected and restful sleep experience. If you're looking for supportive, nervous-system-informed strategies, this episode is full of practical takeaways.
Listen Now