Functional Fourth Trimester

About Functional Fourth Trimester

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

Publisher

Melissa O'Neal OTR/L

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Feb 2026

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

20 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   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 (https://www.functionalfourthtrimester.com/blog)

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   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. 

   16 Jun 2026

   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

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Functional Fourth Trimester

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.