The Fifth Trimester Book Summary - The Fifth Trimester Book explained in key points
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The Fifth Trimester summary

Lauren Smith Brody

The Working Mom’s Guide To Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby

3 (50 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

'The Fifth Trimester' by Lauren Smith Brody is a must-read for new moms. It provides a roadmap for returning to work after childbirth. The book explores common challenges and offers practical advice to adjust to the new life chapter.

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    The Fifth Trimester
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    Minimize postpartum depression by making efforts to take care of yourself and your appearance.

    When the author, Lauren Smith Brody, returned to her job after having her first child, some things were going surprisingly well. She was getting her work done, earning enough money to pay the nanny, arriving home on time and getting rather efficient at using the breast pump.

    But when she stopped to look at herself in the mirror, it was a different story.

    The author found it difficult to cope with her “postpartum pooch” and the desire to get back to looking “normal.” But she also found that her worries were alleviated when she put extra effort into taking care of herself and her appearance.

    Research has shown that self-compassion is an important part of reducing the toxic self-critical view that new mothers often have. So the more you make sure to nurture yourself, the more confident you’ll start to feel.

    Perhaps, like the author’s friend, you might benefit from putting a confidence-boosting message on the top corner of your mirror so that you can read it to yourself in the morning.

    The right clothes can also help. Nitzia Logothetis is a psychotherapist and the founder of the Seleni Institute for Maternal Mental Health. She recommends avoiding ill-fitting outfits and wearing clothes that reflect how you want to feel. New moms will start to feel more confident and put-together when they look in the mirror and see someone who’s well dressed.

    You might be thinking: If only I had time to spend on choosing outfits and applying makeup! Well, believe it or not, there are ways to improve your appearance that don’t take up too much time.

    First of all, stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water will help diminish the dark circles under your eyes caused by lack of sleep.

    There are also eye creams containing algae that work wonders for those dark circles, and with a little practice you can get a quick makeup routine down to around a minute!

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    What is The Fifth Trimester about?

    The Fifth Trimester (2017) is packed with advice and tips for new mothers on how to successfully return to work after their maternity leave. Covering important details like what clothes to wear, how to pick the best day care and how to feed your baby even when you’re not with it, the book draws on the author’s own experiences as well as interviews with other new moms. This is a practical and inspirational self-help guide for new mothers who may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of returning to their job.

    The Fifth Trimester Review

    The Fifth Trimester (2017) is a valuable read for new moms looking to navigate the transition back to work after having a baby. Here's what sets this book apart:

    • Packed with practical advice and tips, it equips women with strategies to balance the demands of motherhood and career.
    • Through real-life stories and interviews, the book offers relatable insights into the challenges faced by working mothers, fostering a sense of connection.
    • Its supportive tone and encouraging guidance make it an engaging resource that women can turn to for reassurance and inspiration during this pivotal period.

    Best quote from The Fifth Trimester

    Studies show that a little makeup can make women appear four years younger while improving first impressions by 37 percent!

    —Lauren Smith Brody
    example alt text

    Who should read The Fifth Trimester?

    • Pregnant women or new moms returning to work
    • Employers and managers who want to create a family-friendly working environment
    • New fathers who want to support their partners

    About the Author

    Lauren Smith Brody is the former executive editor of Glamour magazine and founder of the Fifth Trimester Movement, which brings together new parents and businesses and helps them to create family-friendly workplaces.

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    The Fifth Trimester FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Fifth Trimester?

    The main message of The Fifth Trimester is that women can successfully transition back to work after having a baby with the right strategies and support.

    How long does it take to read The Fifth Trimester?

    The reading time for The Fifth Trimester varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Fifth Trimester a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Fifth Trimester is a valuable resource for working mothers. It provides practical advice and insights to help navigate the challenges of returning to work after giving birth.

    Who is the author of The Fifth Trimester?

    The author of The Fifth Trimester is Lauren Smith Brody.

    What to read after The Fifth Trimester?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Fifth Trimester, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International
    • Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
    • The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • A New Way for Mothers by Louise Webster
    • The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp
    • Good Inside by Becky Kennedy
    • Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen by Michelle Icard
    • Saving Aziz by Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas
    • Healthy Kids, Happy Kids by Elisa Song