The Biggest Lie We've Been Told As Parents in the Fourth Trimester

The Lie: You Must Keep Up

The biggest lie we’ve been told isn’t your fault, nor your friend’s or sister’s fault. Society as a whole is responsible. The lie is this: moms and dads must keep up.

It whispers: Becky had a natural birth, so I should too. It pressures: Good moms smile through exhaustion. Good wives are always “ready.” It demands: Be supermom. Be superdad.

But none of that is true.

Why This Lie Hurts Families

The real cost of “keeping up” is rushing through the fourth trimester — a time in your life you can never get back. There are no do-overs.

• You waited nearly 40 weeks to meet your baby.

• In just 6–12 weeks of maternity leave, you’re expected to bounce back.

• One blink later, you’re tearing up about going back to work.

Childrearing is the hardest job humans will ever have. Yet society tells us to hurry through it, sacrificing rest, recovery, and connection.

You Don’t Owe Anyone Anything

Guess what? You don’t owe your mom, in-laws, or church family anything after giving birth. This is your time. You deserve to experience it fully — supported, cared for, and unhurried.

Enjoy the tiny, needy moments. Because one day they’ll be too big to rock, too busy for hugs, too fast to catch.

The Best-Kept Secret: Fourth Trimester Support

You don’t have to believe the lie. You can choose support.

At The Jacksonville Baby Company, you get:

• A team of highly skilled postpartum and infant care specialists.

• One-on-one support with built-in backup (you’re never left without coverage).

• Help that meets you where you are — whether that’s napping, showering, reading, or rocking full glam by 8 a.m.

We’ll hold your baby so you can hold onto yourself.

What Support Looks Like in Real Life

For Rest

Snuggle, nap, or nurse alongside your baby while we prep snacks, change sheets, and keep watch.

For Joy

Want to dive into that novel or savor chocolate? We’ve got the dishes and baby care covered.

For Confidence

We answer questions (no late-night Googling needed) and guide you without judgment.

For Freedom

Meals you enjoy, a baby who’s never left to cry alone, and support that feels like a team of unicorns.

Flowing or Forcing: The Choice Is Yours

The biggest lie says maternity leave is a race to “bounce back.”

The truth? With the right postpartum support, you can flow instead of force, bask instead of rush.

Your maternity leave can be filled with rest, confidence, and memories worth cherishing.

Ready to Ditch the Lie?

The Jacksonville Baby Company helps parents on the First Coast embrace the fourth trimester on their own terms. Contact us today to discover the best-kept secret in postpartum and infant care support.

Authored by Elizabeth Luke

Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, she is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart that is passionate about helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today to book support!