The 4th Trimester

The 4th Trimester

By Beth Pupovac

We are praised for multi-tasking,

When we need to be still

Breastfeeding the babe

With a dishwasher to fill 

They say use your village 

But they seem not to come? 

They all have their own,

Busy Families to run 

I worry my husband, 

May think the romance is dead

But I still hold in my farts

After birthing that head

But then I see him 

Fill my bottle with water, 

And place it where I’ll go 

To sit with our Daughter. 

And then we glance 

Knowingly at each other; 

We know we can do this 

We did it with her brother. 

The romance is here

It’s just in a new form 

It’s considering each other

Like never before. 

But how is it possible 

To at times feel so alone? 

When I am literally never 

By my self in this home?

I get it, 

It looks like 

I lounge round all day

It would be hard for you to see it, 

Any other way. 

Sitting on the couch

Snuggly Babe on my chest

It looks so damn peaceful, 

Like I really have it best

If only I’d taken 

that moment to pee

Grab something to eat;

Turn on the Tv 

Prop up my elbow

So my arm wasn’t so dead

Or better even 

Go lie on the bed.

But getting what I need 

Is so far from my mind

It’s like my existence 

Has been re-assigned.

My purpose is currently 

be here every feed

To keep her alive 

& do whatever she needs.

A labour of love

And a privilege to do it 

And I never really doubt

That I can get through it.

So if you are currently 

Awake through the night

Watching your babe

And holding them tight.

Just know that this season 

Whilst it demands a lot,

Gives so much back 

That will not soon be forgot.

It just takes one smile

Or big kiss for Mama

To make you go back 

And have, another.