The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
A broad holistic postpartum guide whose sourcing and structure draw criticism.
The short version
- Expecting parents planning for the weeks and months after birth
- Readers drawn to traditional and holistic postpartum practices
- Doulas and birth workers
- You want a strictly evidence based medical guide
- You prefer a tightly organized, quick reference book
- Alternative medicine content does not suit you
What owners like
- Focuses on the parent's recovery rather than infant care
- Covers topics other postpartum books skip, such as sex and partner changes
- Cross cultural view of postpartum traditions
- Practical reflection exercises and planning steps
Common complaints
- Heavy reliance on alternative practices, with sourcing some readers find thin
- Structure jumps between topics
- The author's own birth injury story shapes much of the book
- Suggested paid support can be costly or hard to find
Based on The Shambhala listing via Penguin Random House, Google Books and Internet Archive records, reviews from Mother Nurture, A Midwife Nation and All4Birth, and Goodreads reader themes..
Research scores
Scored from the maker's specs and what owners report. Drew's own notes and photos will refine these.
Ownership
Drew's hands-on notes for this product are on the way. Long-term updates will be added to this timeline.
What it does
A postpartum guide by doula and bodyworker Kimberly Ann Johnson that covers the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual sides of life after birth.
- Three parts: preparing in pregnancy, the postpartum period itself and the transition beyond it
- Built around five postpartum needs the author names: rest, nourishing food, loving touch, wise women and nature
- Covers organizing a household for the transition, baby carrying and returning to exercise
- Discusses relationships with partners and sex after birth
- Chapters end with summaries, reflections and action steps
- Draws on Western medicine, Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, yoga and herbalism, per the publisher
Suited to expecting and new parents who want a holistic, traditions based view of the postpartum period, including rest, food, relationships and sex after birth. The trade-off is that it draws heavily on Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine and herbalism, and some readers and reviewers question its sourcing, structure and tone.
How it compares
Specs
- Author
- Kimberly Ann Johnson
- Publisher
- Shambhala
- Publication date
- December 26, 2017
- Pages
- 360
- Trim size
- 6 x 9 in
- Formats
- Paperback, ebook
- ISBN
- 9781611804003
Worth knowing
- This book is not a substitute for care from a doctor, midwife or other licensed provider. Talk to a provider about any postpartum symptoms or before trying remedies or exercises from the book.
Questions
What is The Fourth Trimester book about?
As the publisher describes it, it is a guide to the postpartum period that covers physical recovery, emotions, relationships and spirituality, drawing on several healing traditions.
Who is Kimberly Ann Johnson?
A doula, postpartum consultant, yoga teacher and bodyworker, and a cofounder of the STREAM School for Postpartum Care.
How long is The Fourth Trimester?
The publisher lists it at 360 pages.
Should it be read during pregnancy?
Its first part is about preparing during pregnancy, so it is written to be started before the birth.
Sources
- Penguin Random House: The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
- Google Books: The Fourth Trimester
- Internet Archive: The fourth trimester
- Mother Nurture: Book review, The Fourth Trimester
- A Midwife Nation: A book recommendation for the postpartum period
- All4Birth: Book review, The Fourth Trimester
- Goodreads: The Fourth Trimester
Researched 2026-10-02. We bought this product; our page is built from the maker's details and what owners report across reviews and forums. We never copy Amazon customer reviews.