Author Talk: Dr Julie Hammond – The Fourth Trimester

Part of Elevated – Conversations with Women Authors, a new monthly author series at Chelsea Library showcasing thought-provoking conversations with leading women writers.

Bringing home a new baby is life-changing - but what about the person who gave birth?

Join family doctor and author Dr Julie Hammond as she discusses her compassionate new book, The Fourth Trimester: The Best Friend's Guide to Your Postpartum Body and Mind.

Combining medical expertise with her own experience as a mother, Dr Hammond offers an honest, reassuring guide to the physical and emotional changes that can follow childbirth. From recovery after a caesarean birth to breastfeeding, pelvic floor health, intimacy, sleep deprivation and mental wellbeing, she tackles the questions many new parents have but are often reluctant to ask.

With warmth, humour and evidence-based advice, Dr Hammond shines a light on the realities of the postpartum period, helping parents feel informed, supported and less alone.

During this event, you'll discover:

• What to expect during the "fourth trimester"
• How your body and mind recover after birth
• Common postpartum challenges and when to seek support
• Advice on pelvic floor health, feeding and physical recovery
• Navigating relationships, identity and emotional wellbeing
• Why every postpartum journey is unique

Whether you're expecting a baby, adjusting to life with a newborn, supporting a loved one, or working with new families, this event offers practical advice and reassurance for one of life's biggest transitions.

The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A and book signing.

Dr Julie Hammond is a family doctor and women's health advocate with a passion for improving understanding of pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and personal experience as a mother, she writes with warmth, honesty and compassion about the realities of life after childbirth.

Through her work, Dr Hammond aims to empower parents with evidence-based information while helping to normalise conversations around postpartum health and wellbeing.

The Fourth Trimester is an honest, practical guide to the weeks and months following childbirth, placing the focus firmly on the health and wellbeing of the parent.

Covering everything from recovery after birth and breastfeeding to pelvic floor health, intimacy, mental wellbeing and neurodivergent parenting, the book combines trusted medical advice with relatable personal insight. Compassionate, inclusive and reassuring, it encourages readers to seek support, ask questions and care for themselves as they care for their baby.