During the forty or so weeks of pregnancy, there is so much anticipation and planning for the birth! Often, there is less planning when it comes to postpartum, especially in caring for the birthing person and/or new parent(s). Preparing for postpartum beforehand can go a long way in those early weeks when sleep is lacking, your body is healing, and you’re possibly doing everything for first time. Based on author Heng Ou’s own postpartum experience with zuo yuezi, a set period of “confinement,” in which a woman remains at home focusing on healing and bonding with her baby, The First Forty Days revives the lost art of caring for the mother after birth.
Book Category
Health & Wellness - Postpartum Healing.
Book Description
The First Forty Days is a wonderful resource for anyone having a baby, recently given birth, or for a person supporting another during postpartum. It acknowledges the experience one goes through in childbirth and why a period of recovery and being cared for is important to their health and wellness.
As modern mothers are pushed to prematurely “bounce back” after delivering their babies, and are often left alone to face the physical and emotional challenges of this new stage of their lives, the first forty days provide a lifeline—a source of connection, nourishment, and guidance.
The book includes 60 simple recipes for healing soups; replenishing meals and snacks; and calming and lactation-boosting teas, all formulated to support the unique needs of the new mother. In addition to the recipes, this warm and encouraging guide offers advice on arranging a system of help during the postpartum period, navigating relationship challenges, and honoring the significance of pregnancy and birth.
The First Forty Days, fully illustrated to feel both inspiring and soothing, is a practical guide and inspirational read for all new mothers and mothers-to-be—the perfect ally during the first weeks with a new baby.
When should you read this book
This book would be a beautiful pregnancy gift and would be perfect to read through pregnancy in preparation for postpartum healing.
Reviews
“This is a beautiful book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is pregnant, recently postpartum, or caring for someone who is. It would also make a great gift! It introduces some traditional eastern ideas that are fairly easy to adapt in the western world. It gives the new mother permission, and grace, and great things to think about as she transitions into a new stage of life.”
Katrina.
Book Details
224 Pages
Hardcover
Written by
Heng Ou with Amely Greeven & Marisa Belger.
Heng Ou is the founder of MotherBees, a food and lifestyle company supporting women through every stage of motherhood.
Amely Greeven is the coauthor of the New York Times bestseller Clean.
Marisa Belger is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in numerous magazines and websites including Natural Health, Prevention, Travel + Leisure, and New York.
