The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
The first 40 days after the birth of a child offer an essential and fleeting period of rest and recovery for the new mother, and honours the significance of pregnancy and birth. Based on author Heng Ou's own postpartum experience with zuo yuezi, a set period of "confinement," in which a post-partum 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.
Modern mothers are pushed by society 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, and without support or acknowledgement of this significant rite of passage into motherhood.
The first forty days provides a space of connection, nourishment, and guidance.
The book includes 60 simple recipes of healing soups; replenishing meals and snacks, as well as restorative herbal tea recipes and lactation-boosting teas, which are formulated to support the individual needs of the new mother. In addition to the recipes, the book offers nurturing advice and encourages the new mother to arrange a schedule of support during the postpartum period.
It also opens up the conversation on navigating the realities of relationship challenges after birth, which are normal but not often talked about.
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.
About the Author
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.