The First Forty Days

The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother

By: Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, Marisa Belger

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Length: 5 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The first 40 days after the birth of a child offer an essential and fleeting period of rest and recovery for the new mother. 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.

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 40 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, and Marisa Belger (P)2019 Tantor

The absolute most read book in pregnancy!

If there was one book to read in pregnancy, this would be the one I recommend. There is so much focus on preparing for the baby. When will you need to be preparing for the mom and the transition into motherhood whether it’s the first time or the third or 10th.

Gift this book to a momma or for yourself

Great book for a first time mom. The book is a great guide to postpartum at home. You learn how to focus on you and healing you after delivery.

Excellent!

A must read for every pregnant woman!
I share this book with the families that attend my childbirth education classes.

Brilliant.

Wish I knew if this during my first pregnancy. Made all the difference the second time around.

Must read book

This book is phenomenal and easy to read or listen to for non readers. Definitely worth it!

Postpartum must-have

This book is a must for every parent and family going through postpartum. Inspiring and encouraging!

like a warm hug

I knew I could benefit tremendously from this book when I heard the sample. the way it was written as well as the narration made it easy, comforting and necessary to listen to as a first time mom entering postpartum (though I am certain more veteran moms can also benefit greatly from this). I started listening to the book late in my pregnancy and finished it in my now early days of postpartum. It puts to words when I cannot begin to describe in how i feel and need and helps me learn what can be helpful in my postpartum recovery. somehow this is done with great delicacy and gentleness, not in any way a forced march for some regimen of getting well after birth. I really appreciate this book and hope it finds its way to more mothers as well!!

Very helpful!

Great read! Much better than the 4th trimester book. Read this one! I wish I had read this with my first pregnancy.

I wil

I really needed to read this book and learn about the rite of passage of new mamas. I will honor myself and my needs in these first 40 days

An essential read for mother to be AND those supporting her!

This is practical and the insights are not only important but achievable! This is a great resource for all mothers no matter how you choose to birth. It gives a very real insight into the cocoon of postpartum and how best to navigate it.