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

Amazing! So informative!

To was awesome!! Can't wait to incorporate what I learned into my doula business! MUST READ!!!!

Depends on Your Goal

If you are looking for some nice stories and personal testimony fine. If your looking for actionable advice of any level of science backed data this is not the book for you.

Men are not women.

I find it pretty insulting that the author, who claims she seeks to honor women, then says that men can give birth by using “gender neutral” terms when talking about the only people who can give birth: women. Men cannot grow a uterus, they can’t have periods, they can’t give birth. All your advice was out the window as soon as you gave way to the patriarchy by means of saying a man can give birth. I spent 38 hours in labor with my first son just to be told a “man can do it too!”. Horrible.

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.

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!!

Excellent!

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

Great Prenatal and Postpartum Book.

I think that a lot of new parents and parents planning on having other children should read this book. It is helpful in so many ways, not just nutritionally.

Life changing

So much goodness to wholeness. Modern day need and essential part of healing! Grateful to have this book!

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.

Healing

so much healing energy was poured into this book! I will use the section on postpartum nutrition throughout my postpartum time.

Great Eye opener and heart warmer

so important knowledge in modern times to use postpartum time well. very recommended to all new mums! Take care of Yourselves

Wow. An eye opening lesson

Baby, baby, baby. How can you give, love and be emotionally available without your own self care. Some great simple advice to help guide you through the first fourty days. Brilliant.

Amazing !! It's a must read for mums.

So insightful, with practical guidance on how to take the wisdom of the ancients and apply it to our modern time and reclaim this beautiful period that is 'the first forty days' post-partum