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The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother Hardcover – Illustrated, April 26, 2016
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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.
“A great read, especially during the second half of pregnancy. . . . Includes pantry and shopping lists to prepare beforehand, as well as step-by-step instructions for making everything from bone broth to body salves. It discusses how to approach relationships, setting guidelines for visitors, and asking for help and support from family and friends.” —Mother magazine
The first 40 days after the birth of a child offer an essential and fleeting period of rest and recovery for the new mother. 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 provides 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.
Cowritten by New York Times bestselling author Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger, 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.
Includes Color Photographs
- Length
224
Pages
- Language
EN
English
- PublisherStewart, Tabori & Chang
- Publication date
2016
April 26
- Dimensions
7.4 x 0.9 x 9.3
inches
- ISBN-101617691836
- ISBN-13978-1617691836
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Editorial Reviews
Review
About the Author
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.
Product details
- Publisher : Stewart, Tabori & Chang; Illustrated edition (April 26, 2016)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 224 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1617691836
- ISBN-13 : 978-1617691836
- Item Weight : 1.45 pounds
- Dimensions : 7.35 x 0.85 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #5,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Pregnancy & Childbirth (Books)
- #18 in Motherhood (Books)
- #19 in Baby & Toddler Parenting
- Customer Reviews:
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About the authors

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Marisa Belger is a life coach supporting women through the big questions of parenthood and partnership. She is co-author of The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother; Awakening Fertility: The Essential Art of Preparing for Pregnancy; and Nine Golden Months: The Essential Art of Nurturing the Mother-to-Be. Learn more at marisabelger.com.

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I didn't have this book for my first born, but I will have it on hand for my second, and I'm so excited for that!!
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2023
I didn't have this book for my first born, but I will have it on hand for my second, and I'm so excited for that!!
Great info & recipes for warm healing nourishing meals- important for supporting family & friends to know too.
Husbands buy this book and get your mom to read it too!
The book is beautiful and even though my kids are now 4, I keep it on my shelf displayed proudly. I still use some recipes and just appreciate all of the information I find myself still checking it for things. My sister just had a baby a few weeks ago and I read it again as well as gifted her a copy. I showed up with a basket of goodies from the book and the knowledge of how to support her. The first 45 days can be such a beautiful and magic time... this book just makes sure you are intentional.
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2023
The book is beautiful and even though my kids are now 4, I keep it on my shelf displayed proudly. I still use some recipes and just appreciate all of the information I find myself still checking it for things. My sister just had a baby a few weeks ago and I read it again as well as gifted her a copy. I showed up with a basket of goodies from the book and the knowledge of how to support her. The first 45 days can be such a beautiful and magic time... this book just makes sure you are intentional.
I will say if you're in the middle of nowhere like us (northeast Indiana out in the country) some of the ingredients are hard if not impossible to get... I did end up only making one or two recipes from the book but it was a very informative read and if you have someone to get the ingredients for you some of the recipes seemed to be very nourishing
One does not need to birth a human child to be a new mother. Your journey may be a birth of your inner child. Learning to parent your inner baby is similar in concept to giving birth to a physical baby. In any case, carries the same principles of the gateway. Stated by the author, “ A threshold between one world and another. The concept of a pause between chapters may seem strange and foreign. ..it is as natural and needed as the inhale and exhale.”
The conscious intention of growing and birthing a new being, like a baby, within yourself takes on many forms. The author’s core activities of Retreat, Warmth,Support,Rest, Ritual. So important to nourish you in a time of transition. To have a human child, like anything else, requires intention. When the change occurs, it is the ritual that is so important to honor.
This book has been a fantastic visual reminder to ritualize my journey of giving birth to a “spirit baby”. Spirit mom’s need care as well. I keep it in a top drawer of the kitchen for quick access when I am feeling the stress of change. It reminds to have tea and reflect…… not be so hard on myself….. love my inner child instead of punishing it
So tailor it to your situation. Perhaps every weekend for the next forty days or once a month, you will practice these activities during your 4th trimester …. It gives you the opportunity to “wear the baby”, to Cherish your inner child and outer self. Take time to cook these wonderful nourishing meals to strengthen your earth element and share love with those around you. Maybe it is about getting ready for the arrival of your inner child. Play is so important!
The ritual of Chinese medicine is so timeless and very lacking in a society that does not see merit in balance. This book is an indispensable tool for me. This spirit mommy uses her copy often.
We all have an inner spirit baby that needs love and attention….acknowledging and nourishing is the key to healing and transforming. The arrival of this baby and helping it to flourish starts with you remembering how to be a mother. Mothering ourselves requires the same effort as mothering a human baby. This book builds your center It grounds you. It makes moving this energy upward towards the heavens easier. It is magicwhen you give it a chance.




























