Why The First 40 Days After Birth Are So Important

In many cultures worldwide, the first 40 days after birth (postpartum) is considered a sacred and essential time for the health of both the mother and child. In South America, Greece, the Middle East, and Asia, a 40-day rest period is seen as mandatory for recovery. During this time, the mother is not expected to leave the house, cook, or handle daily responsibilities, allowing her to focus solely on bonding with her newborn and healing.

Childbirth leaves a woman’s body weakened and depleted due to the loss of blood, fluids, and energy. It is crucial for new mothers to nourish themselves with food, rest, warmth, and support so they can replenish their strength and continue to care for themselves and their child.

Postpartum Recovery: Essential Practices

Simple nourishing and healing practices can significantly impact a mother’s postpartum recovery and long-term health. Ensuring proper rest, warmth, and nutrition prevents long-term depletion and reduces the risk of illness.

✅ Prioritize Rest – Rest as much as possible to support recovery.

✅ Eat Warming, Nutrient-Dense Foods – Soups, stews, and blood-building foods help replenish strength.

✅ Keep Warm – Wear warm clothing, socks, and use heat packs or warm water bottles.

✅ Avoid Cold Foods & Drinks – Minimize raw, cold, or refrigerated foods and drinks.

✅ Stay Hydrated – Drink high-quality water and nourishing herbal teas.

✅ Limit Visitors & Stay Home – Minimize external stress and focus on bonding with baby.

✅ Seek Help When Needed – Accept support with household tasks, breastfeeding, and childcare.

✅ Avoid Processed, Artificial & Sugary Foods – Focus on organic, seasonal, whole foods.

✅ Use Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture – Supports hormonal balance and postpartum healing.

✅ Avoid Cold or Drafty Conditions – Keep your environment warm and cozy.

Recommended Blood-Building & Nourishing Foods

These foods support postpartum recovery, replenish lost nutrients, and promote healing:

• Protein-Rich Foods: Chicken, beef, lamb, eggs, organ meats (liver, heart, kidney).

• Whole Grains & Legumes: Oats, rice, kidney beans, chickpeas, black beans.

• Root Vegetables & Warming Foods: Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, yam, potato, beetroot.

• Iron-Rich Fruits: Black grapes, cherries, plums, apples, dates, apricots.

• Leafy Greens & Herbs: Spinach, parsley, ginger, cinnamon.

• Healthy Fats & Nuts: Almonds.

Recommended Products for Postpartum Healing

✅ The First Forty Days Book + Recipes – A guide to nourishing postpartum recovery.

✅ Jing Nourishing Herbal Formula  – Supports energy and hormonal balance.

✅ The Postnatal Depletion Cure Book  – Addresses postpartum fatigue and recovery.

✅ The Golden Month Book + Recipes  – Insights into traditional postpartum care.

✅ Real Food For Pregnancy Book  – A holistic approach to postpartum nutrition.

Recommended Postpartum Services

For extra support, meal delivery, and care, these services can help ease the transition:

✅ The Golden Month- Postpartum Care + Meal Delivery - Australia

✅ Postpartum Meal Delivery- USA

✅ Shine Postnatal Services – Birth & pregnancy education, lactation & postpartum support.

✅ Maternal Instincts – Breastfeeding support & services.

✅ Doula wisdom – Pregnancy & postpartum services.

✅ Soak Holistic Lactation Services  – Lactation consulting & postpartum wellness.

The postpartum period is a deeply transformative time for both mother and baby. Proper rest, nourishment, warmth, and emotional support are vital for long-term health and well-being. By embracing traditional wisdom, nourishing the body, and accepting support, a mother can fully recover and thrive in her postpartum journey.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new postpartum care practices or herbal remedies.