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The First Forty Days

Written by: Heng Ou,Amely Greeven,Marisa Belger
Narrated by: Emily Durante
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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

What listeners say about The First Forty Days

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A must in every mother's arsenal

Highly recommended by a doula for any mother no matter what number child that is being prepared for. Respect our woman instinct and ancestors this books knowledge is in valuable!

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  • Cheretta Bradby
  • 2021-12-20

Amazing! So informative!

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

1 person found this helpful

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  • Shannon
  • 2021-10-18

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.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Briyanna
  • 2023-05-18

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.

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  • Kristi Whitesitt
  • 2023-02-22

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.

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  • erica w.
  • 2023-02-01

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!!

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  • Z.
  • 2023-01-16

Excellent!

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

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  • Antoinette Brown
  • 2022-12-29

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.

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  • sheila acevedo
  • 2022-12-18

Life changing

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

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  • K.D.
  • 2022-11-22

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.

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2022-10-16

Healing

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

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 2020-04-24

Highly recommend for mothers to be & her family

I absolutely love this book..it is written with such love and care and understanding of new mothers . It contains so much psychological and practical guidance and beautifully describes the wisdom of the traditional 40 days of rest after giving birth..the recipes are delicious and easy and adaptable.. this is a perfect book for mothers to be and those who love her.