The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
Product ID: 27970594
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The First Forty Days is a bestselling, trusted resource, a perfect ally during the intense first weeks with a new baby. Both inspiring and soothing, this practical guide and inspirational read for all new mothers and mothers-to-be revives the lost art of caring for the mother after birth. 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. 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. Based on author Heng Ou’s own postpartum experience with zuo yuezi , a set period in which a woman remains at home focusing on healing and bonding with her baby, The First Forty Days is cowritten by New York Times bestselling author Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger. Beautifully designed and filled with mouth-watering food photography, this book is perfect for sharing and gifting, whether at a baby shower or when helping a new mom. “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 Review: Lovely book for all mothers - Great book with lovely recipes. Definitely recommend for all mothers but especially first time mothers. There are some nice plant based options but it's heavily meat based. Review: Capturing the Wisdom of the Old Ways for the Modern Mother - What a book! Loved this book is an understatement! Often I peruse a book when I first receive it, glancing through the images and chapter titles. With this one, however, I was captured by chapter one and could not put it down. The voice of this book is that of a mother…of many mothers…in the language of intimate kitchen table conversation. My expectation of this book was that it would be a beautiful cookbook, and it is! But it is so much more. Emerging from the “institution of postpartum care that dates back centuries“ with “global grandmotherly” wisdom from China, South America, India, Korea and the Native American traditions, this wonderful book is not a book ahead of its time; rather, it is a long-awaited gift that has finally arrived for mothers everywhere. The sub title, The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, expertly describes the delicious food recipes (visual works of art) offered to replenish a mother’s body after pregnancy and birth. It also includes recipes for nourishing her body from the outside, through homemade products; for nourishing her body in labor, with nutrient-rich labor drinks; and for nourishing her spirit, with wise words about rest, retreat and ritual. Ten wisdom pages are interspersed throughout offering wise words about placenta power, transitions, basic wisdom about new baby visitors, when to utilize professionals in your support system, and more. Book lovers especially will delight in the look and feel of this book....the Yin and Yang of its texture and smooth spaces. Perfect pregnancy gift for mothers as there is much to ponder in advance that our fast moving culture has no clue about. Buy this book as soon as possible. It is a treasure.
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,361 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #11 in Pregnancy & Childbirth (Books) #13 in Motherhood (Books) #17 in Baby & Toddler Parenting |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,272 Reviews |
S**Y
Lovely book for all mothers
Great book with lovely recipes. Definitely recommend for all mothers but especially first time mothers. There are some nice plant based options but it's heavily meat based.
K**E
Capturing the Wisdom of the Old Ways for the Modern Mother
What a book! Loved this book is an understatement! Often I peruse a book when I first receive it, glancing through the images and chapter titles. With this one, however, I was captured by chapter one and could not put it down. The voice of this book is that of a mother…of many mothers…in the language of intimate kitchen table conversation. My expectation of this book was that it would be a beautiful cookbook, and it is! But it is so much more. Emerging from the “institution of postpartum care that dates back centuries“ with “global grandmotherly” wisdom from China, South America, India, Korea and the Native American traditions, this wonderful book is not a book ahead of its time; rather, it is a long-awaited gift that has finally arrived for mothers everywhere. The sub title, The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, expertly describes the delicious food recipes (visual works of art) offered to replenish a mother’s body after pregnancy and birth. It also includes recipes for nourishing her body from the outside, through homemade products; for nourishing her body in labor, with nutrient-rich labor drinks; and for nourishing her spirit, with wise words about rest, retreat and ritual. Ten wisdom pages are interspersed throughout offering wise words about placenta power, transitions, basic wisdom about new baby visitors, when to utilize professionals in your support system, and more. Book lovers especially will delight in the look and feel of this book....the Yin and Yang of its texture and smooth spaces. Perfect pregnancy gift for mothers as there is much to ponder in advance that our fast moving culture has no clue about. Buy this book as soon as possible. It is a treasure.
E**Y
Best postpartum/pregnancy book!
This is by far my favorite book for pregnancy/post partum. I just had my first baby in January and was able to make several recipes from this book. I made almost all of the soups ahead of time and froze them for when after baby came. The oxtail soup, ginger fried rice and peanut butter Rice Krispie are some of our favorites! 9 months post partum and I still find myself turning to this book for nourishing, delicious recipes. It is now my favorite book to gift. I buy it for every expectant mom I know. The recipes are great, but also the message of resting and recovering properly. Our society has missed the mark on that, expecting moms to return to normal life way too soon. This book sheds a light on that and normalizes a slow, mindful recovery.
A**R
Beautifully written book
What a lovely book. It provides historical context for the invaluable information it shares for taking care of yourself postpartum, but was helpful to me in caring for my DIL after the delivery of our grandchild. The collection of recipes can be enjoyed anytime & not just for new moms!
G**T
Great book even for second time moms! Just a little too wordy though.
Great book and good reminder for preparing for the “fourth trimester.” I got it because I was preparing for my “sitting moon month” with my second kid, but couldn’t read the Chinese books my mom gave me. Wish I started reading it earlier (like say end of second trimester to start preparing for the final trimester) because there is a lot of information in it and my baby arrived several weeks early! Great tips that go beyond Chinese custom and reminded us the importance of taking care of mom after baby birth is international custom-not just Asian. My only issue with this book is that it almost has too much info and I don’t have the luxury of time to fully READ the entire book (as I have an toddler already to care for while preparing for my new one). It would be great to have a shorter “cliff notes” version for those of us moms who just don’t have the time. Just because you’re a second time or multi time mom doesn’t mean you don’t need this info or reminder to take care of you after baby comes, but it’s just too wordy to get through the whole thing. Maybe if you’re a first time mom that has time to read through a bunch of baby prep books but not one that already has kids. Nevertheless very good book and great reminder to all moms how and the importance to take care of herself the months after birth.
J**.
Best postpartum book!
I used this for my last birth and am a mom in my 40's. This made my postpartum so easier than my last. The chicken date soup felt like I was eating something straight out of heaven!!! Thank u for this guide and more moms should be able to rest and heal after birth!!!
C**H
👍
Good book, very informative
G**E
Beautiful book & much needed for every new mother
I purchased this book before I had my twins as I loved everything it represented. Nourishing the new mother and taking that time to recover is so important! This book dove into other cultures and how they care for new mothers, unlike the US when mothers are expected to be back to normal and running the next day. I am obsessed with all things nutrition, rituals and cooking. This book encased everything I am passionate about and it made me so happy. I have gifted this book to every new mother to be I know. I also make the Gooey Chocolate Brownies & Vanilla Coconut Haystacks for every mother after birth. 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.
A**R
Highly recommend it
I loved reading the book and cooking the recipes.
A**A
Great book!
Very informative and useful book for postpartum!
A**S
Great book to gift a pregnant lady
I got this for my family to understand what postpartum was like and to know how to best support me during this period. It’s a great book with helpful insights and I’m glad more people (from western culture) are starting to recognize the importance of this time
C**N
Best book for mums to be
Tutte le future mamme dovrebbero avere questo libro. Ottime ricette per nutrire la mamma e quindi il suo bambino. O
S**Y
Beautiful, unique and important book
This beautiful book is just what I was looking for. As a midwife expecting my third baby I am determined this time to have a relaxing, restorative 'fourth trimester' as I adjust to life with my new child. As the author says in our culture (unlike others and throughout history) we lack a dedicated space and time to allow a woman to become a mother at her own pace. From this place of strength we are then set to become mothers and provide support to our families. Too often the focus is on the pregnancy and birth, rather than this hugely important time. This book is very needed. It's beautiful- gorgeous photos. Lots of recipes for nourishing food and drink. As well as ideas for rest, support and strengthening your relationship. A complete guide to this special time. Would be a wonderful gift for a mother to be. Also great for anyone interested in pregnancy and birth (doulas, midwives, students etc.) Highly recommend.
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2 months ago
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