'The First Forty Days': A Guide for New Mothers and a Healing Ginger Chicken Soup Recipe

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be physically and emotionally overwhelming for mothers. The postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," is a crucial time for healing and recovery, both for the body and the mind.

In The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, and Marisa Belger present a holistic approach to postpartum healing that encourages new mothers to slow down, listen to their bodies, and prioritize their well-being. The book emphasizes the importance of self-care during the first forty days after childbirth, a period that is often overlooked in Western culture, where mothers are expected to quickly return to their pre-birth routines. Instead, The First Forty Days promotes the idea of postpartum as a sacred time of recovery and bonding, with self-care practices that nurture the body, mind, and spirit. This comprehensive guide emphasizes the importance of nourishing the mother with food, rest, and care. It highlights the ancient practices of postpartum recovery rooted in Chinese medicine, which aim to restore balance and promote long-term health.

Why the First Forty Days Matter

After the intense physical experience of childbirth, rest is a crucial component of postpartum recovery. The book suggests that new mothers take naps whenever possible, go to bed early, and prioritize sleep during the day while their baby sleeps. This rest isn't just about physical recuperation—it's about replenishing the energy reserves needed for breastfeeding, managing hormonal changes, and re-establishing a sense of calm. In many cultures, the new mother is expected to stay in bed or remain in a supportive, restful environment for a specific period. This time of rest allows her body to heal, reduces stress, and helps her emotionally adjust to the changes in her life.

"Unless a woman has close-knit family still living nearby,

or is a member of a church

or other kind of well-organized group,

she probably doesn't anticipate much postpartum support

from her community."

Heng Ou writes.

The postpartum mother needs more than only her partner to support their new family. The authors stress that new mothers should not feel obligated to do everything themselves. Rather, they encourage mothers to lean on family, friends, and hired help during this time. This can involve anything from having someone else prepare meals or take care of household chores to simply having a friend or relative offer emotional support. A strong support system allows mothers to focus on healing and bonding with their babies, knowing that other aspects of their lives are being cared for. The book suggests that having a network of loved ones around the mother not only promotes her physical recovery but also helps prevent feelings of isolation or overwhelm, which are common during the postpartum period.

Nourishing the Body After Birth: Foods that Heal

Throughout the first forty days, it’s emphasized that the foods a mother consumes should focus on restoring balance and building energy. The authors recommend foods that are rich in nutrients, easy to digest, and warming in nature, as opposed to cold or raw foods, which are thought to hinder digestion and healing in traditional Chinese medicine. Some examples include soups, broths, and porridges made from ingredients like chicken, ginger, garlic, and warming spices. These foods are not only nutrient-dense but are also comforting, helping to soothe the mother both physically and emotionally. Recipes like the Gingerly Chicken Soup are designed to support the mother's recovery by promoting circulation, strengthening the immune system, and increasing milk production.

Here's a sneak peek at the recipe from the book:

Gingerly Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• 1 whole chicken (preferably organic, cut into pieces)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 3-inch piece of ginger, thinly sliced

• 8 cups chicken broth or water

• 1 tablespoon dried goji berries

• 1 tablespoon dried red dates (jujube)

• 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, for added flavor)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them on all sides until golden brown.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken broth or water to the pot, followed by the goji berries and red dates. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour. The chicken should be tender, and the broth rich and flavorful.

4. Season: Stir in miso paste (if using) and salt to taste. Allow it to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot as a warming and nourishing meal to replenish your body.

   
   

This soup, rich in warming spices like ginger and garlic, is designed to help rebuild energy and improve circulation. The goji berries and red dates add an extra boost of antioxidants and iron, supporting both recovery and lactation. The chicken provides a source of easily digestible protein, essential for tissue repair after birth.

The Healing Power of Rest and Connection

In addition to food and rest, the book highlights the importance of rituals and mindfulness as a form of self-care. For example, daily practices such as belly binding or gently massaging the abdomen with warm oils can help the body return to its pre-pregnancy state. These rituals, often rooted in cultural traditions, support both the physical healing process and the mental recovery from childbirth. Mindfulness practices like deep breathing and meditation can also help mothers stay grounded and manage the emotional ups and downs that are common during this time. Whether it's focusing on deep relaxation or simply enjoying the quiet moments with their newborn, the practice of mindfulness enables new mothers to process their emotions and bond with their babies in a calm, centered way.

The first forty days are a time of significant emotional shifts, and mothers are encouraged to accept these feelings without judgment. From joy and excitement to moments of fear and frustration, the range of emotions can be overwhelming. Take time to reflect on your feelings and express them, whether by journaling, talking with a trusted friend, or simply acknowledging the emotions as they arise. The idea is to honor the full spectrum of emotions, recognizing that both the joy and the challenges are part of the transformational experience of motherhood. By embracing the emotional journey, mothers are better able to navigate the ups and downs with grace, knowing that each feeling is valid and temporary.

Finally, mind-body connection is at the heart of the book’s approach to self-care. In the fourth trimester there should be gentle, restorative movement, like stretching or yoga, to help the body regain strength and flexibility. While heavy exercise is discouraged during the first few weeks, gentle movement can help ease tension, improve circulation, and support the mother’s emotional well-being. The book also emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, reminding mothers that taking care of themselves is not selfish but necessary for their overall well-being. Self-compassion means allowing oneself to ask for help, take breaks when needed, and recognize that healing is a process, not a race. This mindset encourages mothers to be kind to themselves and prioritize their health, knowing that when they care for themselves, they are better able to care for their babies.

So, if you're a new mother—or about to become one—consider embracing the wisdom shared in The First Forty Days. Incorporating nourishing recipes like Gingerly Chicken Soup into your postpartum routine can make all the difference as you embark on the journey of healing and new motherhood.

Keywords: postpartum healing, The First Forty Days, postpartum nutrition, gingerly chicken soup, postpartum recovery, new mother support, postpartum rest, nourishing food for new moms, healing after childbirth, postpartum recipes, postpartum doula, doula care in postpartum, postpartum traditions, postpartum traditional healing, bellybinding, massage therapy, yoga, postpartum rituals, mindfulness practices

Ou, H., Greeven, A., Belger, M., & Nelson, J. (2016). The first forty days: The essential art of nourishing the new mother. Stewart, Tabori & Chang.