What Is The “First 40 Days” Concept
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most overwhelming transitions you’ll ever experience, both positive and negative. The first weeks after birth—often called the "fourth trimester"—are a time of healing, bonding, and finding your rhythm as a new family. But in today’s fast-paced world, many parents feel pressure to get back to “normal” as soon as possible instead of allowing themselves the time and care they truly need.
What if, instead, we honored this season as one of deep rest, nourishment, and support? Many cultures around the world have long embraced a dedicated postpartum period, and modern science affirms the wisdom behind it!
We CAN change the way our society treats postpartum, it all starts with educating yourself and those around you!
Why 40 Days?
A Time for Healing and Bonding
For centuries, traditions across the world have recognized the importance of caring for new mothers and birthing parents in the first six weeks after birth:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, new mothers follow "zuo yue zi" (sitting the month), a practice that prioritizes warmth, rest, and healing foods [1].
In Latin American cultures, "la cuarentena" is a 40-day period where family and friends step in to care for the mother so she can focus solely on recovery and bonding with her baby.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, prescribes 42 days of deep nourishment, rest, and gentle care to restore balance after childbirth.
These traditions exist for a reason! Postpartum recovery is a time of immense physical and emotional change. Your body is healing in ways that may not always be visible, and the emotional shifts of new parenthood are just as significant.
Your uterus is contracting back to its pre-pregnancy size, which takes about six weeks [2].
Your hormones are shifting dramatically, affecting your emotions and energy levels [3].
Whether you had a vaginal or cesarean birth, your body is recovering from a major event while also adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn [4].
If you feel like you need more rest than you expected, that’s because you do. And you deserve it.
Rest is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
Modern culture often glorifies the idea of “doing it all,” but true strength comes in allowing yourself to slow down and receive care. Rest is not indulgent—it’s essential.
Some ways to prioritize rest include:
Lying down whenever possible, especially in the first two weeks. Short breaks can make a big difference [2].
Setting clear boundaries with visitors. Well-meaning guests can sometimes create more work than help.
Recognizing that even if you feel “fine,” pushing yourself too soon can lead to long-term complications, so take it easier than you think [2]!
Not All Help is Helpful
Most people want to be supportive, but they may not know how. Some may unintentionally place more stress on new parents by offering unsolicited advice, expecting social interaction, or even making parents feel like they need to entertain guests. If someone’s presence is making things harder instead of easier, you have every right to set boundaries.
True postpartum support can look like:
Dropping off meals without expecting to stay and chat or hold the baby.
Taking care of household chores so parents don’t have to.
Offering emotional support without judgment or “shoulds.”
Understanding that new parents may not have the energy for socializing but still need to feel cared for.
It’s okay to say no to visitors who aren’t actually helping. Your well-being comes first!
Nourishment:
Supporting Your Body with Healing Foods
Your body has just done something incredible, and it needs replenishment! Traditional postpartum care often centers on warm, nutrient-dense foods—and for good reason!! After birth, digestion can be more sensitive, and the body benefits from foods that are easy to absorb and rich in essential nutrients.
Some gentle ways to nourish yourself include:
Warm, comforting meals like soups, stews, and broths, which support digestion and help with recovery [4].
Iron-rich foods like grass-fed meats, leafy greens, and lentils to replenish what was lost during birth.
Plenty of healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, and ghee) to support hormone balance and brain function.
Staying hydrated—especially if you’re breastfeeding. A glass of water with every feeding can help ensure you’re getting enough [1].
If you have friends or family offering to help, asking for a few freezer meals or easy-to-reheat dishes can make a world of difference in those early days.
You Weren’t Meant to Do This Alone
One of the hardest things about modern postpartum life is that so many parents feel they should handle it all on their own. But historically, new parents were never expected to navigate this time without a village of support. Mind you the village is there to support the parents, not just to raise the child.
Some ways to invite support into your postpartum period:
Have people help—Whether it’s dropping off meals, holding the baby while you shower, or folding laundry, let your loved ones show up for you. But that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your wants and needs so others feel helpful. Them holding your baby so you can load the dishwasher is not helpful.
Consider a postpartum doula—If it’s accessible to you, a doula can offer emotional and physical support, guidance with newborn care, breastfeeding support, and much more.
Set boundaries—Not every visitor is helpful. It’s okay to say no to guests or ask them to contribute in a way that actually lightens your load.
Talk to someone—Postpartum mood disorders affect many new parents (birthing and non-birthing), and there is no shame in reaching out for help [3].
This season is intense, but you are not alone! Our culture doesn’t always make it easy for new parents to get the support they deserve. But you are worthy of care, and those who love you may not always know how to help—typically they need guidance. When support is offered, it’s okay to say yes, but don’t feel like it is your job to make others feel helpful.
Your First 40 Days, Your Way
The most important thing to remember? There’s no perfect way to do this! Some parents feel energized quickly, while others need more time to recover. Some love being surrounded by family, while others need more time alone with quiet and their baby. However your postpartum period unfolds, what matters most is that you feel cared for, supported, and allowed to heal.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). (2013). Postnatal Care for Mothers and Newborns: Clinical Guidelines.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2018). Optimizing Postpartum Care.
Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA). (2022). Postpartum Mood Disorders Statistics.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2021). Nutrition in the Postpartum Period.
