The magic of the first 40 days
Postpartum or the Fourth Trimester
Welcome to motherhood, beautiful mama! Your precious little one has arrived, marking the beginning of an incredible journey together. The "fourth trimester"- these first 40 days or 6 weeks after birth - is a sacred time of healing and bonding. While your body recovers and rebuilds strength, your newborn adjusts to their new world. Remember, you're exactly where you need to be, healing and growing together.
The beautiful journey of early parenthood, with its emotional waves and interrupted sleep patterns, isn't always captured in glossy magazines or social media highlights. We're here to guide you through what's ahead and help you prepare for the unexpected, so you can embrace this transformative chapter with confidence and peace of mind. But first of all, lets learn about the basics.
What are the first 40 days?
The first 40 days or six weeks after your baby's birth are truly magical – a time of incredible transformation and healing. During this short phase within the first 1000 days, also known as the "fourth trimester," both you and your little one are adapting to new beginnings together. While your precious newborn discovers the world around them, your body embarks on its own remarkable journey of recovery.
Despite extensive information available about pregnancy, many moms feel unprepared for postpartum life. Yet research shows that mothers who prioritize rest and receive proper support during this time experience better long-term health outcomes and stronger emotional wellbeing. Remember, there's no rush to "bounce back" – your body needs time to heal, establish milk production, and adjust to its new role. This sacred period deserves patience, understanding, and gentle care.
Once the baby made it into the world mothers are forgotten. Aside from some medical check ups we lost the art of care for not only the child but the mother as well. Bouncing back to normal seems the main goal for new moms but in doing so, we loose the magic of this unique time that marks the beginning of a life together.
What happens during the first 40 Days?
You become a parent.
This beautiful transformation from individual to parent is truly life-changing. While you may have envisioned what parenthood would look like, be gentle with yourself as your new reality unfolds differently than expected. You'll navigate through sleep deprivation, hormone induced emotional waves, milk from breasts or bottles, while caring for a precious little one who completely depends on you day and night. Though you'll discover incredible inner strength and amazing adaptability to meet both your baby's needs and your own, it's natural to sometimes miss your previous routines, rest, and lifestyle.
You are your babies world.
After spending 9 months in the perfect environment of your womb - warm, protected, and germ-free - your baby is now adjusting to the outside world. In these precious first weeks, your little one's primary needs are simple yet vital: nourishment, sleep, warmth, and security. Your nurturing presence, familiar voice, and comforting scent create the safe haven your baby knows and loves.
Your and your Babie’s Brains are Growing.
Rather than just "mom brain," this period represents an extraordinary time of cognitive development. Scientific research shows that this period rivals adolescence in brain growth, with both you and your baby experiencing significant increases in grey matter during the first 1000 days. While you might forget small details like phone numbers or bill payments, understand that your brain is prioritizing crucial new information. Your temporary forgetfulness isn't just about sleep deprivation - it's a sign that you're mastering the complex skills of parenthood while your baby's brain develops alongside yours.
Your body will heal and transform again.
Your body will undergo a remarkable healing journey, regardless of your birth experience. Your postpartum body will gradually return to its pre-pregnancy size, while your uterus contracts back to normal (which may cause some discomfort). Your body's natural hormones will trigger milk production, whether you choose to breastfeed or not. During this transformative time, you'll experience a range of emotions due to hormonal changes, including mood fluctuations, fatigue, food cravings, and physical tenderness - all of which are completely normal. The first 40 days are a time like no other and there is no need to bounce back to your pre-pregnancy body, productivity or spirit.
Why is rest during the 40 days so important?
Rest accelerates recovery and minimizes long-term injury risks, promoting physical healing.
Adequate rest during a time of heightened emotions and sleep deprivation supports mental recovery and hormonal balance, potentially reducing postpartum depression severity.
Stress negatively impacts milk hormone production, potentially hindering breastfeeding success.
Strong mother-baby bonding contributes to improved long-term mental and physical health for both.
Prioritize easily digestible, fiber-rich, and warming foods to nourish and replenish your body, facilitating healing. Consider meal prepping for convenience.
Both mother and baby experience heightened brain plasticity during this period, enhancing learning and adaptation capabilities.
What you need during the first 40 days?
During this unique stage your body and mind need a kind of care you never needed before. From replenishing and nutritious foods that support healing and hormone balance to rest and comfort.
Replenishing food
Your body is now in healing, learning and transformation mode. Comforting foods that are easy to digest and rich in nutrients will help you get through this time.
Bed Rest & Bonding
These first weeks with baby are best spend together. The days and nights blur into one long exhausting stretch of love and connection.
support
Build your village: Creating a strong support network will empower you to navigate the joys and challenges of raising a child with confidence and resilience
What to prepare for the first 40 days
Planning for the unknown is basically impossible. We want to help you create a gentle and individual guide for this transformative time with nourishment and support inspired by traditions of maternal care that has been lost in our modern world. This plan will cover the following:
plan your support system (family and experts)
stock you freezer or pantry with nourishing foods
create your retreat space
set your boundaries for visits and engagements
Read more about the first 40 days
Still Have Questions?
If you still have a question about our course, email me directly at hello@happybabybelly.com or fill out the form beside.
5 phases of 1000 days
From the moment of conception to a child's second birthday, the first 1000 days unfold in five distinct phases. Each phase brings its own unique set of physical needs, challenges, and questions.
Our mission is to be your trusted companion throughout this incredible journey, offering expert answers, comforting reassurance, and vital information tailored to each stage of your little one's development.
pregnancy
A wondrous time of transformation, growth, and learning.
postpartum
Heal, bond, and introduce your infant to everything new in the world.
Milk
Magic from breasts and bottles and what to eat while breastfeeding.
starting solids
How to introduce solid foods. A messy and exciting time full of new flavors!
family food
Eating together with the entire family and forming lifelong nutrition rituals.