Postpartum Healing: Essential Guidelines from The First Forty Days

As many of you know, we love the book The First Forty Days for all things postpartum. It transforms the perspective on postpartum healing, offering gentle guidelines that serve as a framework for navigating the first forty days and optimizing recovery.

Think Soft

Digestion is naturally slower and weaker after birth, so focus on foods that are soft, soupy, warm, moist, creamy, oily, and mild. These textures are easier on the gut and promote better nutrient absorption.

Avoid Cold Foods

Cold foods, icy drinks, and foods with cooling properties can overwork the stomach and spleen, slowing recovery. Raw and crunchy foods can disrupt digestion and may contribute to airy, anxious mental states. Stick to warm, cooked meals that support gut health and overall healing.

Prioritize Healthy Fats

A diet rich in high-quality fats helps boost metabolism, balance hormones, support mood, and aid digestion. Animal fats, quality eggs, and oily fish also enrich breast milk, supporting the baby’s brain development. Prioritize grass-fed and pasture-raised meat and butter, oily cold-water fish, and raw plant fats like coconut, olive, walnut, sesame, and avocado.

Observe How Food Affects Your Baby

There’s no need to obsess, but it’s helpful to observe how certain foods affect your baby. If you notice increased crying or a tense belly, take note and adjust as needed. Babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb, so stay relaxed and adaptable.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to replenishing lost fluids from birth and producing breast milk. Keep room-temperature water nearby—bedside, at your nursing chair, or wherever you spend most of your time. Hot drinks are especially beneficial, providing gentle warmth that soothes the gut and supports digestion. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, and incorporate bone broth for deep hydration and intestinal support.

Let Your Village Cook

Postpartum is a time for rest and recovery, and it truly takes a village. Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to friends and family who are eager to help. Ask for support in meal prep, household tasks, and caring for older children.

And of course, don’t forget to order nutrient-dense postpartum meals from us or register for gift cards through Poppylist to ensure you have the support you need.

By following these postpartum recovery principles, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother healing process. Be gentle with yourself, nourish your body, and remember: a well-supported mother is key to a thriving baby.

Happy healing!