Die ersten vierzig Tage

The first forty days after birth are a crucial phase in a mother's life: Her baby is slowly arriving in the world, and mother and child are getting to know each other and learning to live together. This book focuses on the well-being of the mother during the first weeks of the child's life, while the emphasis is often placed on the newborn. Heng Ou was inspired by the traditional Chinese ritual of zuo yuezi, the ancient art of caring for the young mother, which her aunt Ou, a gifted healer, introduced her to. This nurturing ritual involves retreat, rest, and warmth, supporting the mother emotionally, mentally, and in very concrete ways by providing her with carefully selected, nourishing foods and drinks. Many other cultures also have similar rituals, and Heng Ou interprets this wealth of knowledge in a fresh, contemporary way.