The first weeks of a baby's life are very important for his adapting to a whole new world and physical circumstance. In the first forty days or six weeks, minimizing outings and visitors may be best to allow the baby to come gently into the world, giving him time to find a rhythm and rest, and for the mother to recover. To help recovery and the repositioning of the organs, it can help the mother to lie down frequently, especially in the first ten days, and to start practicing Kegel exercises to tone the pelvic muscles. Also, having help with cooking, cleaning and with care of the baby allows her to sleep, helps recovery, and can help to avoid postpartum depression.[1]

 

 

See Doulas

Baby equipment

How to make decisions

The negative effects of media

ARTICLES 

Salter, Joan - first forty days.htm

Gaskin, Ina May - post partum depression.htm

Winnicott - the mother's contribution to society.htm

Winnicott - the newborn and his mother.htm

Pikler, Emmi - crying.htm

zur Linden - daily fresh air.htm

[1] Gaskin, Ina May. Spiritual Midwifery. Book Publishing Company, Summertown 2002

[2] Clouder, Christopher and Janni Nicol Creative Play for your Baby Hachette Livre UK Company, London 2007

THE FIRST MONTHS

Early parental devotion

The first forty days

Welcoming the baby, nourishing the senses

On over-stimulating the baby

Respecting the baby's first tasks

Slings

Crying, colic and teething

THE FIRST FORTY DAYS

In many countries such as India, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Korea, in Arab and some European countries, there is a custom of letting the mother and child rest for forty days after the birth. The first forty days of a child's life are considered especially holy and are treated with great reverence. The mother and child are indoors, protected, and quiet. The mother is supported by her mother and family members, treated to special food and does not take up household tasks but rests and gathers her strength. There are few visitors, and in many places, visitors are only allowed after forty days, after which there is a naming ceremony or a blessing of the child in front of the community. There is wisdom in these customs.

Mother and baby 1895

by Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida

The adoration of the shephards by Guido Reni

"Watch how people approach your newborn baby and you will notice that they radiate warmth and a benign quality. They will smile, conduct themselves with fewer inhibitions, exude gentleness and exhibit a lightness of being. This is the baby's doing and to respect it we have to put aside our adult assumptions and be prepared to enter a realm we have forgotten."

Christopher Clouder and Janni Nicol from Creative Play for your Baby[2]

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