For the New moms the first 40 days after childbirth—often called the postpartum period or fourth trimester—are a time of healing, adjustment, and deep transformation. While all the attention shifts to the baby, a new mother’s body and mind go through enormous changes that are rarely talked about openly.
I remember my mom telling me that traditionally new mother and the newborn baby are kept in a room with no contact of the outer world. The new mom is well fed and taken care of yet without any interference of the outside world.
No matter how outdated or old this practise looks .. it was very effective for the recovery of the new mom. Also the new born baby was well protected in this case.
No visitors until 40 days period was completed. How wonderful, right !?
So,If you are a new mom, know this first: everything you’re feeling is valid. The first 40 days are not about “bouncing back” but about resting, recovering, and reconnecting with yourself.
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Here’s what every new mom should know during these crucial first 40 days.
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- Your Body Is Healing (Be Patient With It). It’s CHANGED. I know! It’ll be all as before soon.. trust me!
You gave birth to a whole new human. It will obviously not be the same.
After delivery—normal or C-section—your body begins a slow healing process. Organs are shifting back, hormones are fluctuating, and muscles are recovering from pregnancy and birth.
You may experience:
• Vaginal bleeding (lochia) for a few weeks
• Perineal soreness or C-section pain
• Weakness, back pain, or body aches
• Hair fall (yes, it’s normal!)
👉 What helps:
Adequate rest, warm baths (when allowed), gentle movements, and a nourishing diet. Healing takes time—weeks, not days.
As a new mom these were the maternity pads I used post delivery which were safe, affordable and easily available- Abena premium maternity pads for women.
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- Emotional Ups and Downs Are Normal
Many new moms feel emotional, tearful, or overwhelmed in the first few days. This is often due to hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and the pressure of new responsibilities.
You might feel:
• Happy one moment, anxious the next
• Overprotective or overly emotional
• Guilty or unsure about your parenting
This phase is often called baby blues and usually settles within 2-4 weeks.
🚨 However, if sadness, anxiety, or numbness lasts longer or worsens, please seek professional help. Postpartum depression is real and treatable.
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- Rest Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity
In many Indian traditions, new moms are encouraged to rest for 40 days—and science agrees.
Your body needs:
• Proper sleep (even broken sleep counts)
• Reduced physical work
• Emotional calm
Try to:
• Sleep when the baby sleeps
• Say no to unnecessary visitors
• Accept help without guilt
🧡 Rest helps faster healing, better milk supply, and emotional stability.
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- Nutrition Plays a Huge Role in Recovery
Food is medicine during the postpartum period. A new mom needs warm, nourishing, easy-to-digest meals that support healing and energy.
Include:
• Ghee, dry fruits, and nuts
• Warm dals, soups, and khichdi
• Traditional foods like laddoos (dink, dry fruit)
• Plenty of fluids (warm water, jeera water)
Avoid:
• Junk food and cold foods
• Excess sugar and caffeine
A good diet helps with:
• Strength recovery
• Breastfeeding
• Hormonal balance
Also read [Postpartum Indian Recipes for new mom]
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- Breastfeeding Is a Learning Process
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally—and that’s okay.
Feeling awkward while feeding the baby is normal.
In the first few days:
• Latching may feel difficult
• Nipples may be sore
• Milk supply may take time to establish
Remember:
• Frequent feeding helps build supply
• Proper latch prevents pain
• Asking for help is NOT weakness
Every breastfeeding journey is different. Formula feeding or mixed feeding does not define your worth as a mother.
Breastfeed or formula feed. Feeding the baby is important. No matter how you do it.
Breastmilk supply is an important part of your postpartum journey…. If you’re dealing with low milk supply you need not worry. Milk supply usually increases as the baby sucks more and more milk.
The lactation supplement that helped me establish my breastmilk supply was – Galact Granules(lactation supplement for breastfeeding)
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- Your Relationship With Your Partner Will Change
The first 40 days can feel overwhelming for couples. Sleep deprivation, new roles, and emotional changes may create misunderstandings. Husband usually carry’s on with his usual routine with usual body , hanging out with his usual friends , goes to his job and moves around normally … these things trigger us! I’m not kidding ! They do.. how come I’m stuck and he gets to carry on with his routine.
I might sound cliche..but that’s how biologically it is. Right ?
What helps:
• Honest communication
• Sharing baby care and responsibilities
• Giving each other grace
You’re both learning. Teamwork matters more than perfection.
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- Set Boundaries With Family & Society
Indian new moms often face constant advice, opinions, and comparisons—about feeding, baby care, body, and routines.
It’s okay to:
• Listen politely and choose what works for you
• Say “I’m following my doctor’s advice”
• Protect your mental peace
💬 You don’t owe explanations for every decision.
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- Gentle Movement Is Enough
Forget intense workouts. In the first 40 days:
• Gentle stretching
• Short walks
• Breathing exercises
are more than enough.
Always wait for your doctor’s clearance before starting yoga or exercise, especially after a C-section.
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- Bonding Takes Time (And That’s Normal)
It’s all ‘love at first sight’..and ‘I might do anything for you’ type presentation that the society shows for new moms after delivery. But it will not feel this way at first.
Not every mother feels instant attachment—and that’s okay.
Bonding grows through:
• Feeding
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Talking and holding your baby
Love builds slowly, quietly, and deeply.
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- You Are Doing Better Than You Think
The first 40 days are not about doing everything right. They’re about surviving, healing, and learning.
Some days will feel beautiful.
Some days will feel exhausting.
Both are part of motherhood.
✨ Be kind to yourself.
✨ Ask for help.
✨ Trust your instincts.
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Final Thoughts
The first 40 days after delivery are sacred. Soak in these 40 days..feel everything you’ve too feel….love, laugh, cry, smile, vent… anything that makes you feel good. Take your time. These 40 days shape a mother’s physical recovery, emotional health, and long-term wellbeing. Ask for help. Talk with your partner. Look at your newborns face🫶🏻 soak in the new born smell.. and lastly eat wholesome meals and take rest. Everything else will wait.
Slow down. Nourish yourself. Rest without guilt.
Because when a mother is cared for, the baby thrives too.
Be proud. If survival is the only thing you’ve done. It is more than enough.🫶🏻✨
Lots of power to you mama🩷
If you loved reading this post… here’s another blog I wrote about – Handling Judgments and opinions as a new mom.
Do check it out.