THE 40-DAY REST! A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD CUSTOM
Written by Lucy Hall
The 40-day rest period after childbirth has been recognised for generations by cultures around the world and is now gaining popularity among modern mothers. This period of rest for mother’s is also known as confinement or lying-in. In the recovery phase a mother deviates from her usual activities to prioritise healing after giving birth. Mothers dedicate time to bonding with their newborn and improving their physical and emotional health.
In the fast-paced world that we now live in, 40 days of rest can seem like an unattainable luxury to many. However there is increasing evidence that a period of rest with a support system in place can have enduring benefits for both the mother and her baby after childbirth.
The Physical and Emotional Realities of Postpartum
Birth, regardless of the method in which it takes place, natural or medically intervened, is a very demanding and emotional experience on a woman’s body. Hormonal changes, tissue regeneration and recovery from difficulties suffered during the delivery are all significant changes that a woman’s body experiences during childbirth.
It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, from happiness to exhaustion, anxiety, and even postpartum depression.
Benefits of a 40-Day Rest
While the exact timings of a 40-day rest may be different across cultures the principles remain the same. Each day of rest provides ample time for a woman’s body to recover, to restore its hormonal balance and adjust emotionally after childbirth.
Physical Recovery
Healing from Birth: A 40 day rest is recommended for a woman’s body after childbirth. Allowing a woman to have this time to recover from the physical traumas that can occur in childbirth, including episiotomies, c-sections or tears.
Hormonal Balance: Childbirth results in hormonal changes and can range from a decrease in energy levels to increased moods and even affect the production of the mothers milk supply. While hormonal changes are expected and are completely normal, you need to make sure that you get the rest and support needed in your postpartum recovery journey .
Postpartum Recovery: Rest for a woman’s physical recovery after giving birth is essential. During pregnancy and labour the physical demands on a woman’s body are at an all time high. By allowing your body the time to recover its strength, muscle tone and proper sleep you’ll be on the road to postpartum recovery.
Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
Bonding with Baby: A 40-day rest period allows mothers to dedicate themselves to uninterrupted time bonding with their newborn and promotes a secure attachment and facilitates breastfeeding.
Emotional Adjustment: The postpartum period is a time of significant emotional adjustment for many mothers whether it’s your 1st or 5th time on this journey. Dedicating 40 days of rest to recover after childbirth can help you overcome the emotional roller coaster that comes with welcoming a new life into your family as well as avoid postpartum depression.
Mental and Emotional Recovery: A dedicated period to rest and reduced stress levels allows mothers to process the birth experience and adjust to their new role as caregivers to a newborn.
Practical Considerations and Modern Approaches
Not all new mothers can afford a 40-day rest period due to the demands of today’s hectic modern lifestyle, but the guidelines can be adjusted to fit your needs.
Support System: Enlisting the help and support of your family, friends or maybe even a postpartum doula to assist with household chores, childcare, and emotional support.
Rest and Relaxation: After giving birth you’ll need to put rest and relaxation first. Getting as much sleep as you can, allocating chores to others and partaking in peaceful, wellbeing activities are all excellent places to start.
Nutrition and Hydration: To support healing, increase your milk supply and increase your energy levels, concentrate on providing your body with nutritious foods and staying properly hydrated.
Gentle Movement: Exercises including walking, postnatal yoga and some gentle core exercises help to promote better mental health as well as circulation after childbirth. It’s best to seek advice from your healthcare provider on the best exercises postpartum that can assist with recovery.
Mindfulness and Self Care: The practice of mindfulness including meditation, deep breathing or other techniques that also promote relaxation within your body and mind will help to support your stress levels and assist with your emotional wellbeing after birth.
The Importance of Cultural Context
Understanding that there are specific customs and beliefs that each culture practices during the 40-days of rest contributes to a more culturally sensitive and supportive approach to postpartum care if you decide that this is something you would like to do.
The 40-day rest is not a strict rule but it is based on the concept that it’s important to prioritise your rest, supporting in your emotional and physical recovery after childbirth. By embracing the many different principles of this ancient tradition in modern life, it can help you in your journey of healing your body, bonding with your baby as well as provide you the emotional support and a nurturing environment when embracing the transition into motherhood.