The Best Postpartum Meals for the First 40 Days (According to Traditional Healing Wisdom)

The first 40 days after birth, known in many cultures as the confinement or healing period, is a sacred window of recovery. During this time, new mothers need grounding, warmth, and nutrient-dense meals that rebuild strength, support breastfeeding, and promote deep healing.

Here are some of the most supportive meals to eat during those early postpartum weeks:

1. Warming Soups & Stews

Meals like ginger chicken soup, bone broth–based stews, and slow-cooked lentils provide warmth, protein, and minerals that the body can absorb easily.

2. Iron-Rich Dishes for Energy Recovery

Postpartum fatigue is often tied to low iron levels. Meals with beef, lamb, or leafy greens help replenish blood and restore energy.

3. Healthy Fats for Hormone Balance

Ghee, coconut milk, avocado, tahini, and full-fat dairy support hormone regulation and nourish breastmilk production.

4. Easy-to-Digest Carbohydrates

Stewed oats, sweet potatoes, rice porridge, and slow-cooked grains stabilize blood sugar and support mood postpartum.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

Ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek, and cardamom warm the body and promote better digestion.

These principles guide the recipes we create at Nourisher Meals, specialized postpartum meal delivery that brings healing, warming dishes to mothers across the Netherlands.

Keywords: postpartum meals, postpartum healing foods, first 40 days meals, warming postpartum meals