The First Forty Days by Heng Ou, Hardcover

The First Forty Days
A timeless guide for postpartum nourishment and restoration

The First Forty Days has become a beloved companion for new mothers, offering steadiness and comfort during the tender weeks after welcoming a baby. This bestselling book revives the long-held tradition of caring for the mother so she can recover, rebuild her strength, and form a deep bond with her child.

Inside you will find sixty thoughtfully created recipes for healing soups, warm meals, nourishing snacks, and supportive teas. Each recipe is designed to nourish the body, soothe the spirit, and support healthy lactation. Alongside the recipes, the book offers heartfelt guidance on creating a supportive home, preparing for postpartum needs, tending to relationships, and honoring the profound rite of birth.

Inspired by Heng Ou’s own experience with zuo yuezi, the traditional forty-day period of rest and healing, this book is co-written with Amely Greeven and Marisa Belger. Its pages are filled with beautiful photography, wisdom passed down through generations, and gentle encouragement for mothers who deserve to be cared for as they care for their babies.

This is a meaningful gift for expecting mothers, baby showers, and anyone preparing for the sacred transition into parenthood. A resource to return to again and again.

Kind words from Mother Magazine:
“A great read, especially during the second half of pregnancy. Includes pantry and shopping lists to prepare beforehand, as well as step-by-step instructions for making everything from bone broth to body salves. It discusses how to approach relationships, setting guidelines for visitors, and asking for help and support from family and friends.”

Tallow Balm

Scoop a pea- to quarter-sized amount with clean, dry fingers.

Warm in your palm until soft.

Gently pat or massage into clean skin—face, body, or any dry areas.

Tallow Soap

Lather with hands or cloth.

Use on face, body, or hair, then rinse well.

Keep dry between uses to make your bar last longer.

Tallow Candles

Burn for at least 4 hours the first time to create an even melt.

Trim wick to 1/4 inch before each use.

Burn on a safe surface and never leave unattended.

Our products are pure, intentional, and steeped in tradition. A little goes a long way. Use slowly and with care.

Our small-batch, fresh suet, dry-rendered, and unwhipped tallow naturally responds to environmental conditions. These gentle shifts in texture are to be expected and are a sign of the purity and simplicity of our ingredients.

• In warmer temperatures, the balm may soften. If exposed to extreme heat, refrigerate it to restore a firmer consistency. If it fully melts, leave the lid off and allow it to re-solidify in the refrigerator.
  
• In cooler temperatures, the balm may become firmer. To soften, place the jar in a warm water bath or bring it into the shower for a few minutes.

We embrace this seasonal adaptability as part of the natural rhythm and beauty of truly handmade, whole-food skincare.

Founded in 2014 by chef and natural perfumer Megan Bre Camp, Summer Solace Tallow is a heritage skincare brand based in Oakland, California. We craft regenerative suet tallow skincare, soaps, and candles by hand using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.

Our products are made in-house with pasture-raised kidney suet from Stemple Creek Ranch, Séka Hills olive oil, Sonoma-grown calendula, and Oakland-harvested beeswax. Free from seed oils, synthetic fragrances, and palm oil, our formulas nourish skin deeply and sustainably.

We are the original creators of the Slow Body Care Movement®, honoring ancestral practices, whole-animal stewardship, and ecological integrity. You can find us online, at Nordstrom, and at local Oakland farmers markets.

At Summer Solace Tallow, all sales are final due to the perishable, handcrafted nature of our products. However, if your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please email hello@summersolacetallow.com within 5 days of delivery with your order number, a description of the issue, and photos (if applicable).

We’ll review and offer a resolution, such as replacement or store credit.

Customers are responsible for return shipping. Gift cards are non-refundable.

We recommend reaching out before purchasing to ensure the best product for your needs. All products are multipurpose and suitable for face, hands, body, and hair.

Shipping

Tuesday–Friday, with 4–6 business days for processing.
UPS with free U.S. shipping over $175.
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You’ll receive tracking once your order ships. Delivery usually takes 4–10 business days.

Lost or Stolen Packages

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International Orders

Customs duties, taxes, and fees vary by country and are the buyer’s responsibility.

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