Did you know that the first 6-8 weeks after birth have a special significance for the well-being of both mother and baby? While this period is called “postpartum” or “fourth trimester”, there’s something more beautiful about this special period where both mom and baby give and receive something absolutely necessary for each other and is referred to as the “symbiotic life”.

There are lots of examples of symbiotic relationship in nature and let me give you an example. Bees and flowers have a unique mutually beneficial relationship that is vital to the survival of both species. Bees rely on flowers for energy-rich nectar and pollen for food, while flowers depend on bees for pollination to propagate their species.

Now let’s look at the symbiotic relationship between mom and newborn. With birthing, the mother has lost a portion of her body that she had been carrying for the past 9 months. And the baby has just left the warm and familiar environment of the mother’s womb.

During the symbiotic life lasting up to 8 weeks, the mother provides the perfect nutrition for the baby and with her presence establish the points of reference for the baby to transition from the womb to the external world. The newborn, on the other hand, offers reassurance to the mother that what has left her body is not lost and by feeding, it helps the mother’s uterus to shrink back to normal size and position.

This symbiotic period is an important foundational time for mom and baby, physically, emotionally and psychologically. The developmental goal of this symbiotic life is to develop basic trust. And what happens during these first 6-8 weeks after birth will continue to have effects throughout life. It is our role as prepared adults to devote all possible attention and care to this period, which is crucial for both mom and baby. 

In my native place, the first 40 days after a mother gives birth is termed as the confinement period where the mom typically spends this period at her parents’ home, so that she receives the best care and gets enough rest, as all meals would be prepared for her. At six weeks, it is time to celebrate the newborn’s milestone of stepping outside the home, thereby slowly transitioning to the larger environment. The baby is taken out for the first outing, traditionally to the paternal grandparents’ place if they are in the same town, or to a temple to mark the auspicious beginning. It’s so fascinating to see how the first 40 days are cherished with utmost care to meet the needs of the mom and the newborn until that point.

Do you have any rituals for a new mom in your culture? I’d love to hear in the comments below.