A Sacred Beginning

Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Soul During Baby's First Forty Days

By: Sarah Brangwynne, Sasha Rose Oxnard

Narrated by: Sarah Brangwynne, Sasha Rose Oxnard

Traditionally, the Orthodox Church has appointed forty days of rest and seclusion after childbirth for mothers to recover from the rigors of birth and get to know their new babies. In the modern world, it can be difficult to understand how to use this time to the fullest in the way it was intended.

The authors of A Sacred Beginning—a therapist and a pediatrician who are both mothers themselves—come to the rescue with a resource that addresses the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of a mother's recovery from birth and embarkation on her new life. Whether you are preparing to birth your first baby or your 10th, you will find in this book a wealth of spiritual food, comfort, encouragement, and sound advice to guide you, one postpartum day at a time.

Ancient Faith: the leading publisher of books about Orthodox Christianity in English.

©2021 Sarah Brangwynne & Sasha Rose Oxnard (P)2021 Sarah Brangwynne & Sasha Rose Oxnard

Always in God’s love

In reading this book I have clarity on how and why I felt the way I felt and behaved during my postpartum with both of my children. I was raised in religion and had a bitter sweet feeling towards it. With this book it has helped me see and feel the need to draw closer to God and to be an example to my children to do the same. It is brilliantly and simply written as well as soothing to my soul. I am grateful for this book.

Thank you and I hope this will move others to read it as well.

A One-of-a-Kind Comprehensive Book

A Sacred Beginning: Nurturing Your Body, Mind & Soul During Baby’s First Forty Days by Sarah Brangwynne and Sasha Rose Oxnard is a one-of-a-kind comprehensive book intended for new mothers. I was originally skeptical, worried that it would impose a whole slew of pat prescriptions for the post-partum period. My fears were totally unfounded. The more I listened, the more my apprehension dissipated. Here were two mothers presenting a detailed road map, with each day scrupulously thorough in all the different angles and perspectives. Each day had points to ponder. Occasionally there was medical advice. There were practical tips, theological concerns, exercises. I have honestly never read a book for the post-partum period that covered everything from common feeding concerns to making a connection with the Ladder of Divine Ascent and our path to holiness!
The post-partum period is hard and perhaps it is harder still because in this day and age there is very little meaning ascribed to this period. It is hard for the average new mother to manage all her emotions, physical needs, spiritual needs, relationship needs, etc etc etc. By providing a broad framework for each day of the post-partum period, the authors are laying out a rich roadmap for new mothers to consider. The authors have tried to sincerely address each topic from as wide a range of perspectives as possible. And most importantly they also leave room for our own individual experience and concerns. You really don’t feel as if you need to follow a one-right-way method for the post-partum period. Rather you are imbued with a sense of purpose and inspiration. It really makes me wish this book was around when I was having my babies!

More versatile than you think

More versatile than you think

My fourth baby is 10 months old, but I am still getting so much out of this book. It has allowed me to reflect on my past experiences with birth and my own forty days, while also reminding me of how to care for myself physically and spiritually even now. It also has much to offer those who suffer from anxiety or chronic illness. I would also recommend it to religious friends, even if they are not Orthodox Christians. Of course it is most valuable to those experiencing pregnancy and forty days, but even those who want to understand that time better or care for a loved one during that time, would find edification.

I have wanted to read the hard copy for months, but the audiobook makes it more accessible to me, as I can listen even when my hands are busy. It has brought a gentle peace to my everyday chores.