Leviticus 12:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

During the initial seven days, there is a continuous flow of blood, which subsequently reduces over the following thirty-three days until it completely stops. Thus, a woman is considered ceremonially unclean due to her own blood, rather than from the child she has delivered. As it is stated in the blessing, "Grow and multiply" (Gen. 1:28).

Following the birth of a male child, the mother experienced a period of ritual impurity as prescribed by the law, which lasted for forty days. During the initial seven days, anything she touched became unclean. In the subsequent thirty-three days, although her presence did not render objects impure, she was still prohibited from entering the sanctuary courtyard, partaking in the paschal and peace offerings, or, if she was married to a priest, receiving portions of other sacrifices designated for the priests. In the case of a female child, the purification period extended to eighty days.