Mother blessings- What are they, and why I think every Mum-to-be (not just hippies!) should have one..

“If birth were a temple
my body is religion, and this small form
twisting out of me,
is
prayer
my cries
reach birth’s vaulted
ceilings,
arching like my back over holy
waters,
crystal clear salt of amniotic
my womb–a blessing bowl
releases
her treasure.

–Nane Ariadne Jordan”

What is a blessing way?

A ‘Blessing Way’, ‘Mother blessing’ or ‘Mother shower’ is an alternative to a baby shower. A gathering of a pregnant woman’s nearest and dearest (usually) women friends and family, that takes place as her impending baby’s birth draws near.

The term ‘Blessing way’ is derived from a Native American (Navajo) ceremony, during which a girl enacts the story of ‘Changing Woman’ (a creation story, describing how fertility entered the world). It has been used in the United States since the 1970’s by midwives like Jeannine Parvati Baker. I shall refer to them from here on as ‘Mother blessings’ out of respect for Native american culture.

A mother blessing differs from a baby shower in its focus on the spiritual ‘rite of passage’ that a woman makes as she becomes a mother and building a ‘web’ of support and love to sustain her through her birth and the early days with her baby.

A mother blessing is not based on any one religion or belief system and can be tailored to reflect each woman’s unique heritage, spirituality and desires.

Most mother blessings incorporate an element of ritual or ceremony, pampering and honouring the mother-to-be. It also usually includes, laughter, meaningful presents, the creation of a birth necklace, flowers, strengthening of a community to sustain you, wonderful memories, photographs and a feast!

Why have a mother blessing?

Many women have a baby shower, whilst this can be a fun event, many people feel uncomfortable with the commercial, gift giving aspects, they may want only particular products for their baby-to-be or feel thy would prefer to receive baby gifts after their baby has arrived.

A mother blessing reminds us of the sacred nature of pregnancy, the miracle of bearing life within your body and the importance of a network of women to support you.

Through sharing, in a circle, your ancestry and connection to each other you gain confidence in your ability to be a mother, and in your community to nurture you.

When we pamper you, by adorning you with flowers, maybe brushing your hair, massaging your hands and feet or placing them in a bowl of hot scented water, applying a beautiful henna tattoo to your belly or making a cast to remind you of your fullness, we help you to overcome the fears our media obsessed culture may have permeated into your mind, about birth, or the early days of parenthood.

Often each woman that attends will bring a bead with a personal significance, these can be shared in a circle as the beads are strung into a birth necklace which can be worn as you labour and remind you of all the love and strength that surrounds you.

Some women like to craft a patchwork quilt for the baby-to-be or other keepsake.

Positive birth stories, poems and readings are also often shared, and a web of red yard weaved between the circle which are tied onto your guests wrists, these are usually kept until you have had your baby, to remind your guests to send you love and support.

The feast should be made up of your favourite dishes brought by all to share.

Presents should be heartfelt and home made if possible or useful promises to help with meals or other support after your baby is born.

A mother blessing can be organised by yourself, your family or friends, it can be for a first baby or a sixth or an adopted child. Whilst it us usually women that attend, Men and children can easily be accommodated.

4 Reasons why everyone should consider having a ‘Mother blessing’ in pregnancy

Sharing and releasing fears

1 Pregnancy is a time when you should feel pampered, adored and beautiful, although towards the end of pregnancy you may feel tired, uncomfortable and fed up. Historically women during pregnancy and motherhood have been revered as creators, nurturers and goddesses. A mother blessing can help you connect to this ancient tradition and relax and enjoy those last few weeks of pregnancy

2 Feeling safe, nurtured, held, releases the hormone oxytocin which reduces stress levels and contributes to an easier birth and successful breastfeeding

3 Research has shown that social support, especially from friends and families has a significant effect on a first time mother’s mental health and chances of developing post-natal depression. Hearing from your loved ones about their connection to you, how you met, what they love about you and the ways they feel you will make a wonderful mother will help you prepare for the days when early motherhood can be difficult, feeding problems, sleepless nights and your changing role as a woman

4 Henna belly tattoos look great in your birth photos!

Did you have a mother blessing? Please tell us about it?

If you didn’t have one, do you like the sound of them? Would you like to have one next time?

More information

Preparing for motherhood

http://birthpsychology.com/free-article/childbirth-ordinary-miracle

Hormones in labour

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/ecstatic-birth-natures-hormonal-blueprint-for-labor

Motherhood Mythology

http://science.jrank.org/pages/10304/Motherhood-Maternity-History-Religion-Myth.html

A history of baby showers

http://www.randomhistory.com/2008/11/01_baby.html