A Celibration
A Blessing Way is a wonderful alternative to the traditional 'baby shower' that is held for a woman approaching birth. Traditionally, a woman invites those people closest to her, in whose friendship and wisdom she trusts. You can invite friends to bring a plate of food and/or a gift if you like, but a special ceremony as part of your day is the central feature of a blessing way.
The key is for the ‘mother to be’ to allow herself to receive and ‘fill her cup’ as deeply as possible. The blessing way is also a powerful way to assist in the mother’s preparation for birth. It gives other mothers present in the circle the opportunity to share positive uplifting experiences. Often it is a time when the ‘mother to be’ can express any fears or worries in a safe and sacred setting and receive the support she needs.
Although society seems to have trivialized birth so that baby showers are often commercially spent without much reference to the sacredness of the birth experience, we can choose to gather with women to honour the work of the mother and recognize birth as the transforming experience it is. The intention is always to create an atmosphere of reverence and love. We gather to create a space that is sacred but not serious. And since Blessing Ways are part of the creative process which is birth - anything can happen, Blessing Ways are joyful celebrations!
Here are some ideas that you can include in your special day as you create your own, personal ‘ Blessing Way’
* Bead Ceremony – Each woman is asked to bring a bead for a blessing necklace. At some time during the ceremony a bowl is handed around the circle and each woman gives her bead and a blessing for mother and baby. At the end of the ceremony one of the women threads the beads together and gives the necklace to the mother to have with her during the birth. This gives the mother to be a connection to all her women friends when she is birthing.
* Binding of the wrists – The woman running the ritual brings a real of wool or fine thread. This is bound around each woman’s left wrist by the woman who sits to the left of her, as each woman binds the thread on the other woman’s wrist she says ‘ from women we were born into this circle, from women we were born unto this earth’.
This ritual is symbolic of the thread that connects us all as women. It also keeps each women tuned into the birthing mother as she leads up to her time. When she goes into labour, all women in her circle are contacted through the phone tree and each woman breaks the thread and sends a blessing for an easy birth. This circle of women can then be contacted once the baby is born and be invited to support the mother in practical way that allow a new mother to relax and bond with her baby, which is her priority right now.
* Massaging the Mother – Take along some lush, pregnancy friendly, massage oils and be sure to give her the full treatment with as many women as possible joining in. Brush her hair, give her a facial, whatever indulgence she wants.
* Flowers – Flowers are symbolic of natures’ abundance and beauty just as a woman is when she is in her full pregnant bloom. Be sure to ask all women to bring flowers and create a beautiful alter with them. A flower crown is a beautiful thing to have for the mother.
* Singing – The singing of songs to celebrate woman, pregnancy and birth is a beautiful way to honour and share at a blessing way. Each women may bring a song or poem or instrument to play, or you may have a talented friend who can lead the group in song.
* Post Birth Support – On the day of the Blessing Way Ceremony have a close friend take the names and contact details of each woman present to be put on a ‘support roster’ for bringing meals after the birth. Each woman brings one meal (ensuring the ingredients are breast feeding friendly) to the new mother and helps out in any way she can when she drops it off – eg dishwashing, clothes washing etc… This support is invaluable for the new mum at a big transition time in her life.
* Baby’s blessing basket - A basket decorated and filled with pretty notepapers, each of which have a character trait or other "hope" listed it on it. Each woman at the Blessing Way picks a notepaper, and that is *her* thing to pray about. You can go around the circle that day and every one can pray for the thing written on each guest’s notepaper. Take the notepaper home and put it where it is easily seen and pray for that child to grow in that area.
* Make a Belly Mask - with her closest friend helping her. A wonderful keepsake to capture your pregnant body's dimensions, it is also an incredibly wonderful art form and an awesome reminder of God's powerful gift of pregnancy.
* Henna Body Art Kit - you can pamper the mother in a unique way. Using wonderful temporary tattoo art on her belly (and wherever she would like) to celebrate her pregnancy and growing tummy. For several mothers, this is a powerful visual aid during labour as she can focus on her own strength as she watches her tummy, as well as the wonderful bonds she has with those who celebrated her pregnancy with her.
* Another suggestion is to have her open her gifts, something to pamper the mother rather than gifts for the baby. Suggestions could include candles, flaxseed sox, lotions, mug with biscotti and teas to gift certificates for Victoria Secrets and a pedicure.
Add your own ideas inspired by this list that creates a day that suits your own personality and celebrates your unique wisdom and experience!
I am happy to facilitate your Blessing way for a fee of $100