Mother Blessing Ceremonies
A Mother Blessing is a unique and sacred ceremony for a mother-to-be. It stems from the indigenous traditions of blessing way ceremonies, which were held for warriors descending to the journey of battle, as well as women who were embarking on the journey of birth, which can unfold in many ways. Also, I, both as a woman and a doula, firmly believe that a mother-to-be deserves the highest honour which is equivalent to that of a warrior. Therefore, I aim to design mother blessings which will make the mother-to-be feel like an empowered queen ready for her battle.
The ceremony is designed to bless the way of the woman with stories, songs, art and dance. A Mother Blessing traditionally opens with honouring each and everyone’s birthing ancestors and the journeys they embarked upon for each woman to be present at the ceremony that day. This activity gives the members a chance to get to know one another and become close. This event is very intimate, so it is a good idea to invite closest girlfriends, strongest sisters, and the wisdom of your feminine elders.
Some of the activities during a Mother Blessing are belly bump painting, creating birth affirmation flags, crafting special items for a birth altar, making flower crowns, drawing a sacred foot bath or offering massages to the mother-to-be.
A fear release session is usually incorporated in for the mother-to-be to express her deepest worries. Lastly, the group comes together for a blessing circle where they can celebrate the pregnant woman and share the nutritious snacks they have brought. I try to incorporate any of their family traditions, values, or spiritual beliefs into this circle practice.
In short, a Mother Blessing can take shape in many forms and its aims are to:
focus on the mother-to-be and bless her
honour the pregnant woman’s strength / creative power
support the new mom emotionally, physically, spiritually
give the women an opportunity to connect with each other as divine creative beings
give the women a chance to acknowledge the life changing effect of becoming a mother
A Mother Blessing is different from a Baby Shower in terms of focus. This ceremony is focused on the remarkable transformation of the pregnant woman, whereas a Baby Shower is full of gifts for the new life.
A Mother Blessing puts more emphasis on the emotional and spiritual aspects of the birth journey, while a Baby Shower emphasizes the physical or monetary gift giving aspects. Gifts may also be a part of a Mother Blessing, but it is not obligatory.
