What we consider to be a rite of passage within our society changes and is fluid, however sadly I think we have started to lose sight of some of the important moments within our lives. They pass us by without the recognition and celebration that they deserve.
When we are pregnant there are always lots of questions about the baby soon to arrive; Do you want a boy/girl? Where will they be born? Have you decorated a nursery? Did I tell you about my labour? What names have you chosen? What I don’t believe we do is cherish the woman and acknowledge the huge change that she is about to experience, physically and emotionally.
Holding a Mother Blessing ceremony is a wonderful way to involve those closest to you in your pregnancy, share your thoughts, your excitement and also your fears. This is an opportunity to ask for their continued support as well as their well wishes.
What does a Mother Blessing ceremony look like?
It can be held in your home, a friend’s home, a garden or a booked venue. What is important is that you and your guests feel warm, welcomed and at ease. It’s important to be able to have privacy as women may share their intimate thoughts and experiences. During planning you will be invited to choose a theme of colours which appeal to you and give an idea of how you would like to feel during the day.
There are three main components to the day, the arrival and welcome, the ceremony & activity, the shared food & drink.
- Arrival
Guests will be asked to arrive in plenty of time so they have time for a refreshing drink, to acquaint themselves with the venue and be relaxed ready for the ceremony. - Ceremony
We will agree how you wish people to be welcomed, I always recommend a personal welcome and smudging as they enter the ceremony area. This is a symbolic act of leaving worries and cares at the door and preparing ourselves mindfully to focus on the woman who is being blessed.
A short grounding meditation can follow, and an introduction by each person present. Each woman can then place their token on a central alter and the ceremony can begin. - Honouring the mother is the crux of the ceremony. She will be placed on a throne, and made to feel like a goddess. Her feet could be washed, her hair brushed, and a shawl wrapped around her for comfort and a feeling of security and nurturing. This is a wonderful chance for each woman to share positive experiences, their stories of friendship, perhaps explain to the mother to be what she admires in her and her strengths.
Doing a symbolic activity together helps a feeling bonding and togetherness. There are so many things that can be done, but a few ideas are making a candle each to burn when labour begins, threading a beaded string to represent each woman present, for the birthing mother to keep by her in labour, creating a circle of thread, tied loosely around wrists to show support and union. These will only be removed when the baby has arrived.
There are so many options, but it’s important that the birthing woman is recognised and feels supported.
There may be singing and joyous celebration.
- Closing the ceremony
The end of the Mother Blessing should be marked. This means giving people an opportunity to add anything they wish and give thanks for the shared experience. - Food & drink
This can be whatever you wish. You may wish to put an end time on the celebration, to ensure you can enjoy it fully without feeling tired, or it may be something that draws itself more naturally to an end.
Further information
Cost – £350
This can be paid in instalments or I can offer gift vouchers that you may wish to offer your guests to help pay for it.
Duration – The ceremonial aspect of the day will last approximately 1.5hrs, however there will be set up time before, and you may wish to welcome guests with a drink. The food & drink after may go on as long as you want and we can discuss your wishes around this when planning.
Date – I’d recommend booking this for around 36-38 weeks, but am flexible to your wishes.
This is an incredibly personalised experience. While I have given ideas above, it is your celebration and it will be tailored specifically to your wishes.