By The Green Parent
14th January 2023
Respectfully inspired by a sacred Navajo ceremony, called a Blessingway, a Mother’s Blessing is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the mama-to-be (and recurring mamas, too!) as the women in her life come together as her ‘village’ to show their support and love for her as she continues on this journey.
Since the Mother’s Blessing is all about supporting the mother to be on her journey, ask her what she would appreciate the most at this stage of life. Here are a few of our favourite activities to include.
Lift her up - Discussing positive, happy birth, surrogate or adoption stories in a circle is one of the best ways to calm an anxious mama. She’s probably feeling a little lost and frightened, so hearing how other women got through it is a big help.
She may also want to take this time to ask questions, or voice her concerns. Being around a positive group of strong women telling their stories is one of the most magical things you can experience.
You can also go around the circle and talk about the guest of honour, or tell your favourite story of her.
Make her feel beautiful - Pregnant women are truly the most gorgeous people, but not all women feel that way while pregnant. Maybe she feels too big, swollen, frumpy, etc.
Adorn her with henna (it’s a safe and medicinal natural dye) art on the belly - Call around to your local henna artists to see if they can do it, or even just use non-toxic washable paints! The result is a stunning work of art that is truly unique and will leave her feeling beautiful and empowered.
Light the way - When you know she has gone into labour, light a candle in solidarity. You can blow it out once the baby has made it earth-side.
Cutting the cord - At the ceremony, pass around a ball of yarn for the guests to wrap around their wrists as many times as they would like, and they pass it to the next person. You can wish them joy, a swift, easy birth, etc. The idea is the network of these women being all together. The mama-to-be is the last one to wrap it and cut it. You then keep the yarn around your wrist until the baby has arrived.
Fill her cup - Write the mama stories or jokes and seal it in an envelope. These uplifting letters can be read during labour, late night feedings, or whenever she seems to be in a slump. It’s a wonderful reminder that we’re all in this together and that it truly does take a village.
Be with her in spirit - Create a necklace for the mama to be to wear during childbirth. All of the women in attendance add a few beads to the strand, infusing it with their love, well wishes and intentions for the mama to be and the baby. The mama then uses it as a focal point during labour where she can call upon the wonderful energy all of her sisters put into the piece.
Find Heather’s gorgeous mala bead necklaces for fertility, pregnancy and motherhood at mamamalas.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: Megan Boone @megan_boone_doula
