A Mother Blessing is a modern name that stems from a Navajo ceremony called a Blessingway. It is a celebration for new life. It can be for an upcoming birth or tailored for an adoption or other special occasion in someone's life. I will obviously focus on Mother Blessings for expectant women.
Unlike a traditional baby shower, a Mother Blessing's focus is to create positive energy to prepare the mother and her birth partner for the birth. There usually aren't commerical gifts, but there are many ways to celebrate! Here's a list of some ideas:
Each friend/family member can bring a bead that is chosen JUST for this Mom. This bead can symbolize or remind Mama of the blessing, wish or advice for her birth or for motherhood.
Friends may be asked to bring something homemade or something for Mom. Everyone might bring a freezer meal or a meal after the baby is born.
Positive birth memories can be shared with the expectant Mom to encourage and uplifift her as she prepares for her birth. The bead sharing and positive stories are some of the most sacred moments I've shared with friends. There is a very special spirit about this time.
More traditional ceremonies can be encorporated as well, such as placing a wreath on Mom's head, Mom getting a foot bath and lighting candles and talking about the importance of womanhood and motherhood.
The ideas are really endless, but these are just a few examples to give you an idea of what a Mother Blessing is really about. It is a beautiful celebration for the Mama-to-be. I had one with my 4th and it was amazing. I've hosted two thus far and have plans of more. It can be as simple as appetizers with other couples/families to celebrate positively or it can be intimate, with close girlfriends and female family members, or other women who have the same ideals about childbirth, a circle of women who love you and support you on your journey to motherhood :-)
So if you would like ideas for a friend/family member to host one or if you would like me to host one I would be happy to. The only costs involved are some awesome food and perhaps supplies to create a necklace/bracelet. Those invited usually help with both so it's fairly simple!
If this interests you please contact me.
Shannon Steffler
KindredSpiritBirthServices@gmail.com
(208) 680-4227
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