So something very special happened last night. It was the final night that all my birthing goddesses might be together in real life (IRL) before some of them go on to birth babies next month.
So I wanted to make sure they knew they were not on their own and that we will all be thinking of one another over the next few months and seeing one another on Zoom of course!
As some of you may know I have taken a particular interest in finding out more about other cultures and how they approach birth through rituals and ceremonies and this is how I stumbled across a ceremony known as part of a ‘Blessingway’ originating from Navajo traditions.
A Blessingway is all about nurturing the mother, as she waits for the birth of her baby. A chance to fill up her cup with love and care ensuring she is given a whole heap of love so she may have plenty of love to give in return — and there is nothing like a circle of gorgeous women sending out all the love vibes to get that delicious hormone, oxytocin flowing!
Blessingway ceremonies are a beautiful and unique way to honour a mother-to-be. A chance to share stories, offer support, answer questions and an opportunity to distill fears and bring about confidence and strength.
Historically, a Blessingway is a complex system of Navajo healing ceremonies known as sings, or chants, that are designed to restore equilibrium to the cosmos.
Unlike the other healing ceremonies, the Blessingways are not intended to cure illness but are used to invoke positive blessings and to avert misfortune. As a part of Navajo traditional practices, the Blessingway is considered to be a highly spiritual, sacred, and private event.
I was so taken with this idea of supporting the mother that last night I thought we could bring our own little ritual to close our session and connect in a way we can hold onto for the weeks and months to come.
I decided to create a Birthing Bead String. Something which I hope will grow over time as I am allowed the privilege of supporting more women along their journey through pregnancy and into motherhood.
Each bead is chosen personally and attached so it will continually grow and serve as a special memory and moment in time. In theory I would love to be able to give the beads to each women as she begins her labour but I’m not sure it will be possible in these crazy times but I hope the mamas-to-be will be able draw upon the energy of the beads as it acts a reminder that they are not on their own. We are here to hold and support you and will be sending good vibes your way. I also think what a wonderful gift it might make for a pregnant friend especially now when distance seems to be all the more difficult.
Imagine if each of your friends chose a bead for you during your pregnancy and you were able to create a whole necklace with stones/beads blessed by people you love from near and as they arrive, you can thread them to create a token of utter love and strength. Wouldn’t that be something beautiful? A reminder of all the people who love and support you as a physical presence with you during labour.
I would love to know if you’ve ever made your own string of birthing beads or created a necklace for a friend or perhaps you have been given a beautiful gift at your own Mother Blessing?
What else have you done as an alternative baby shower for the mother-to-be?
