The main focus of this celebration is on the Mother rather than on the baby. It is an intimate gathering where the Mom-to-be has a chance to connect with the important women in her life on a heart and soul level, thus making a space for her to feel supported in her journey into Motherhood and Mothering
What happens at a Mother Blessing? Each Mother Blessing that I facilitate is unique and different just as each Mother and family is. There are 5 key elements with in a Mother Blessing, they are:
To bring support to the Mom-to-be and to honor the divine feminine with in her
To help her to release fears or doubts surrounding the pregnancy
To honor the changes the baby is bringing to her
To bless the road ahead of her
To welcome the Baby to the world as a community
There are a number of ways that we can express these elements
We work together to bring the most perfect celebration about for you
Laughter, tears, love, open hearts, sisterhood, and reverence are always present, staying with the celebrant and her guests long after the ceremony is over
Is a Mother Blessing the same as a Blessing Way? The term "Blessingway" has it's roots in the Dine ( Navajo) culture. Being part of their creation story, it is the oldest known ceremony to the Dine. A traditional Dine Blessingway lasts for days and has very specific chants and rituals associated with it. So at best we can say that non traditional Blessingways and Mother blessings are inspired by the Dine Blessingway but it is not exactly the same thing. Out of cultural sensitivity and respect for my Dine family, I choose to use the term Mother Blessing rather than Blessingway
Can I have a Mother Blessing if this is not my first baby? Yes! The main intention of the ceremony is to "bless the way" for you regardless of where you are in your journey through motherhood. Children may even participate in the ceremony, allowing them an opportunity to receive support and encouragement from the circle. This can help them to adjust to the changes a new baby can bring with greater ease
What are the benefits to having a Mother Blessing? Research shows that social support and a woman's attitude toward birth and her body can greatly affect her birth outcome and the way that she Mothers A Mother Blessing can
Provide the support a woman needs to build her confidence