Blessingways
Giving birth is a key life passage for women. But modern culture has become preoccupied with the arrival of the baby-to-be and has lost touch with birth’s profound impact on the expectant mother. The Blessingway is a mother-centered ceremony that honors a woman as she prepares to transition through pregnancy and birth into motherhood. Presently, our society marks this transition time by having a baby shower. The addition of the Blessingway can “round out” the experience; instead of the focus being solely on the baby, it is on the role of the family, particularly, the mother.
The Blessingway encircles the mother-to-be with love and support from the most important women in her life and is a custom-designed ceremony with a variety of joyful and sacred rituals that honor and pamper the mother-to-be, instilling a sense of power and confidence, encouraging the mother to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the work of birthing, opening her to her instinctive abilities.
The following are some elements to consider as you design your ceremony.
- Why does this ritual appeal to your head and your heart?
- Who will be acknowledged? The mother alone? The father can be recognized for his role during this time too.
- Who will be present? This is a very intimate, sacred event.
- Where will the ceremony be held? Indoors or outdoors?
- What is going to happen? Who will say what words, poems, prayers, affirmations, stories, lead a visualization?
- Will the group create special items for Mom – a belly cast, birth beads, henna belly tattoo?
**If you are interested in having a Blessingway, the Cincinnati Family Enrichment Center in Northside provides a warm and inviting location, along with a Ceremony Planner to help make you our your Blessingway a memorable, sacred event, unique to you!
