Mother's Blessing

---

In lieu of having a traditional "baby shower" there is also the beautiful ceremony of having a mother’s blessing. A mother's blessing is an intimate gathering of her Sisterhood- grandmothers, mothers, aunties, daughters, cousins and female friends. The blessing is inspired by an ancient Navajo ceremony called a Blessing Way. The ceremony is held to prepare an expectant mother for her upcoming birth journey. Expectant mothers are showered and adorned with love, support, encouragement and praise. The act of birth is seen as a rite of passage for women. A mother's blessing is meant to help a woman feel mentally, physically and emotionally ready to give birth. A mother’s blessing is a modern ceremony that can give moms-to-be a similar sense of support and honor as Navajo mothers-to-be have received in traditional blessing ways.

Why are women having these ceremonies?

Women who choose mother’s blessings want something more intimate than the typical baby shower, or something that doesn’t solely focus on baby. They want to feel more empowered about birth, especially if they’re preparing for a natural birth.

What about gifts?

Other than meaningful poems, passages and beads, there aren’t usually gifts at a mother’s blessing. Those who celebrate mother’s blessing ceremonies see the memories the gathering creates as the greatest gifts of all.

When should you have a mother’s blessing?

A mother’s blessing is typically held at the very end of pregnancy—around 36 to 38 weeks—and about 10 to 20 of the mom-to-be’s closest friends and family are invited.

How can I plan and participate in a mother’s blessing?

• Have each guest bring a favorite dish, potluck style.
• Give the mother-to-be an aromatherapy foot bath. Mix lavender essential oil and flower petals into warm water and clean her feet before the ceremony.
• Each guest can write a prayer or blessing on a piece of fabric. Later, it can be made into a quilt for mom or her baby or put together in a book.
• A crown of flowers will be provided by Medicine of the Peace and placed on the mom-to-be’s head.
• Dr. Tasha will say a spiritual prayer while playing her drum blessing the mother and the baby.
• Bring a drum. Drums are known for their sacred healing abilities. We will go around in a circle and each guest can beat the drum as they share words of wisdom.
• Share positive birth stories. There’s nothing better to hear before going into labor than stories of welcoming babies into the world in safe and wonderful ways!
• Optional- Dr. Tasha will adorn the Mom to be with a Henna tattoo on her belly. This is absolutely safe during pregnancy. This ancient practice has taken place across many different cultures. Henna tattoos are done using a special blend of herbs and oils that will make mom feel beautiful before her birth. (Yes, they’re temporary!)
• Burning of Sage- is known for its cleansing properties. We will burn sage before and after ceremony to clear the space of all negative thoughts and energy.
• Cacao- Cacao will be prepared by Dr. Tasha and each participant will sip on cacao through the ceremony as we sing and dance in celebration.
• Generally ceremony lasts 3 hours.

As a mother, guardian of indigenous medicine and holder of ceremonial space, book with us today and allow me the privilege of serving you!- Love Dr. Tasha