2020-06-01_Mother_&_Baby

(Nancy Kaufman) #1
WORDS

EMILY

THORPE

PHOTOGRAPHY

SHUTTERSTOCK

A popular activity for a mother
blessing is a bead ceremony, where
you ask each guest to bring a bead to
add to a string that is passed around
the group, to make a bracelet for you
to wear during labour, as a reminder
of all the love and support of
your nearest and dearest.

Ask each attendee at your mother
blessing to bring a stone painted with
encouraging words for you. You can
then place these around your home
where you will regularly see them,
such as by your toothbrush or on
your bedside table, to give you
a boost of confidence.

If you feel comfortable enough
around your guests, a belly-casting
kit can be a giggle during a mother
blessing, especially if you’re having a
smaller get together. Plus, you’ll have
a unique keepsake at the end of it to
mind you of your pregnancy.
£19.99, daisybabyshop.co.uk

Think about...
A belly cast

Think about...
Stone painting

Think about...
A bead ceremony

A M BLESSING?

Should I try...

Seek out
some support
Inspired by a traditional women-only
Navajo ceremony called a ‘blessing
way’, which prepares the mum-to-be
for her birth journey, a mother blessing
involves gathering trusted female
friends and family together to help
you feel grounded and supported
asyouapproachyourbaby’sbirth.

Forget the fuss!
Ditch the games and gifts, a mother
blessing is about the simple things in life,
and the opportunity for your friends and
family to shower you with good
wishes. While it’s completely up to
you, there’s no need to worry
about things like decorations –
but why not ask your guests to
bring a plate of food each, for
you all to share?
Do it your way
While you may consider certain ideas a
bit too bohemian for your liking, just
pick and choose the ones that you do
like the sound of. After all, it’s your
mother blessing! Ultimately, if you like
the sound of a positive event without
the sharing of labour and parenting
horror stories that can arise at a typical
baby shower, a mother blessing can
work for you!

Still social
distancing? Why not try a
virtual mother blessing instead? Send

everyone a Zoom or Skype invite so yo


can all get together for a good natter.
Yo could even get your bestie to
arrange a baby-themed quiz!
Free download pdf