I had a Mother Blessing (Blessingway)!

carmv01 · September 2015

...and it was beautiful. Truly one of the highlights of my pregnancy. I had never even heard of a Mother Blessing but I looked into it after seeing an old classmate post about how beautiful hers was. I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this unique tradition.

My sister and I came up with invitations to describe the event. I searched online for ideas and found which rituals I wanted to include. I wanted something not too earthy but intimate and meaningful.

After some appetizers, we began the ceremony and I was crowned with a flower crown my sister put together.

We continued by having each woman introduce themselves with their matriarchal line.

"I am Carm. Mother-to-be of baby Bartley. Daughter of Carmelita, granddaughter of Lillan and Edita." They then lit a candle which they would later take home.

Everyone shared the birth beads they selected for me and why they chose it. My sisters later strung them together to make a birth necklace that I'll bring with me to the delivery room.

Each person also shared their poem, quote, lyric, or prayer they chose for me. Those who couldn't make it mailed their items in along with a note which we presented for them. My youngest sister wrote a poem and decorated the back with art. My friend wrote a prayer us. Others shared quotes that were meaningful to them. There were tears and laughter. Many amazing birth stories were shared. Throughout all this, my sister designed henna art on my belly, inscribing all of this positive energy onto me and the baby

After the end of the ceremony, we ate food and I opened presents.

Each person took home their candle which they will light when I go into labor.

It was an incredible experience being surrounded by the strong, supportive women in my life and hearing their words of encouragement. I was tearing up re-reading their quotes and blessings this morning. As a first-time mom, it's just what I needed. I feel so enriched and empowered and ready to take on this challenge ahead of me. If you ever get a chance to attend a Mother Blessing or have one of your own, I highly recommend it