Mother Blessing
What is a mother blessing?
These are wonderful ceremonies that support a woman in becoming a mother (again). Through being with your family and friends (all women, or mixed) this is an opportunity to prepare emotionally and spiritually for the birth and motherhood.
Through a co-created event, sweet and profound rituals are used so that the expectant mother feels the deep support of her community to carry her through the birthing journey and beyond.
Where and when do the mother blessings happen?
You can have your mother blessing at your home, a friend/ relative's home, or a hired hall (I've run them in a nursery and village halls. Usually I would meet you at the venue to see what it's like to planning a beautiful environment for the gathering.
Mother blessings usually take place in the third trimester, but I have also facilitated ones in the second trimester where expectant parents were travelling back to their home countries abroad. I would advise not having the mother blessing later than 35 weeks in case the baby arrives earlier than your due date.
Mostly, a mother blessing gathering takes around two hours for the different activities, with food and drink afterwards. For a two-hour gathering and the preparation beforehand (discussing what activities you would like to include, liaising with your family and friends about what to bring), I usually charge £90 (not including a venue fee and travel costs if outside of Reading). This fee will include some keepsakes.
I can organise a Mother Blessing for you, suggesting ideas for a wonderful, unforgettable event.
These are powerful ceremonies and everyone I know who has attended one (even those who were sceptical!!), wishes they had one during their pregnancy. They are also an 'antidote' to the now more commercial baby shower because they are full of meaning.
To give you a flavour of what happens in a mother blessing, I will describe what happened at one that I hosted:
Introductions
Sharing funny pregnancy, birth or motherhood stories
Nurturing of expectant mum
Meaningful presents / offers of support
Red thread ceremony
Archway of arms
These are very special occasions and I always feel privileged to be a part of them.
What People Are Saying
"Just to say what a lovely time I had last night, & to thank you all for being there, & thank you especially Kayleigh for inviting me. Last night was really quite special...
There was something quite magical & intimate & feminine about swapping birth stories (both humorous AND personal) & lighting candles & explaining our relationship with you or our wishes for your future & your family. The beads & the thread, & the prayers... It was a beautiful idea, & credit to Tessa for organising it. I have never been to a "Mother Blessing" before, & it was a beautiful experience."
- Anna, Sept 2016
"Thank you so much - I really felt that it helped me in the birth. It was wonderful to feel so supported"
- Carine
"Tessa facilitated a wonderful mother's blessing for myself and a friend. She really brought the group together and made it really special."
- Sophia, Sept 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can come? What will happen? Where will it be?
It's all totally up to you. You can invite female friends who you think would 'get it'. You can invite your female relatives. Or you may want your husband and existing children there. Maybe your doula. Or a combination of all those people.
We can discuss what kind of things you would like to happen. Perhaps you already have ideas from things you have read or would like me to construct something from scratch. Perhaps you would like some prayers from your faith.
The gathering can happen at your home or at a suitable venue. From experience, I've found it's ideal if I can visit the venue before hand to check that it's suitable for creating the right atmosphere.
Once you contact me, we will have an initial discussion about what you (or your friend if you are organising it for a pregnant friend) would like. The fee includes preparation time and facilitation on the day. Please contact me for fee.