The Magic Of Mother Blessings

A pregnant woman is magical.

She holds the power of creation and new life in her body, and should be allowed to feel like the goddess she is.

One of my favorite ‌ceremonies to lead is a ‘Mother Blessing’. I've had the honor and privilege of hosting these events in Barcelona for over 6 years now. The importance of them keeps magnifying.

A Mother Blessing is a celebratory gathering for a Mom-to-be. Whether this is your first time being pregnant or your fifth. Each time is an important, life-changing stage for a woman. We ‌step into a portal of transformation whenever we are about to give birth.

If we make this rite of passage meaningful and valuable, then we place that same value onto the new life stage, mothering, that we are about to move into.

"When a child is born, so is a mother.”

Personal Image: From the Mother Blessing of Nikki co-hosted with my friend Samantha and Shanti Vida, Barcelona

The difference between a Mother Blessing and Baby Shower

Some cultures have special ceremonies that honor a mother when she’s pregnant, like the Navajo Blessingway, and the "Godh Bharai" or "Seemantham" in Indian culture.

But ‌modern-day western, often material-focused baby showers, sometimes fall short of seeing and hearing a woman. Of acknowledging her physicial, emotional, and spiritual needs.

A Mother Blessing is a soulful gathering that honors the expectant mother and her journey into motherhood.

This ceremony is gaining popularity. More women want to reconnect with ancient wisdom and create a more meaningful experience

So, if you want to learn more about Mother Blessings—where they come from, why they matter, and how to create one—keep reading.

The Origins of the Mother Blessing

The Navajo Blessingway inspires the Mother Blessing. This is a complex sacred ceremony that celebrates big life changes and seeks balance. Traditionally, it involves prayers, songs, and rituals led by a medicine person.

The modern Mother Blessing has absorbed these ideas and makes a supportive and caring space for the mom-to-be. It focuses on her well-being.

Why Choose a Mother Blessing?

A Mother Blessing offers a whole heap of benefits that go beyond the superficial gifts and games of a traditional baby shower.

Here are some reasons why this soulful ceremony is becoming more popular.

Preparation for Birth: The rituals and activities of a Mother Blessing help the mom-to-be get ready emotionally and spiritually for the big change of having a baby.
Deeper Connection with Loved Ones: A Mother Blessing makes the mother and her loved ones more connected. It creates a special place where they can share and support each other, which helps them feel closer to each other.
Supporting Motherhood: The love and blessings the mother receives during the ceremony can help her during childbirth and as she becomes a parent.
Spiral of Love: The love and support given during a Mother Blessing can ripple out to the mother's family, community, and society. This creates a network of positivity and connection.

Personal Image: From the Mother Blessing of Rachel

The Power of Oxytocin

One of the most profound benefits of a Mother Blessing is the generation of oxytocin, the "love hormone."

This powerful hormone is essential for bonding, labor, and postpartum recovery.

A Mother Blessing helps to increase oxytocin levels by creating a loving and supportive environment. This will help the mother through her next birth and postpartum days, weeks, and months.

Personal Image: From the Mother Blessing of Adriana

Elements of a Mother Blessing

For over 6 years, I have been hosting Mother Blessings, sometimes with my dear friend Samantha. Each ceremony is unique, but there are several key elements that we include:

Creation of a Flower Crown: A beautiful and symbolic activity where guests create a flower crown for the mother. They each bring a flower that reminds them of the expectant woman, e.g. a sunflower because she brings light and radiance. These weave into an ivy base or head band. Then we crown the ‘Queen’ of the day, to make her feel like the Goddess she is.
Visualization: Guided meditations that create a golden circle of positive energy and sisterhood around the mother. Sometimes a visualization helps the mother envision a positive and empowering birth experience. They can also remind women of their potent feminine energy, and the power of life and creation that they hold in their womb and body.
Chanting: Sacred chants and songs that uplift the spirit and create a sense of unity and harmony. A favorite of ours is “We All Come from the Goddess”.
Feminine Movement: Gentle, instinctive movements that celebrate the pregnant body and help the mother connect with her sensuality, inner strength, and grace.

Personal Instagram: This is me leading some Feminine Movement at the Mother Blessing of Nikki

5. Sharing Circle: A safe space for the mother to express and let go of any fears, and for her guests to share stories, advice, and encouraging words.

6. Birthing Bracelet: Guests bring sweet and significant beads, shells, or crystals. They imbue their bead with their love and blessing, then tie it on to a red thread one by one. This creates a bracelet that the mother can wear or carry with her during labor, reminding her of the love and support of her community.

7. Poetry and Blessings: Reading poems and prose that celebrate the beauty and power of motherhood. Guests offer heartfelt blessings and words of love, support, and encouragement. A personal favorite is ‘The Willow Tree’.

8. Closing the Circle: Always close the circle to contain the celebration. Use another chant, a short visualization, or hold hands and look around the circle into each other's eyes in deep connection.

Extra tip— If they feel comfortable, it can be a great activity to decorate the mom-to-be's belly with pictures, words, and affirmations. Use henna or simple face paints. Wonderfully bonding and a great future memento.

Personal Image: From the Mother Blessing of Jess. Jess stands with her beautiful pregnant belly, which is decorated with patterns and words such as Strength and Love.

Practical Tips for Hosting a Mother Blessing

If you're inspired to host a Mother Blessing, here are some practical tips to help you create a magical and meaningful experience:

Choose a Sacred Space: Select a location that feels peaceful and nurturing, such as a garden, a cozy living room, or a serene outdoor setting.
Invite Mindfully: Choose close friends and family who'll bring positive energy and support to the ceremony.

Set Up the Space: Create a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere with a central altar featuring flowers, candles, and meaningful items. Ensure comfortable seating, especially for the pregnant mother.

Plan the Activities: Include a blend of movement, sharing, visualization, and creative activities that celebrate the mother and her journey.
Encourage Participation: Encourage guests to take part in the ceremony. It's a good idea to ask them before-hand to bring a poem or prepare words that share their love, support, and blessings. People are usually more comfortable sharing, when they've had time to think about these things rather than on the spot.
Capture the Moment: Take photos or videos to capture the beauty and magic of the Mother Blessing, creating lasting memories for the mother.
Share Food and Drinks after the Circle: Suggest that each guest bring a dish to save the expectant mother to do any extra work. Make them decadent and delicious, in-season fruits, homemade cakes, sweet hot tea, and other yummy treats. Conversations in a relaxed manner after the Circle are often as important.

Wrap Up

A Mother Blessing is more than just a gathering. It’s a sacred rite of passage that honors the expectant mother and her journey into motherhood.

By reconnecting with ancient wisdom and creating a supportive and nurturing space, we can prepare for birth, deepen our relationships, and enhance our future motherhood.

Let’s embrace this beautiful tradition and allow its magic to spiral out into our families, communities, and society.

May the love and blessings of the Mother Blessing be with you always.

If you want more information about having a Mother Blessing hosted for yourself or someone else, you can look at our brochure here. Or get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

Until next time in Circle,

Jo x