Mother Blessings are a twist on the traditional baby shower. Instead of celebrating a new child gracing this earth, a Mother Blessing celebrates and honours an expectant mother’s journey into childbirth and motherhood.
This beautiful 3 hour ceremony is an opportunity to provide an expectant mother with memories of support and love from her female friends. The ceremony allows you to create a sacred and safe environment where the mother-to-be can explore the challenges and joys that lie before her, as she approaches birthing.
The Mother Blessing draws upon the rich traditions of many cultures but Nicole was initially inspired after reading about the Navajo Goddess, 'Changing Woman'. Changing Woman is closely connected to the ancient Navajo ceremony that celebrates a woman's transition into motherhood. This ceremony is known as a Blessingway*.
What is involved?
There is no right or wrong way to create a Mother Blessing ceremony and it can be held for a pregnant woman or someone expecting to become a mother by adopting, fostering or marrying someone with a child. It can even be held after the baby is born. There are many elements to a blessing ceremony; therefore it is tailored to fit the expectant mother.
Generally there are five stages of the blessing ceremony:
- Beginning - the ceremony space is created so it looks and feels special.
- Shifting - share the purpose, intentions and introductions are made.
- Focusing - honour, pamper and adorn the mother-to-be.
- Completing - send our love, support and wishes into the world.
- Feasting - share food in celebration and this is my cue to leave with the group connected.
The ceremony can include but is not limited to:-
- Pampering - footwashing, hairbrushing, headwreaths, massage, laying hands.
- Sharing Circles - candlelighting, story telling, releasing fears, prayer showers
- Gift Giving - blessing bracelet, gifts from the heart, quilts, wishes for the baby.
- Meditations - guided meditations, silent meditations, musical meditations.
- Cooking - pre-prepared food especially made for the mother blessing ceremony.
To ensure that something special and unique is experienced, Nicole encourages the blessing to be held in your home or a home of a close friend. However, she understands that space can be limited in Hong Kong and can suggest some alternative venues that can be hired for a fee.
As the hostess, Nicole asks you:
- Provide a cosy space that fosters nurturing of mind, body and spirit.
- Ensure a minimum of 6 participants for a meaningful and beautiful connection.
- Collect the blessing fee of $270HKD per participant.
- Finalise payment one week prior to the playshop.
- Provide floor cushions, comfy chairs and display table.
- Provide refreshments for participants, particularly water.
As the facilitator, Nicole will:
- Provide suggestions for the invitation.
- Provide website and email support.
- Supply agreed equipment and resources based on the blessing.
- Provide relevant gift bags for each participant to take away with them.
- Setup prior and clean up leaving everyone to socialise.
- A beautiful, inspirational blessing that will ensure that the mother-to-be feels loved, safe and supported.
* Out of repect for the history and importance of the Blessingway ceremony to Navajo people, many doulas, midwives and facilitators use the term 'Mother Blessing' to denote the non-Navajo pre-natal celebration. A practice Nicole has also adopted.
Book Now
To book your Mother Blessing, please contact Nicole on 9648 6187 or email her at nicole@themoderngoddess.com.hk
It is recommended that you allow at least 2 weeks between the booking and the blessing. Nicole likes to discuss the mother-to-be's likes and dislikes, put an outline together for your approval and ensure she has all that she needs to facilitate a beautiful and magical blessing.
Full payment is required prior to the Mother Blessing. Payment options are cash, cheque (made out to The Modern Goddess), direct deposit or PayPal. Details will be provided along with your blessing confirmation.