What is a Mother's Blessing?

What you need to know.

Congratulations! You have been invited to attend a Mother’s Blessing! This is an incredible honor. You have been invited to walk with a special woman in your life as she journeys through the most sacred path of bringing life into this wonderful world. 

You have been recognized as someone she can rely on and turn to and she is seeking your support as she approaches this incredible task. 

Well, since you’re here, you’ve likely never heard of a Mother’s Blessing before and are confused as to what is expected of you and what to expect from this gathering.  Simply put: 

A Mother’s Blessing is a beautiful and deeply meaningful alternative or add-on to a traditional baby shower. 

Rooted in connection and ritual, these gatherings honor the expectant mama as she prepares to welcome her baby and step into motherhood- whether for the first or fifth time.

Through thoughtful rituals, prayer, singing, shared stories, and intentional support, a Mother’s Blessing creates a nurturing and loving space that the mama-to-be can carry with her into labor, birth, and beyond.

Let’s break it down.

Perhaps, you have been asked to bring an item for the mother; a bead or a flower. And to share a wish for her upcoming birth and/or postpartum.

It’s about symbols and tokens to bless the mother when you are not physically with her. The bead will be added to jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet that Mama will wear throughout the rest of her pregnancy and into postpartum as a reminder of your love and support and the wishes you and others gave her heading into the experience. Flowers are often added to a flower crown made for Mama at the Blessing.

Wish examples:

Labor/birth:

You may wish attributes such as: Peace, Calm, Wisdom, Intuition or Grace

Confidence in the experience, trust in God's design and desire for her to feel empowered

Strength to submit and embrace the unknown

Postpartum:

Rest

Swift healing

Confidence in herself and her body

Blessed bonding with baby

Rituals- All rituals are options for a Mother's Blessing -any combination of one or several of the following rituals may be used.

• Salt, ceremony starts with a bowl of bath salt that is passed around for guests to add different herbs or essential oils while sharing well wishes for Mama and her journey. This is then added to a foot bath for Mama- part of it may be saved for a bath for her later.

• Candles, Everyone takes a candle and starting with Mama's candle, hers is lit and everyone else lights their candle with hers to show their united light. Everyone blows out their candle together-unity. Guests take their candle home and light it when they receive news that labor has started to symbolize their support and send light and love to Mama.

• Thread, a ball of thread or yarn is passed around the circle with everyone wrapping it around their wrist a few times before passing it- connection. Once everyone is connected the thread is cut and everyone ties theirs to the wrist. The thread remains until news of labor then it is cut.

• Belly painting, everyone may be invited to add paint to Mama's belly to add beauty to her experience and honor the life she is carrying.

• Mama massage, everyone may be invited to come up and massage some oil or lotion (of Mama's choosing) on her shoulders, arms, hands, feet or legs. Physical connection and uplifting by the power of physical touch.

• Hair brushing/styling, same idea as the body massage and adding beauty to self-care offered by sisters.

• Flower crown, guests may be asked to bring a flower to add to a flower crown for Mama. All the flowers are brought together, the crown made and Mama crowned to highlight her beauty, grace and the flourishing life she is about to birth.

  
  

Prayer- Many forms and methods, but prayers for this gathering will be suited to the Mama and her preferences. You may be invited to pray individually, out loud for Mama and/or pray as a group led by a volunteer or the host. This is a unique way to connect with God and remind Mama of His support and role in this experience. It may be helpful to write out a prayer beforehand. This does not need to be overthought. A simple, prayer -only a few lines- is sufficient and often all a Mama can remember.

Songs- Again suited to Mama. This is a way to tap into emotion through poetry and music that unites the group as all join in in unison. Movement with singing is highly encouraged!

Scripture sharing-You may be invited to share an uplifting, encouraging or inspiring scripture or 2. See the LDS Mother's Blessing post for study ideas to prepare ahead of time. >link here<

Shared stories-Sharing positive birth stories from your own or others experiences is a marvelous way to encourage Mama. She needs reminders about how wonderful God's design for birth is and that when fear is overcome, she can and will experience the full joy of bringing life into the world. Hearing of others' faith in their journey's boosts her faith and anchors her in the light of her Savior.

Intentional support- your invitation to this blessing was not given lightly. This mama sees a great support in you and wishes to see you show up for her in this sacred journey as a part of her INNER circle. She needs to know who she can lean on, look to and even call on in this major life transition. We will also be hands on with mama to show her that we truly are there to hold her as she softens and surrenders to the experience ahead- showing her that she is not alone and that she can move forward in confidence. Time may also be given to listen to Mama express any fears or concerns for her upcoming birth. This is- you guessed it- not a time to fix it! Unless she asks, Mama is simply looking to be seen, heard and held.

Supportive activities- There will likely be a station for guests to create birth affirmation cards. These are simple messages Mama can reflect on the rest of her pregnancy and refer back to during labor.

Q & A

When is this happening?

Typically, late in the 3rd trimester as birth is approaching, but it could be scheduled for a bit earlier in the 3rd or 2nd trimesters depending on Mama’s schedule and preference.

How long is it?

To respect Mama’s time and limited energy, the aim is an hour and a half with time to visit afterward if Mama is feeling up for it.

What do I wear?

Something feminine, ie. dress, skirt, overalls, jumper, blouse and slacks or blouse and jeans. Something comfortable for potentially sitting on the ground and prepare for the weather in case you are outside. But be casual enough to let the mama being blessed shine.

Note: this gathering has the potential and intention to touch on many emotions for not only mama, but also the host and guests. Tissues will likely be provided, but you may want to consider your tendency for tears when deciding on make-up.

What do I bring?

You may bring a gift for Mama and/or baby- especially if a registry link has been provided. For this gathering, the invitation should indicate specific items for you to bring such as: a bead, a flower, an herb or other symbol. As well as a wish or blessing for mama and an open mind and heart. Your loving presence has been recognized and invited to bless this dear Mama.

Are children invited?

It is mostly up to you if you bring any or none of your children, but it is always best to confirm with the host if there was not a specification on the invitation.

A Mother's Blessing is a gathering that goes deep and is very intentional. If you have a breastfeeding baby, they are most certainly invited and likely a welcome encouragement for Mama. Older babies who are mobile and toddlers can be very distracting and make it harder for you to be fully present in demonstrating your support for the Mama. As for older children, girls who are able to understand and are willing to participate (even a little) would benefit greatly from witnessing this type of support among women. Boys are less likely to enjoy the gathering or participate.

What do I do?

Follow the host. If this is your first time attending such a gathering, let your host know it is your first time and reach out beforehand with any questions or concerns you have. Prepare to bring any requested items and come with an open mind and heart. The host will guide the group through the experience and will provide explanation where needed.

Will there be food?

Most likely! Often a emphasis is on simple, nourishing foods and foods that can easily be eaten with one hand. Some Mother's Blessings are a potluck which can be fun. Think simple, seasonal snacks unless otherwise specified.

I’m not a great singer…

You are still invited to join in! You have been invited for your unique gifts and support. Your voice is needed in bringing the sweet message of love to this special mama.

I’m not confident in sharing.

This gathering is meant to be a safe space for women to show each other- as much as the mama being honored- that we are there for one another and accept and lift each other.

I didn’t have any positive birth experiences, what story do I share?

Share any lessons you wish you had learned before giving birth. Share any other birth stories that you found inspiring. You may even look up positive birth stories ahead of the gathering.

Note: this experience may bring up strong feelings from your birth experience(s), notice those feelings and let this gathering be an opportunity to release trapped emotions or shift your perspective of past events as you lend positive energy to another mama's upcoming birth.

I haven’t given birth/never been pregnant.

Just share positivity and admiration for what this mama is currently going through. What strength have you already observed in her that gives you hope for your own experience in the future?

Just how "Hippie" is this thing?

It can be very Hippie! But not always. Each Mother's Blessing is tailored to the Mother being honored and her preferences and beliefs. There are many traditions that involve rituals and gathering of friends, family and community that serve the purpose of showing love and support to a pregnant mother. Other names for such gatherings include: baby shower, sprinkle and blessingway.

Is this religious?

It can be! It all depends on Mama’s religious affiliation and preferences. If you have been invited to an LDS(Sisters in Zion) Mother’s Blessing, check out this gather layout here.

Any other questions? Reach out to your host, she is very excited about this experience and will be thrilled to answer all of your questions so you are best prepared to support this special Mama.