Birth Roots
Despite being part of our cultural heritage, ceremony and ritual are oftentimes not present in our everyday lives. Significant events
and transformative moments can pass unacknowledged, without honouring, becoming lost in the busyness of life and leaving a void that is difficult to define or understand, but reflects on those things that should have happened, that didn't
Ceremonies and intentional spaces can offer focused care for every phase of life, for the endings that happen along the way, the thresholds we cross. Where we leave a part of ourselves behind to birth anew. A notable one happening during the transition from Maiden to Mother, non-parent to parent. Here I share the journey from pregnancy through to the post-partum period
I also offer this space for gathering circles, where there is a desire to mark the flow through the shifting seasons of life, for woman this is known as
~ Maiden, Mother, Maga, Crone ~
Mother Blessing/Blessing
Celebrating the Mother/Parent to be as they move towards the end of pregnancy, filled with wonder and caring rituals that recognise the importance of emotional health as one prepares for birth. A time of deep transition
Surrounded by a circle of chosen folk this ceremony is a shared one, co-created by those present. There will be focus on relaxation: herbal foot bath, massage, reflexology, positive affirmations and stories shared
A birth bead line or necklace can be made using beads gathered by each person present, to be kept close at the birth .. serving as a reminder of this time spent together
Red thread ceremony ~ this symbolic thread represents connectedness of those present and those that have gone before. It is wrapped around wrists, joining the circle, where it is then cut between each person, enabling them to tie it off and wear it as a bracelet. When all are united in this way it speaks of a community of support and kinship, which can be tapped in to when birth arrives, knowing that all present are with you energetically
Belly art, painting or henna is a happy and celebratory way to bless the blossoming belly
(belly casting can be arranged separately as is more suitable as a stand alone)
Salt bowl, this is a beauty filled closing ritual where flowers and herbs foraged by all, are added to the healing salts, along with shared love, wishes, good intentions and the power of the circle. Each person takes some home to either simply keep or use for their own relaxation
Bespoke ceremony lasting approximately 1.5 hours ~ poa
Cerrada - Closing the Bones
~ womb space ~
This is a multicultural practice, though mostly associated with Mexico and Latin America. I was shown this skill, exploring its ways through those that have directly learned directly from Rocio Alarcon, healer and teacher from Eduador. When I share this on in practice I remember, acknowledge and give thanks to this important thread, while adapting the closing and care to the person who is receieving it, in the time, place and space we are in
It is a most beautiful post partum healing ceremony for the new Mother/Parent, acknowledging, nurturing and deeply honouring the journey to this point and onwards. Cocooned in warmth, protection and love, facilitating moments in time to direct energy back inwards, with gentle attention paid to the openness that can be felt following birth
We expand and unfurl during pregnancy, particularly around the hips and pelvis, emotionally we bare ourselves and energetically we give out. It is this openness that benefits from gentle care and support, with a focus on encouraging heat back into the body to promote healing
A herbal foot soak may begin the relaxation and offers a soothing way into the ceremony, there is opportunity here for birth story to be shared; exploring all feelings that arise within this. A short reflexology relaxation can follow before moving into the sifting/massage with the Rebozo scarf. This rocks the pelvis gently back into alignment, physically encouraging the bones closer together, followed by a more specific abdominal massage using warming oils, which leads into the closing
This closing/sealing element of the ceremony is where the woman is held and honoured at various points from crown to her toe, using the scarves to hold, both physically and emotionally. There is particular emphasis on the hips and womb area, finding stillness in this space gifts moments to feel, acknowledge, release and re-gather energy inwards, taking as much time as is needed while integration unfolds
Here she lies. Nothing is rushed; the gift is time
This closing may take place with just myself, birth partner, chosen women folk or wider circle
Cerrada principles can also be used for other closings too ~ transitions and endings throughout life ~ menarche, menopause, divorce, end of relationship/job/roles, dying time ~ if we imagine that by marking these initiations with intention, love and ceremony, we can bring conscious containment to ease the process and soothe the people within it ♥
Ceremony lasting approximately 1.5 hours ~ poa
Bengkung Belly Binding
(or you may find simply belly wrapping using a Rebozo scarf, or similar, is more manageable for self care).
Bengkung is rooted in Malaysian culture, and is a traditional method of healing following birth.
Binding offers torso stability while the vital organs begin to shrink back to their pre-pregnancy state, supporting the back and encouraging good posture, while providing warmth to encourage the healing of the abdominal muscles.
It can also help in bringing back together separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), this is where the tummy muscles can separate as a normal part of pregnancy pregnancy.
A long piece of cloth is used, weaving and wrapping around the torso, providing strong support for womb, belly, ribs and hips.
It can be done soon after birth, and is especially effective during the 6-8 weeks post partum and can be worn for between one and twelve hours day. It remains important to actively engage the abdominal muscles while binding.
On an emotional level it offers the feeling of being 'held', warming the womb space and lessening the empty feeling that some women can experience following the birth of their baby. It can form part of the symbolic transitioning towards new Motherhood and also be an element of a cerrada ceremony.
Incorporated as part of my post partum doula service if desired, or as a stand alone ~ poa
to gather more information please be in touch
[email protected]
payment instalments are welcome, fostering accessible support for all
please note that mileage is charged at 40ppm