This is the perfect party for the friend in your life who is into the spiritual aspects of childbirth and who cherishes her female friendships and really wants some ceremonial component to welcoming her new addition. A Blessingway is a traditional Navajo religious ceremony. In the Navajo culture it is one of the most important parts of a pregnancy. Traditionally, it is for women only, although some women choose to include men.
The Blessingway is held late in pregnancy and serves to strengthen the mother for the spiritual and physical demands of birth. The Blessingway definitely has a religious aspect to it, and this can be adapted to the mother's beliefs.Comfort foods are especially appropriate for a Blessingway. It is very appropriate for each guest to bring her favorite food to share with everyone. Homemade breads, soups, and any other foods that feel "homey" will set a mood of relaxation and intimacy.
Gifts for the mother-to-be might include a zen candle garden, a labor comfort kit, herbal teas, gift certificates for massages or pedicures, or perhaps a bouquet of organic flowers. Suggested gifts to welcome the baby are handmade gifts, wooden baby toys, personalized blankets, Organic Baby Clothes, Organic Bedding or gift baskets that contain natural baby products.
The activities of a Blessingway center around preparing the mother for labor, celebrating the impending birth, and offering spiritual support. The following are a few ideas. Many more can be found at the links at the bottom of the page.
- Bring a pretty journal to pass around. Each of the guests can write a poem, saying, prayer, or note that is particularly encouraging.
- If you have friends who know how to quilt, a Blessingway makes a prime opportunity for an old fashioned quilting bee. Each guest can bring a personalized quilt square that can be assembled at the party or assembled later by one of the guests and presented to the mother as a baby quilt after the birth.
- Many women use a Blessingway as an opportunity to do a belly casting. Kits can be purchased online at Mamabear's Baby Boutique to prepare this special keepsake.
- Plan a labor prayer chain.
- Pray for the mother and the baby.
For more information on a Blessingway check out this blessingway faq on Bellyblessing Celebrations.
Back to Baby Shower Themes
Other Baby Shower Themes:
Nursery Rhymes
Pamper the Mommy
A Blessingway
Baby I.Q. (Learning shower)