A blessing for childbirth

A friend of mine recently had a blessingway ceremony as part of her baby shower. For those unfamiliar with blessingways, they can be a beautiful way to offer guidance, support and community to mamas as they prepare for their birth. They can be as simple as a circle of friends sharing stories and wisdom or can be much more elaborate in offering ceremonies to nourish and honor the mama-to-be. Something I've seen many times is the creating of a bracelet for the mama-to-be with beads offered by each participant and a blessing to go along with it. The beads can then be made into a bracelet or necklace that the mama will wear during the birth to remind them of the community supporting them.

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I wrote some words to share as part of the ceremony and after re-reading them felt myself thinking...wow, I could have used this reminder during and after my birth...and I imagine there are many of you out there who probably feel the same way. So here, is a blessing for your birth...

Dear mama, every birth is both the most ordinary thing in the world (given that every human on earth has arrived on this planet via birth) and the most miraculous and deeply mysterious thing. We all arrive in similar ways and yet so very different ways, there is no right or wrong and no matter what our birth looks like, it is a powerful initiation into motherhood. Whether it is our first birth or not, we are coming deeper and deeper into our understanding of being a mother, and bringing this baby into the world through our body creates this deep and profound connection to our little one. 

I know you already as a compassionate, strong and intuitive mama and I have no doubt you'll continue to bring that to this birth and to the life of your next little babe. You are powerful beyond measure and will weather all that this birth and new baby throws your way (even if even the moment it feels like you're not). Babies teach us from very early on (sometimes even their birth) how to let go and trust the process and know that everything is happening for a reason. The best we can do is let go of our preconceptions about what it is supposed to look like and embrace it all as it comes to us in its messy wildness. Being a mama is a constant personal and spiritual evolution and I have no doubt this little one has much in store for you.
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Remember to take deep breaths, trust your body and know that you are supported and loved (and most importantly that you can [and should] ask for help). You are amazing and I can't wait to meet your little one.