What is a Birth Blessing?

From the beginning of time we have created ceremonies and rituals to express our love and support for expectant mothers. In ancient Egypt, villages helped care for pregnant women while they worshipped deities believed to guide mother and child through the birth experience. And during the golden age of Rome, people prayed to goddesses to protect expectant mothers and their children. To this day, Navajo women perform “Blessingway” ceremonies that celebrate and honor women preparing to give birth.

Two Plum's Birth Blessing Kit is inspired by the ancient wisdom of women throughout the world. It is a celebration in which Mama-to-Be's pregnancy and birth are recognized as powerful times of transformation that deserve great respect. A Birth Blessing celebration brings family and friends together to honor Mama-to-Be's transition into motherhood as a rite of passage, no matter what kind of birth she is planning.

Our Birth Blessing includes candle light blessings, sharing stories, creating a blessing garland, and pampering the Mama-to-Be. A Birth Blessing is for anyone and may be adapted to any religion or none at all. There is not one way to host a Birth Blessing, infact we encourage you to add any special touches that would personalize the celebration for the Mama-to-Be.

"It takes a village to raise a child" -African Proverb

Two Plums believes that it also takes a village of women to raise a Mama! Motherhood is a unique journey for each woman. Whether we become mothers through birth, adoption, foster-parenting or step-parenting, we are united in spirit to bring children into the fullness of their being.

Personalizing a Birth Blessing?

We encourage you to include any special touches to personalize your celebration for Mama-to-Be.

Here are a few of our favorite ways:

Attire: Ask guests to wear white, representing birth and new life. Or ask everyone to wear Mama-to-Be's favorite color.

Birth Blessing Altar: Find an area to place mementos, photos of family and friends or baby's sonogram photos. You may also ask guests to bring a symbol for the altar – something that reminds them of Mama-to-Be.

Candles: Fill the room with candlelight and ask each guest to make a wish for Mama-to-Be and Baby as they light their candle.

Floral Hair Weaving: Cut flowers (gardenias, daisies, wildflowers) and pin them in Mama-to-Be's hair during the Connect portion of the blessing.

Feast: Nourish guests with food and drinks and don't forget Mama-to-Be's favorite dessert!

Music: Create a CD with Mama-to-Be's favorite songs. She can take the cd home with her and whenever she plays it will think of her Blessing celebration.

Post-birth Support: Pass around a sign-up sheet for chores, errands, food delivery and babysitting older siblings following the birth.