The traditions surrounding birth include many different forms of ritual and ceremony. We can celebrate love, conception, welcoming the incoming soul, the woman’s pregnant state, and birth as a woman’s rite of passage.

After the birth we can celebrate the new arrival, hold a name giving
ceremony, baptise the baby, have a special burial ceremony for the placenta and also celebrate the woman as she takes on her new role as a mother. All of these occasions and more are worthy of such ritual and ceremony.

Candles, essential oils, smudge sticks, mandalas, chants, drums, music, special beads, cloth, crystals or gifts, are often used as ceremonial objects to help create the right energy for such an occasion.

A ceremony which is particularly enjoyable and becoming quite popular is the ‘blessing way’. This is held in the weeks leading up to the due date of birth. It is held to welcome the child and bless and honour the family that is bringing the child to earth. The family and circle of friends come together to welcome the baby in and show support for the parents by creating an environment of readiness, love and acceptance.

This is an excerpt taken from the ebook ‘Childbirth Preparation’, written by Faye Read, available at:
www.childbirthpreparationebook.com

I find it very relaxing and indulgent to lie in a bath for half an hour and close my eyes. Fill the bath.  Make it as warm as you feel comfortable in.  Add some bubbles if you like. Put in a few drops of your favorite essential oils.  If you’re pregnant, you may need to check first with an Aromatherapist, as there are some oils that you shouldn’t use during relaxing bath pregnancy. In the first trimester, you shouldn’t be adding any essential oils at all as they may increase the likelihood of miscarriage!

An alternative is to sprinkle a handful of rose petals into the water. This makes you feel like a princess as it is very luxurious! You will then be able to indulge in the scent of the rose petals.

Take the phone off the hook, dim the lights or light some candles, put on your favorite relaxing music and settle into the bath. Take at least 30 minutes to drift off into a state of total relaxation, or use this time to really connect with your baby if you are pregnant.