Commemorating Birth
The birth of a child brings many changes: becoming a parent, sibling, or grandparent, and the beginning of a new life. Modern culture has lost many of our traditional rituals celebrating these important transitions. Yet many communities are creating their own traditions to honor this significant occasion. A ritual is an intentional act that honors a milestone. It reminds us that we are preparing for this change and connects us to the process. It can also include our community in a meaningful way. The following are some thoughts to inspire finding your unique way to commemorate a coming birth with family and friends.
Keep a journal during your pregnancy
Write privately or create a family journal for others to document their excitement and emotions during this time. Journaling provides a way to process all the changes occurring and will be a cherished bank of memories for your family in the future. Can you imagine reading your family's joy at your arrival when you are sixteen or sixty? An invaluable gift!
Mother yourself in honor of becoming a mother
Most global traditions consider pregnancy a sacred time. The mother-to-be is nurtured and pampered. Our society too often praises a woman for working right up to her due date, or never slowing down. Slow down! Enjoy a spa day with friends and allow them to take you to a yummy lunch, or spend your evening with a good book and a cup of tea.
Have photos taken throughout your pregnancy
Embrace your physical transformation! Allow your friends or family to take photos and absorb their comments of admiration and love. Set enough time aside for true enjoyment during this process.
Create a belly cast
A sculpture of your belly is an artful and fun way to commemorate this time. Numerous kits are available for an at home project with family and friends or the service is available at some spas. Paint it together and adorn it in a way that represents you.
Plan a special romantic day with your partner
The love that brought you together is now creating a family, and you can celebrate in so many ways. Numerous resorts now have Babymoon specials. You can spend a day visiting all your favorite places, talking about your first meeting and the dreams you share for the future. As one cycle of your life ends, another begins. You may even choose to exchange items to symbolize your commitment to this new stage, similar to how you exchanged rings on your wedding day.
Personalize your baby shower
The act of gathering and gifting is a beautiful tradition that spans cultures. You may be influenced by art, music, or spirituality. Allow your priorities to guide your shower experience and provide a meaningful day for you. You may decide to reserve this day for your closest circle of female friends or open it to their spouses and children.
The following are some options for commemorating your baby shower in a creative way:
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Request that each guest bring their favorite children's book with a personal note written inside.
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Ask that guests bring a bead and string them together to create a necklace or bracelet that you may wear until your child is born – a reminder of the thoughts and love of your community.
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Gift each guest with a candle to take home with them. When labor begins, each candle recipient can light their candle and send prayers, positive thoughts, or just powerful joy to the mother.
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Provide each guest with a rectangular piece of fabric on which to write a blessing, wish, or prayer for your child. Tie them together, corner to corner, to resemble a Tibetan prayer flag. This can be waiting in your baby's room and even brought with you to the delivery.
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If you don't need or desire the usual shower gifts, request support for the first month after birth. Many cultures don't allow a woman to cook or clean for a month after childbirth. This is a time to be cared for and spend time with your child. Friends can offer dinners for a week, housecleaning assistance, babysitting of current children to allow private time with a newborn, or maybe a weekly foot massage! These are offerings of love so redeem them.
Let your heart and imagination guide you in creating unique and meaningful moments to commemorate this transformation of life!