Gecko

On Saturday, my close friends came to my house for a blessing way.
Blessing way, also known as a Mother's Blessing, originated from the Navajo people, although the practice of celebrating pregnancy and birth transcends almost all human cultures.  Unlike the traditional baby shower, which is usually focused on the baby and baby gifts, a Blessing way is an opportunity for women to come together to offer support to the mother and to share positive energy to help prepare her for labor and childbirth.

Some of the activities involved getting my feet massaged with cornmeal, singing songs and playing percussion... Ben came home in the middle of it and probably wondered what these wild women were doing! :)

My friend Betsy who led the ceremony had asked everyone to bring a small bead or trinket that symbolizes their wish for me during labor and birth.  They created this birthing necklace or bracelet one at a time, using the bead they had brought as they each shared the meaning of the bead and encouraging words. The goal is to have the necklace with me during labor and feel supported.

Betsy also brought some candles and gave one to each one of us. When I go into labor, I will notify them and they will lit the candle in their home.

Per the gecko in the prenatal yoga teacher training story, Vanessa brought some henna for these ladies to draw a gecko on my belly. Here is the art!