Postpartum Rituals Honor the Birth Experience and Transformation
Birth is a significant life event that requires us to be mindful of the ones experiencing the shifts. After birth, postpartum rituals are adjustments that women and their families follow to help the mother recover from giving birth. Rituals help us feel rooted in ourselves and each other. They help us remember and reconnect with the important times in our lives.
At Somatic Sole, we discuss our postpartum ritual services with each client so that we can personalize them before scheduling the service. We are honored to help create profound moments of celebration and healing with new mothers and families.
Closing of the Bones
When women give birth, their entire being is open and vulnerable, from their pelvic bones opening to their muscles/ligaments relaxing to their energy field. To be open to receive and give is believed to define feminine energy and motherhood. Closing of the bones is a ceremony in which we close or end that period so the mother can return to her whole self. In other words, seeing herself changed and renewed yet separate from the baby. This ritual can be a great way to prevent or slow postpartum mood disorder (PPMD) because it is a way to energetically create a boundary and bring together a community of people showing support for the mother.
Herbal Baths
Water is a healing element, and herbs from the earth bring us closer to our origin. Many herbs have soothing and calming properties, allowing mom and baby to bond in the bath. We also offer an herbal bath just for mom so she can reconnect with herself. During this postpartum ritual, submerging (associated with baptism or renewal) and coming out with a specific intention signifies the beginning and end of things.
Before this ritual, we will cultivate the herbal blends based on what the mom requests. And we can either provide them for her ritual, or I can be present and a part of the ritual itself.
Soothing Oil
Oil is nourishing for the skin, the body’s largest organ. During this ritual, warm oil is applied to the skin, and a gentle massage with rhythmic motions helps bring the woman’s energy back to her center. Additionally, massage is a grounding practice, helping new moms feel calm and in control after the challenges of birth. Massage can also help relax the body and aid in milk production.
Remember …
All our ceremonies provide an opportunity for the new mother to talk about her experience. This approach helps her process and integrate the depth of the ritual. Also, postpartum rituals do not have to be limited to this list. Art, music, and burning candles are some other examples that can help honor the amazing transformation, release traumas, and gain support for the life shift. No matter how many children they have already had.
Make Your Postpartum Transition Easier With Somatic Sole Today
At Somatic Sole, we know how overwhelming adding a newborn to the family can be. And we want to make your postpartum experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible. If you’d like to make arrangements for postpartum ritual services in the greater St. Louis area, please contact us at 314-722-6066 or schedule online.
