May 25, 2009
Celebrating Birth
This week I went to a meeting about postpartum mood disorders- a women’s mental health “think tank.” It was wonderful to hear what people are up to around the Twin Cities. Dr. Helen Kim spoke of the limitations of using medications alone to treat postpartum issues. As wonderful and brilliant as she is, it was great to hear that she admits that the powerful transition to motherhood needs a great deal of community support if we are going to really make a difference.
Then last night I hosted a blessingway for a pregnant friend and I was aware of how powerful a ritual it really is. A blessingway is a ceremony done in the last weeks of pregnancy which brings a woman’s community together to celebrate and prepare her for her birth. We shared a meal, decorated my friend in flowers and henna, made her a birth necklace and sang to her as we “tied” ourselves together to express our commitment to her and her coming babe.
Every woman needs this. Every women needs her birth celebrate. Every woman needs to be honored and prepared spiritually for birth.
Next week, I am visiting Harrison Community Center to discuss the possibility of hosting Parenting Oasis at their site starting in the fall. If you are interested in being a part of trying something new, reaching out to a new community, then please join us Monday June 1st from 10-12. 503 Irving Avenue North. www.hnampls.org
We will be open Tuesdays all summer. We have a new momma group from 12-1 Tuesdays which is a great way to meet other new mommas but come whenever you can. I know some days it is hard to get out of the house at all, let alone on time.
And consider my Amazing Marriage class on June 2nd and the Healing Birth Stories Workshop on June 20th.
Maureen
mailto:parentingoasis@gmail.com
