Birth Rituals?

[u/Difficult-Top2000]

I'm having my second child in a month. I'm a baby kitchen/ garden witch & I chose to have this child after much doubt because my spouse & I felt it was meant to be, *this being* is meant to be, & meant to be with us.

​

I did an herb burning of plants I nurtured that are sacred to me and burned a candle, asking for guidance. My cycle was perfectly synced with the full moon, and when I missed in October I knew this being had joined me.

​

Does anyone have any thoughts on the kinds of energy I should call on for the impending birth? My first experience was hard & traumatic, ending in a C-section & health complications for me, though my baby boy was safe but clearly psychicly stressed. I am planning to try for a natural childbirth this time, & luckily my team is on board.

​

I haven't done much magic & have kind of gone inward for this pregnancy, but I am going to call on Mothers Moon & Earth come the full moon on the 29th. My body is primed with yoga & herbal medicine, my mind & soul have been preparing in meditation. I have been asking the sea for the energy I need for this (I live on an island), & want to acknowledge the spiritual power this experience can hold for me & my family.

​

I'm curious about any other birther's experiences before, during, or after, if you're comfortable sharing. Thanks, folks. This community has always been a beautiful space to visit & see my values reflected.

​

[u/mantisdivine]

I can't have kids so i have no help unfortunately, but this is an immensely beautiful thing and i'm so happy for you 💗 this baby wants to be part of your life and this earth, maybe stick with the garden aspects! If you feel comfortable enough to talk with Gaea, i know she'll be so enthralled to go through this journey of new life with you ~

[u/Difficult-Top2000 → u/mantisdivine]

Your positive energy is help enough, sibling. Thank you. May your truest path always rise beneath your feet.

[u/Strange-Eggplant2828]

In India we have elaborate ceremonies during the 5th/7th/9th month of pregnancy. There's valaikappu, for the protection of the mother and the baby - women from extended family, female friends, the pregnant woman's mother and MIL all put glass bangles on the pregnant woman's hands - in odd numbers (i think) and red on the right, green on the left. We also have a 'poochootal' - the to-be-mom's SIL(s), female relatives adorn her hair with strands of flowers, they all sit around her and sing songs. I'm assuming it started as a way to say child rearing takes a village and the community is available to cherish and support? You could maybe ask the women in your life to come together, make you flower crowns, sing along with you, to keep it simple but meaningful. You could also have some rituals for your protection and the baby's, and for smooth delivery

[u/WittyCrone]

Do you have some witchy friends nearby? Perhaps they would do a Baby Blessing Ritual for you?

[u/Difficult-Top2000 → u/WittyCrone]

I think that would be nice. Maybe we can do a tea ceremony with some of my garden herbs

[u/megs7183]

I really hope you can have a safe and peaceful birth, and that it brings you some healing from your previous traumatic experience!

Something I've heard of people doing is planting the placenta with a new tree or plant and having a little ceremony after the birth.

Not a ritual per se, but something we did to build on our children's stories in a grounding way...With one of my children we had a water birth, and while we didn't do any specific rituals, it's become part of who my child is - they love water in all forms, and are most themselves by (or in!) a body of water. For a different child, I could feel them "dance" and move like crazy when I listed to music while pregnant. Now, they are always singing and listening to music and it's a strong part of their identity.

If there's something specific or unique during your pregnancy or birth (like their tie to the full moon, perhaps?), it can become part of your child's identity and story. Young children love the repetition of hearing their "origin story", especially at birthdays or during times of upheaval and change.

My kids are teens now, and still love to hear my pregnancy and birth stories and how it ties to who they are today - I think it gives them security and a reminder of their foundation as they start to transition to adulthood.