Mother Blessing Ceremony vs. Baby Shower: What's the Difference and Which One Honors Your Story Best?
The truth is, we love BOTH a Baby Shower and Mother Blessing Ceremony, and we think you deserve all the love and celebration during this exciting time.
While most of us are familiar with the traditional baby shower, there’s a growing movement toward celebrating not just the baby—but the mother herself. That’s where a Mother Blessing Ceremony comes in.
While both celebrations have their own special place, understanding the difference can help you choose what aligns best with your heart and needs during this sacred time. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or your fourth, the way you are supported and seen matters deeply.
Let’s explore the unique beauty of each gathering—and introduce you to a special offering from Hold The Mother that brings sacred support to your motherhood journey.
What Is a Baby Shower?
A baby shower is a well-known celebration that focuses on welcoming the new baby and equipping the parents with practical items they’ll need—think nappies, clothes, bouncers, gift vouchers for services and all baby gear to get you places.
Traditionally:
Friends or family members host the event
More commonly it is celebrated with a mix of family and friends, with both parents
There are often games, lighthearted activities, and themed decorations
Guests bring gifts for the baby
It may include lunch, cake, and a fun, upbeat atmosphere
Baby showers are joyful and community-centered, but the focus is usually more on the baby than on the experience of the mother.
For many, this is a beautiful way to gather and celebrate new life. If you are longing for something deeper—something that honors you as the vessel of this transformation, well read more about a Mother Blessing Ceremony below.
What Is a Mother Blessing Ceremony?
A Mother Blessing Ceremony is a sacred, intentional gathering rooted in the desire to uplift and support the mother as she prepares for birth—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Inspired by Indigenous traditions, particularly the Navajo Blessingway (with respect to its origins), Mother Blessings are reimagined for the modern mother as a way to hold space for her power, vulnerability, and transition.
A typical Mother Blessing may include:
Rituals and sacred practices: such as lighting candles, the Red Thread, meditations
Words of affirmation: friends share love, wisdom, and positive birth stories
Creative expression: belly painting, henna art, or weaving flower garlands
Symbolic rituals: like a bead ceremony where each guest brings a bead for a birth necklace or bracelet
Body-based nurturing: such as foot washing, hand massage, or simple touch to honor her body
Rather than preparing the nursery, a Mother Blessing prepares the mother’s heart and soul for the journey ahead.
Which One Is Right for You?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some mothers choose a baby shower for the practicality and fun, and a Mother Blessing to go deeper with a smaller group of trusted women. Some do one or the other, and many do both. What matters most is what feels true to you.
Ask yourself:
Do I want a joyful celebration focused on gifts and games—or a quiet, sacred circle that honors my emotional journey?
Would I feel nourished by rituals and reflection, or energised by party games and laughter?
Do I want to invite a wide range of friends and family, or a close circle of women who hold me dearly?
There’s no wrong choice. In fact, you might find that having both gives you the full spectrum of support.
Hold The Mother: Mother Blessing Ceremonies That Honor You
If your heart is leaning toward the sacred support of a Mother Blessing, Hold The Mother offers beautifully crafted Mother Blessing Ceremonies designed to honor and uplift you as you prepare for birth.
With Hold The Mother, we will work with you to organise and host a memorable ceremony to mark this time — we offer intentional, soul-nourishing support. Our ceremonies include:
Guided rituals to mark your transition into motherhood
Personalised affirmations and blessings
A deeply held, sacred space created just for you
Optional additions like herbal foot soaks, bead ceremonies
Support in planning and facilitating the entire experience
Whether you’re local or hosting virtually, we walk beside you with care and reverence as you step into your power.
“You are not just having a baby—you are becoming a mother all over again. You deserve to be witnessed, celebrated, and deeply held.”
To learn more or book a ceremony, and our current introductory offer, visit Mother Blessing Ceremonies.
If you’re looking for something that goes beyond the ordinary, something soulful, gentle, and deeply affirming—consider a Mother Blessing with Hold The Mother. You are worthy of this kind of care.
A big thank you to Teagen at Teagen Mac Photography for capturing Emily’s Mother Blessing, held in Thornbury in Autymn 2025.
Hold The Mother is dedicated to honouring, and holding the Mother during life's biggest transitions. We are Melbourne based Postpartum Doulas supporting families within 30 minutes of Greensborough, Victoria. Suburbs including Eltham, Montmorency, Diamond Creek, Plenty, Lower Plenty, Rosanna, Macleod, Rosanna, Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Northcote, Thornbury, Preston, Ringwood, Croydon, Warrndyte, Park Orchards, Templestowe, Doncaster, Kangaroo Ground, Research, Kew, Blackburn, Hawthorn and more
We are deeply passionate about community building, connection and wrapping mothers in curated, accessible care. We have a range of Postpartum Services available to meet you at whatever stage you are at, supporting you on the mother of all journeys.
Postpartum Doula Support, Virtual Doula Support, Doula Mentoring, Postpartum Preparation Sessions, Mothers Blessings, Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, Events and Education Workshops, Social Events and Clubs.
For more information visit our Services page, and book in a Connection Call to explore how to work with us.