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Ceremonial Bathing
Ceremonial Bathing
Ceremonial bathing is a sacred bathing ritual for a new postnatal mother, typically
carried out several weeks after birth (or on the 44th day after birth in Malaysian
tradition). After birth, a new mother is open, raw and in need of cleansing and a
ceremonial bath is a beautiful ritual that helps to restore the new mother
physically, emotionally and spiritually, welcoming her into motherhood. It
cleanses her body and female aroma, honours her femininity and postnatal body
and empowers her as a new mother. Western society places so much emphasis
on a new mother regaining her pre-pregnancy body, however this beautiful
ceremony emphasises that the new mother is "perfect" just as she is in her new
postnatal body. It is a lovely ceremony to combine with a Sacred Tuck In and a
Bengkung Belly Bind. Back to Birth offers 2 different Bathing Ceremonies - Malay
Floral Bath and Milk and Honey Bath.
Malay Floral Bath - scented flowers (typically up to 7 varieties) to
symbolically wash away the scent of lochia being dispelled after birth,
fresh limes to cleanse the body and spirit and should you wish to
purchase your own, rose water can also be added for femininity (you
can easily find this online).
Milk and Honey Bath - honey to soften and moisturise your skin,
almond milk and rose petals.
What does a Ceremonial Bath Involve?
The ceremonial bathing process typically involves 4 parts:
1) Preparation of your bathroom space - I will set up your bathroom space and provide everything that you need for your
ceremonial bath. This typically involves cleansing the space (and you) through smudging, using crystals and positive
affirmations to set the intention for the space, arranging flowers, candles and other items that honour you as a postnatal
mother, playing background music and running your choice of bath (whether Malay Floral or Milk and Honey - your choice will
be agreed prior to your appointment). If there are any items that are of importance to you that you would like to have
present in your bathroom space during your ceremonial bath, I can easily incorporate these for you.
2) Should you wish to have a floral hair wreath to wear during your bath (this honours you in the "beauty way"), this will be
made in advance and brought to you on the day of your ceremonial bath (there is an additional cost for this)
3) I can help you into you bath if needed. You can then enjoy your bath for as long as you want/need to and I can look after
your baby! Your baby can join you in your bath if you would like this.
4) After your ceremonial bath, I will offer you a blessing to welcome you as a new mother.
After your ceremonial bath, a Sacred Tuck in and/or Bengkung Belly Bind can be carried out if you would like these services
and importantly, we will close the ceremony with chat and sharing tea and cake!
"Ceremonial bathing honours and recognises a new mother's strength and selfless
sacrifice she went through to birth her child into the world"