A Blessingway is a beautiful pre-birth tradition that is planned for the expectant mom in the weeks leading up to an impending birth. “Blessingways”, also known as a “Mother Blessings”, are becoming increasingly popular as a way to honor pregnancy and motherhood. The special event involves a gathering of the mother-to-be along with her most trusted circle of family and friends.

The ceremony is an old Navajo (Native American) tradition, which celebrates a woman’s rite of passage into motherhood. Unlike a traditional baby shower, where gifts are purchased for the baby, a Mother Blessing is all about nurturing the mother-to-be and celebrating motherhood. No matter the religion of the mother, a Blessingway helps to prepare her emotionally, spiritually and mentally for the birth and the all-important role of a new mother. She feels “held in love” and supported by those she loves and respects. 

Linda Maldonado, known as the “Wildflower Artist”, has been enhancing Blessingways and baby showers in South Jersey for several years by offering belly art to the joyous celebrations. Using the pregnant belly as a canvas, artist and mother collaborate to create a unique and personalized design with safe paints and all-natural hennas that are FDA-approved. Some popular choices have included designs to match a nursery’s theme, favorite flowers or a seasonal motif to commemorate the due date. Simple designs can also be created for each of the guests.

Pregnant belly art can also take place in the comfort of one’s own home creating an intimate personal memory or a fun thing to do with other expectant mothers celebrating growing bodies and friendships. The process is calming and relaxing and it is said that those feelings transfer to the unborn baby. It is a fun and artistic way to remember your pregnancy and a therapeutic experience as well. 

Krause travels to the transitioning mothers making the experience as convenient and pleasant as possible. Belly painting is done by appointment and usually takes an hour or two depending on the complexity of the design.

Linda Maldonado, The Wildflower Artist, is based in South Jersey. For more information or to schedule belly art, call 267-252-9530 or visit WildflowerArtist.com.