module: 19

birth ceremonies

In this module, we’ll explore traditional postpartum ceremonies and healing practices from around the world, understanding their symbolism, their physiological wisdom, and how they can be safely and respectfully integrated into modern homebirth care.

You’ll learn how each ritual supports the mother’s physical recovery, energetic closure, and emotional integration, helping her body and spirit return to balance after the expansive work of birth.

This section will guide you through:

• The meaning and history of postpartum ceremonies across cultures, honoring lineage and the reemergence of sacred birthkeeping.

• Placenta-centered rituals which includes burial, encapsulation, tincturing, and prints as acts of gratitude and continuity.

• Blessingways and mother circles, rooted in community support, storytelling, and affirmation.

• Belly binding and its cultural origins, techniques, and how it supports healing, posture, and grounding.

• Lotus births and cord ceremonies: cord burning, delayed clamping, and their spiritual and biological benefits.

• Closing of the bones which is the symbolic and physical process of bringing the mother back into her body.

• The use of moxa (moxibustion) and warmth therapies to restore circulation and vital energy.

• Bone broth / herbal replenishment ceremony

• Understanding the history and art of yoni steaming