Rite for the Introduction and Healing of Women after Childbirth

Abstract

This essay suggests that a ritual for women after childbirth ought to foster community, hold ambiguity, and center the mother’s experience through the theme of baptism. As such, it is a rite of passage and healing. This ritual uses speech, readings, prayer, anointing, the sharing of milk and honey, singing, and an intentional use of the worship space. The ritual calls on the pastoral sensitivity of the ministerial leader to make adaptations, so that the context of the design does not become normative. Symbols or images that function as a remembrance of baptism are well suited for this purpose.