SILLY ME .... So What Are Birth Beads?

[ishereal]

Okay Okay I know I am way out of the loop but would love to know what they are and what they are used for :o .

[Anouk]

Each member of a group (due date club, blessing, baby shower, etc) brings enough of the same bead that they have chosen to the event (or mails it in), and then each person who attends gets back one of each of the beads that everyone has selected, along with a little note or saying about why that person chose that bead and what it means to them for labor, delivery, nursing, etc. Then you string the beads and wear them during those events, all the while remembering the good and supportive thoughts from those folks.

[DawnLasp]

That's a lovely idea. I may consider that for myself. Thanks for the post.

[GracesMama]

For me, my friends gave me a Mother Blessing, and each woman brought a bead that held some signifcance to her to be contributed to a "birth bracelet" I plan to wear while in labor. I'm hoping it will remind me that all those friends are thinking of me and praying for me while I'm in labor, and it will keep me strong. One friend brought enough beads to make 2 1/2 year old DD one too. It was so cute!!!!

As for significance of the beads, some women just liked the look of the bead they brought, but one friend brought a blue bead to signify Mary, another brought a blue bead signifying true love, another brought a pink bead because I'm having another girl.

[XanaduMama]

I've never used them before, but I was imagining also potentially using them like rosary/prayer beads (though I've never used those either!)--counting them off while chanting or just counting to get through tough cx's. I found that sort of rhythmic, repetitive action really helpful last time.

[ishereal]

I've never used them before, but I was imagining also potentially using them like rosary/prayer beads (though I've never used those either!)--counting them off while chanting or just counting to get through tough cx's. I found that sort of rhythmic, repetitive action really helpful last time.
good idea with the counting the beads off, I will try this.

[lil_earthmomma]

I threw my sister a Mother Blessing type shower and bought a bunch of different polished stones. I put them in a bowl and everyone sifted through them and picked one. Then I had everyone sit in a circle around my sister and while they strung their bead (rock) on, they said a possitive wish/blessing for her. It was so beautiful and meaningful, and she loved it. She wore the necklace during labor, and fingered the beads and ran them through her hands during contractions. She said they were very calming.