gather at the mothertree

When we lived as a village, women would share their pregnancy, birth and mothering stories around the water well or fire. In our modern society, our first introduction to birth is often in dramatic, fear-based depictions in the media.

Giving birth is a transformational time in every woman's life. Matrescence - the physical, emotional, hormonal and social transition to becoming a mother - is an important rite of passage that deserves to be witnessed.

Birth Story Medicine Circles are sacred containers for us to share birth stories (if you want to), and heal birth trauma through compassionate, ceremonial witnessing. Facilitated by Rebecca, we will review guidelines for conscious listening, speaking non-arguably, and giving feedback.

So many women are subjected to unsolicited stories of traumatic births from the media, friends and family, and even strangers. We come together as sisters to honor the pregnant women, venerate them and bless them on their journey. We also eat delicious food, give blessings to the pregnant women, sometimes sing songs and do belly painting and more!

These gatherings are for women who have birthed in power to share stories, and for pregnant women to voice their fears without judgement and advice. If you are pregnant, come revitalize yourself as you hear power stories and create the blueprint for the future birth you are longing for. It does not matter where, how, or who you plan to birth with. All are welcome.

This chapter of life—the threshold of becoming a mother—asks everything of us. It is powerful, vulnerable, beautiful, and often unseen. In modern culture, postpartum care often focuses only on the baby, when what is most needed is to mother the mother—to gather around her with presence, care, and reverence for what she is going through.

Postpartum Honoring Circles are a call back to community: to remind new mothers they are not alone, they are not invisible, and their experience matters. These circles offer connection, affirmation, and support in navigating the emotional, physical, and spiritual transformation of early motherhood.