Postpartum Closing of the Bones Ceremony

The Closing of the Bones ceremony is a traditional postpartum healing practice, often rooted in Central and South American midwifery traditions, that honors and supports the mother after childbirth. It is a deeply nurturing ritual that recognizes the profound physical, emotional, and spiritual journey of bringing new life into the world.

During the ceremony, the mother is gently held and cared for, often beginning with a warming herbal bath or soothing massage to ease tension and ground her body. Special cloths or shawls, such as rebozos, are then used to wrap and gently “close” the mother’s body at key points — the head, shoulders, abdomen, hips, and feet. This symbolic “closing” helps restore a sense of containment, balance, and wholeness after the expansive experience of pregnancy and birth.

The process is slow, intentional, and deeply restorative. It creates space for the mother to release what no longer serves her, to feel held in community, and to reconnect with her own center. Some ceremonies also include prayer, drumming, singing, or the sharing of nourishing foods, weaving together physical care with emotional and spiritual support.

At its heart, the Closing of the Bones ceremony is an act of honoring: honoring the mother’s body for its strength, her spirit for its journey, and her transition into a new chapter of life.