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The birthing necklace is similar to the labor necklace. But rather than having beads represent well wishes, give each guest one bead for each child they have. Then pass around a chord and have the guests add their beads. Present the necklace to the mother. She can carry it with her and focus on it during the birthing of her baby. Once the baby is born, have the mother add her own bead (if she already has children, have her add one bead per child) to the necklace. She can either keep the necklace or pass it on to another friend who is expecting. To add more meaning to the beads, pass around a journal during the blessingway and have all the guests write down their own birthing experiences.

At the end of the blessingway, present your guests with a small gift that makes a lasting memory of the beautiful occasion. Candles and soaps make wonderful mementos for the guests to take home. Ask them to light the candle every night until the baby is born. Be creative. Present them with favor boxes and ask them to place a marble or bead in the box every day until the baby is born. Have them decorate the box with ribbons or words of support and present to the new mother and baby. Find ways for everyone to be involved in the process so as to show their love and support for the mother-to-be during her pregnancy and birthing.

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There are endless things you can do during a blessingway. As long as the focus stays on the mother-to-be, pick activities that appeal to her. Light candles and have the guests sit in a circle and tell stories of their pregnancies, birthings and motherhood. Read poetry. Make a quilt for the expectant mother. Share in her joy and celebrate her passage into motherhood, whether it's for the first time or fourth.

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Other articles on baby showers:

• Baby Shower Entertainment
• What You Should Know About Baby Showers
• What to Feed Your Guests...
• What to do with Baby Shower Favors