Celebrating Birth with a Birth Bead Swap

A birth bead swap is a great way to inspire, strengthen, encourage, and support a mama to be. They are usually done through a due date club, but can also be done at a birthing celebration.

The point of the swap is to remind the mother-to-be that she is not alone. That she is strong. That her body was meant to do the job it's about to do. That she is thought of and cared for. It's to inspire her to hang on, even if things get rough. To give it her all, even when she thinks she is at her breaking point. The beads remind her of all the support she has, even when others can't be there for her in person. They also remind her that she is not the only one on this journey to motherhood. That all around the world there are mothers taking that journey with her.

If doing a birth bead swap through a due date club, one person is chosen as the "distributor." Everyone in the club gets the beads they've chosen to share to the "distributor" and she makes sure everyone gets one of each bead. Often times a special saying is given with the bead. Whether it's the reason you chose the bead or maybe an inspiring quote. The beads are then usually strung together by the mother-to-be and can be worn or held during labor.

If giving beads to a mother-to-be at her birth celebration, each guest can bring a bead with them and add it to a string or chain for the her. As each guest places the bead on the chain or string they can tell the mother-to-be why they chose that particular bead for her.

In choosing the bead you'd like to share, make sure it has meaning to you. Maybe you believe that certain rocks, gems, or stones have a special influence on people. Pick one that you feel will be of good influence for mom. Maybe it's the shape of the bead that means something to you. An animal shape may represent an animal spirit to you that will help guide the mother through her journey. Remember birth isn't just a physical experience but also an emotional and spiritual one as well. Or maybe you just saw a bead that you absolutely loved or made you think of the mother-to-be. All these are great ways to choose your bead.

A birth bead swap is a great way to be with the mother-to-be, even when you can't be and to share your support with her.