Closing of the Bones
“Mexican postpartum traditions and rituals have been celebrated for centuries and are dedicated to caring for new mothers with the purpose of uplifting and soothing her body as well as her spirit. The rituals offer a new mother the opportunity to come back to herself, massaging, cleansing, purifying, relaxing and closing her body in a soothing and special way, with gratitude towards her as the source of life that she is.”
Naoli Vinaver
Closing the Bones or “ La Cerrada de Huesos o Cerrada de Cadera”
The Closings ceremonies have been practiced worldwide to aid in the healing process of new mothers. Its purpose is to close energetic spaces and restore warmth to the body. Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, ceremonies like this have been deeply ingrained in cultural practices.
During pregnancy and childbirth, a mother’s hips may widen, necessitating realignment of the pelvis, bones, and muscles. This ceremony assists in guiding these structures back into place and supports the pelvic organs’ return to their pre-pregnancy positions.
Apart from physical benefits, the Closing of the Bones holds spiritual importance. It offers mothers a sacred space to process emotions, heal, and regain strength. During the ceremony, the mother feels nurtured and at peace, able to release the emotions associated with birth and motherhood. It is believed that as the mother undergoes the birthing process, her spirit travels to bring forth the spirit of her baby. The closing of the bones attempts anchor mothers spirit into her body.
This transformative journey allows mothers to embrace the full spectrum of their experiences and find solace in ancient traditions that honor the beauty and resilience of womanhood.
How does it work
The ceremony is a slow process that can last 3 to 5 hours.
Takes place usually in the mother home. Unless she has another preference.
There is 4 parts to the ceremony: full body massage; a steam bath (I call it “human temazcal”) ; a period of sweating under heavy blankets; and a closing of the body, focusing on hips, using traditional Mexican Rebozos.
The customary closing ceremony is typically conducted within the initial 40 days postpartum, yet it remains adaptable for any time following childbirth, including years later. It extends to instances of pregnancy loss, menopause, or any significant life transition requiring closure. The ceremony will be will be facilitated by another doula trained in the traditional Mexican practice.
Exchange: $500
Add-on to a postpartum doula care package: $400