I have been on quite a journey learning about this thing called Closing the Bones.

In May 2017 I was drawn to work with Sophie Messager who a few years ago in a beautiful place called Cae Mabon. Deep in the heart of Snowdonia, at a doula retreat, met Rocio Alarcon, an Ethnobotanist from Ecuador. Rocio straddles two worlds; one of the forest, the ancient peoples and the shaman’s rituals, and the fast-paced world of science.

Under the gaze of the mountain, next to the babbling Welsh brook, Rocio taught Sophie to honour a woman who has just given birth. Reminded Sophie that a woman’s mind and body need and deserve to be nourished, nurtured and kneaded. Rocio’s gentle hands warmed Sophie and her lilting words guided Sophies in her learning as Rocio modelled the movements to massage a mother’s body.

This drew me to want to learn the techniques as Sophie describes “With her ‘manta’ or shawl, she showed us how to rock and relax a woman. As a baby in the womb we are rocked as our mother walks, as a baby we are rocked in arms or in our cradle, as old people we rock in our chairs. To be held and rocked is deeply relaxing and feels safe at a cellular level.” Sophie Messeger

This is such a magical experience to nourish and honour a woman in the very early postpartum days.

So I have learned to use my hands to gently stroke my clients with warm oil and to wrap you with the shawl, leaving you feeling soft and warm. To honour your belly and hips, where you grew your baby, is a profound moment, for both giver and receiver.

Sophie says that “Many women. Knowing they needed this ceremony to close the circle of pregnancy and childbirth. It is rituals that are the punctuation of our lives; baptism, weddings, funerals. Yet we have nothing to mark the supreme achievement that is motherhood.” This was one of the strongest points that drew me to this work as the light went on in my head this is the missing link as we do not mark this supreme achievement.

Through Closing the Bones, or ‘hipping’ as Rocio calls it, I aim to celebrate motherhood and draw attention to the perfection that is a mother’s body. However she birthed her child, this is a time to breathe, reflect on her journey so far and feel loved and supported by her community. This enables grounding and reflection and healing at both an emotional level and cellular level too.

The price included set up and pack away time outside of the two-three hours booked depending on which package you have booked.

Travel cost of 45pence per mile will be added 15 miles from DA12 5PD. I work with a network of bone closers so I will ensure you get the same two practitioners at your sessions when you book the three session packages.

Sarah Wickham Rebozo Part 1 25th September 2017

Doula Maddie A Rediscovered Much Needed Ritual Returning To The Western World! 1st September 2017

Virginia Valli Closing the bones, a journey in-between worlds 5th July 2017

Sophie Messager  Today I was healed-a story of loss 30th April 2017

Doula Maddie Friends Close the Bones 25th April 2017

Sophie Messager Closing the bones: a male doula’s experience 30th March 2017

Sophie Messager Weaving the cloth of support through a woman’s life, part 4: Closing the bones 6th July 2016

Sarah Wickham A few rebozo resources March 2015

Photos were taken by Jacqueline Grimsley May 2017