Closing the Bones

What is a postpartum ritual?

Closing the Bones is a deeply nurturing postpartum ritual that honours the profound transition into motherhood. The word ritual comes from the Sanskrit ṛta, meaning to create stability during times of change. 

When a baby is born, a mother is born too. Closing the Bones offers a space to be held, witnessed and celebrated on your unique journey. 

What is Closing the Bones?

The ritual centres on a gentle pelvic massage, followed by relaxation and full-body wrapping using rebozos (handwoven scarves). I'm trained in a practice that blends Ecuadorian and Mexican traditions, drawing on wisdom that has supported mothers for generations.

While postpartum massage and wrapping are less common in Europe, they remain an essential part of postnatal care in many cultures around the world. There is even evidence of similar practices being used in the UK in the early 1900s.

When is the right time?

There is no “right” time for Closing the Bones — only what feels right for you.

Some mothers choose to receive the ritual shortly after birth, while others come months or even years later. It can be a meaningful way to mark:

The end of the first forty days

Transitioning out of the fourth trimester

The completion of a breastfeeding journey

A personal moment of integration or healing

Closing the Bones can also be a powerful and healing ritual for mothers who have experienced baby loss at any stage of pregnancy.

Physical, mental and emotional benefits

On a physical level, pelvic massage and wrapping encourage the bones, tissues, and organs to gently return “home” after the changes of pregnancy and birth. The ritual can also:

Relieve muscle and joint tension

Encourage circulation

Support hormonal balance

Boost immune function

Mentally, the ritual provides a point of calm to counter the common experiences of overthinking and anxiety that come with motherhood. Emotionally, Closing the Bones creates a safe space for rest, reflection, and release — whether that happens during the ceremony itself or unfolds afterwards.

What the ceremony includes

Each ceremony is held with love and care, and includes:

Guided meditation to support grounding, relaxation and letting go

Gentle pelvic massage

A herbal bath to calm the nervous system and nourish the body

Full-body wrapping using handwoven scarves

Herbal tea

Time for deep rest and integration

Affirmations, music and aromatherapy personalised for your journey

I recommend new mothers have a partner, relative or friend to help care for the baby so they can fully relax. However, we will stop and start as needed so that babies are also lovingly held, fed and cared for!

What's the investment?

I recommend receiving the postpartum ritual in your own home, particularly in the early postnatal months. This is also the most practical option with the unpredictable needs of a newborn.  

However, I know that for some people, being in another home can create a retreat-like experience. This might be appealing if you are further along on your postnatal journey or there are factors - like renovations or other children - that make your own home a less relaxing place to be.

At your home (South London) £175 

At my home £150

If cost is a barrier, please get in touch and we'll find a way!

If you can afford more, then please 'pay it forward'. This enables me to work with women who wouldn't otherwise be able to access personalised care.  

With gratitude

I'm so happy that this offering has been enriched by the love and knowledge of my friends. Rubi has provided ethically sourced rebozos from the San Juan Yaeé community in the northern mountains of Oaxaca, and Jen has supported me in refining the herbal blends used for the bath and tea infusions, ensuring they are both nurturing and intentional.

"The Closing of the Bones ceremony was incredibly special and moving for me. Not only did it feel physically and mentally relaxing, it was really emotional in a way I hadn't expected. The ritual made me think deeply about what motherhood means to me. I felt cared for in a way that I think all mothers should, a chance to be held after lots of holding." Issy

"My birthing journey began eight years ago. From the moment I arrived, Tamsyn's home felt warm and deeply calming. Like a big cuddle! The pelvic massage helped my whole body to relax and open. The bath was a place of stillness - I really loved this part. When it came to the wrapping, I could feel that my body had softened and my mind felt lighter. I really felt held. The connection with my son felt powerful. I felt proud and full of love for myself." Helena