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 way to witness, honour, and gently integrate this seismic life transition.

What is Closing the Bones?

The ritual centres on a gentle pelvic massage, followed by relaxation and full-body wrapping using handwoven scarves (rebozos). I am 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 today, they remain an essential part of postnatal care in many cultures around the world. There is even historical 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. It 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 to your journey

What's the investment?

At your home (South London) £175 

At my home £150

I recommend receiving the postpartum ritual in your own home, particularly in the early postnatal months. 

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

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