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Mother Blessing Grooming Ritual: Foot Bath

Help mom relax with a foot bath from you and anyone who wants to help out. This can be done as a group or off to the side while guests eat or engage in other Mother Blessing activities.

How to give a foot bath:

1. Fill a dishpan basin with warm water and fragrance the water with flower petals
2. To start the foot bath first let both feet soak in the warm water for a minute or so. As you work through the foot bath, remember to work on one foot and let the other one continue to soak.
3. Lather up the bar of soap and work on one foot while the other foot continues to soak.
4. Place the first foot back in the water and wash the second foot
5. Make sure both feet are completely rinsed off
6. If mom has been having trouble reaching her toe nails, grab some nail clippers and trim them for her
7. Massage each foot with some gentle pregancy-friendly massage oil. Do one foot at a time while the other one soaks in the water.
   • Rub a little oil onto your hands and very gently, begin at the heel (or even her calf) and slowly work your way to her toes in small circles.
   • Massage each toe individually.
   • Stroke your finger along each toe bone from her ankle to her toes
   • Do the same thing for the spaces between her toe bones, ending at the spaces between toes and separating the toes
   • Then do some nice long strokes with both hands from her calf to her toes
   • If she has any requests, follow them, but remember to be very gentle
8. Next, exfoliate the feet with some bath crystals, salt glow scrub or even a pumice stone. Rub gently in small circles giving extra attention to the heels and any other rough skin spots.
9. After exfoliation, rinse both feet thoroughly and take both feet out of the water.
10. You can dry each foot with a towel or use cornmeal to dry the feet. Drying the feet with cornmeal will impart a nice glow that is symbolic of luck and protection as she walks along her path.
11. Moisturize each foot

Any extra supplies would make a great gift to the expecting mom -- make sure her partner knows how to use them!

Notes:

• Keep in mind that not all herbs and essential oils used in grooming products are suitable for pregnancy. It is safest to err on the side of using unscented products, although lavender and rose are generally considered safe for the third trimester of pregnancy. If the mother to-be is having any complications OR if you plan to use any products that contain herbs and essential oils other than rose or lavender, make sure you discuss the foot bath and the products you intend to use with her doctor or midwife first.
• Mention your intention to give a foot bath ahead of time so the expecting mom knows not to wear panty hose or tights!