In Charleston, an old tradition has become a rite of passage for expectant mothers hoping to induce labor. Pregnant women drive down Chalmers Street, which features historic cobblestones dating back to the 1850s, in the hopes of encouraging labor to begin.
A Historical Tradition
Chalmers Street, lined with cobblestones that were once used as ballast on ships, holds a unique history. Tyler Friedman, founder of Walk and Talk Charleston, notes that the street is home to several historical landmarks, including properties built by influential women like Jane Whiteman, a free person of color before the Civil War.
The “Bumpy Ride” to Induce Labor
The tradition suggests that the bumpy cobblestones can help induce labor. Harlan Kempson, a local mother, tried the tradition after her mother recommended it. “I drove down Chalmers, and shortly after, my daughter was born a few weeks early,” Kempson shared.
Kempson reflected on how this tradition connects mothers across generations, saying it’s empowering to think of how many women have experienced the same thing on these streets.
A Mother’s Reflection
As Mother’s Day approached, Kempson expressed gratitude for her own mother’s support. “I wouldn’t be the mom I am today without her,” she said.
The Chalmers Street tradition continues to bring expectant mothers together, offering a meaningful connection to the past.
