BELLY TO CRADLE, LLC
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Let's Talk REBOZO!

10/24/2017

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PictureChristina, Professional Doula
I had a client contact me saying, “I’ve been doing some research and I think I’d like to have a rebozo incorporated into my birth.” Thus, the search for a rebozo credential ensued. I found a great course created by birth superstar, Gena Kirby, and promptly joined. During the course, I learned so much more than just the basics of “rebozo”. Gena shared where the rebozo originated, all the ways it has been used over the years, and lastly how to use it to comfort a laboring mother. 

But what is a rebozo? Let's start with a little history lesson...

A rebozo is a long piece of fabric, usually about 6 feet long or more. Women in Mexico have been wearing them for centuries. Originally thrust upon them by the Spaniards, they were required for religious reasons to cover their heads with a piece of fabric. The women eventually took it and made it their own. That’s how the “rebozo” came to be known. Each family had different patterns they passed down from generation to generation. Years ago, you could tell if a woman was married by how she would wear her rebozo. A rebozo is given in wedding ceremonies, women are buried in their favorite rebozo, still today in the event of stillbirth, rebozos are treated with herbs and essential oils and the baby is buried in it. The rebozo is more than just a piece of fabric; its sacred to the people in Mexico.

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"A rebozo is a long piece of fabric, usually about 6 feet long or more. Women in Mexico have been wearing them for centuries...The rebozo is more than just a piece of fabric; its sacred to the people in Mexico."
But why (and how) would you use a rebozo during labor? During labor a rebozo can be used for SO many things:
  • labor comfort (this soft piece of fabric is large enough to act as a light blanket and "anchoring" tool for mom and partner).
  • optimal fetal positioning--a frequent use of the rebozo is "belly sifting" where the fabric is used to shift and shake baby into alignment when mom is on her hands and knees. A rebozo can also be used to do abdominal lifts to take pressure off of the pubic bone as well as encourage baby to dip into the pelvis. 
  • double hip squeezes: as doulas we are very well acquainted with the double hip squeeze which can be extremely useful for labor comfort--and tiring for the arms of whoever is doing the squeezes! When wrapped around a mom's hips, the rebozo gives the support person the ability to provide sustainable hip squeezes for longer periods of time. 
  • pushing: the rebozo can be used in a variety of ways to provide mom with better leverage during pushing. 
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Used in a labor setting the rebozo helps to bring the couple closer, and the techniques I share during a Rebozo Integration Session will ensure that even the most under-confident partner, can be hands on and supportive throughout labor and delivery. The rebozo helps make mom feel safe, calm, and comfortable. Mom needs her entire birth team to be confident and grounded, and taking my rebozo instructional session will help achieve that goal. This means that you can use a rebozo with or without the services of a doula! ​
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Rebozo isn’t just for labor! Rebozo if used properly can help relieve back strain and even that pesky belly pain late in pregnancy. When you take my private session, you will choose which rebozo you want, after labor and delivery you can use your rebozo for baby wearing. I will share with you how that can be achieved during our session as well. And maybe the very best part of our new Rebozo Integration service is that you receive a traditional rebozo of your very own to keep as a tool for your birth, your postpartum, future births, and as a treasured keepsake!

Are you curious about how a rebozo could play an invaluable role in your birth? Contact me today to schedule your session!
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Belly to Cradle Birth Stories: Jeffrey's Birth

10/12/2017

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October 22, 2016 was the day I became a Mama. Tre (the hubs) and I woke up at 5:00 in the morning and packed our baby bag, favorite comforter, preconceived notions and headed to Baptist hospital for my scheduled Cesarean section. Had it been up to me I would have delivered in the ocean surrounded by dolphins and mother nature (yes I am that extra) but my child was stubborn from the beginning so that was not to be.

​We arrived with grandparents and doula in tow. Everything felt like some sort of dream, a mix of adrenaline and good drugs. All of a sudden I'm in the operating room and everyone is telling me how great I'm doing. I wasn't doing anything but I appreciated the words of encouragement. Lauren, our doula, was there and able to take pictures of the whole event and Tre was very brave throughout. We waited and chose not to find out the gender of our child until the day of so when the time came all of the doctors and nurses got quiet and called my husband around.
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He said"We have a son!" Our sweet baby boy Jeffrey was born at 7:17 and he weighed 8 pounds and 14 ounces. They laid that beautiful squishy mess on my chest and I was immediately in love. Now I know that new borns seldom open their eyes right after birth and they certainly don't raise their heads but mine did. My Jeffrey raised his head and looked straight into my eyes.

​Everything after that is a blur. Tre got to tell the packed waiting room the excellent news and I swear you could hear the screams of joy and laughter down the hall. Of course friends and family from all around came to see the new little one and I didn't mind. I know some people find it overwhelming and I can certainly see why but for me I was so happy and proud that I wanted to show him off to everyone. Eventually the crowd diminished and it was just us three. We were elated, terrified, exhausted, and forever changed. Jeffrey will be two in a couple weeks and he is still the most amazing thing I've ever seen. He makes everything better. He makes me love my husband more for how wonderful of a father he is, he makes me cherish the time I do get alone, he makes the world better, and he makes me a better person. I did not get the birth I planned but I did get an amazing birth and an amazing human being that wakes me with kisses and shares his partially eaten Cheerios with me. Thanks to everyone who helped that day and everyone who continues to help.
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600 University Office Boulevard 
Building 4
Pensacola, Florida, 32504

​We proudly provide
Childbirth Education, Placenta Encapsulation, Lactation Consultations & Doulas
​ in Pensacola, Milton, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Crestview, Ft. Walton, Florida.

Copyright 2017, Belly to Cradle, LLC.
​Photo Credits: Kayla Reeder Photography, Lynette Sanders Motherhood Photography,
Savanna Morgret Photography, Finding Beauty in the Ordinary Photography,
​& New Light Birth Photography
Photos used under Creative Commons from Daquella manera, koadmunkee, Wonder woman0731
  • Hello
  • Our Team
    • Our Office
    • What Clients Say >
      • Heidi's Story
      • Robert & Courtney's Story
  • Services
    • Doula Care
    • Sibling & Postpartum Doula Care
    • Placenta Encapsulation
    • Childbirth Education
    • Lactation >
      • Book Your Consultation
      • Getting Lactation Reimbursement
  • Packages
    • Cost Management
    • The BTC Gift Registry
  • Resources
    • Lending Library
    • Local Resources
    • Client Portal
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Our Birth Center