Let's Talk REBOZO!

Christina, 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. 

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! ​

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!