The Mighty and Humble Rebozo
I’d heard the word rebozo at least a hundred times before I finally decided to look into what it really was. I knew it was a tool used by some doulas and midwives to assist with labor and birth. I have no idea why it took me so long to finally check into it. Now I like to give a few tips for how to incorporate a rebozo into birth during my classes. You can know A LOT about what to do with one, or a little. There are even entire certification courses a birth professional can take to learn about using rebozos. But even just knowing a few simple techniques can be really helpful in labor.
The rebozo is not just a labor prop or a fashion statement in some cultures, it’s a tool that is used daily and is essential to their cultural identity and for basic functioning in their lives.
While looking into its uses for labor and birth, I came across some of the history of the rebozo and I think it’s interesting enough to share.
The History
When Spanish settlers arrived in Mexico, the women wore mantillas…..a Spanish style shawl. They were usually lace and very delicate and pretty. The native Mexican women took the idea of the shawl, but incorporated it into their own using colorful native textiles and embroidery techniques. The rebozo became very popular among women of all ranks and income levels. They became useful in a new way during the early 1900’s for women aiding in the revolution. They used the large shawl-like garments to smuggle guns. Pretty amazing. Rebozos have also been used to carry babies and to shroud the dead. They are useful for carrying food and purchases, for protection from the sun and wind and cold. They can be wrapped around a pregnant belly to provide support as the baby gets heavier. They are not just a fashion statement, although Frida Kahlo did contribute to making them a pretty popular fashion piece.
For Birth…..
For the purposes of birthing, I’ll share a few techniques that I like to teach.
-
-
- Double Hip Squeeze – With mother leaning forward (hands and knees, kneeling over something, standing and leaning forward on something) place the rebozo around the hips and below the belly. Bring both ends to the back. Pull ends to cross over each other in opposite directions using firm pressure. Twist to hold it in place. This technique usually feels good during labor and can take some of the feelings of pressure off of the pelvis. It can also help give a partner a break from using hands and body strength to perform the maneuver.
- Tummy Lift and Sift – With mother on hands and knees, place the rebozo around the whole belly (under the bustline and to the hips). Holding an end in each hand, gently pull straight up toward the ceiling and wiggle gently back and forth or make slow gentle circles. This can feel great during labor, but also during pregnancy. If the belly is beginning to feel very heavy and is causing a lot of pressure, this can take the weight off and feel great. Done regularly in later pregnancy, it can also help baby get into a great position for birth.
- The Push and Pull – During the pushing stage of labor, the rebozo can be used to help get baby out. Mother and a partner sit on the floor or bed facing each other, knees bent. The rebozo is around the partner’s back and the mother is holding both ends (one in each hand). When it is time to push, both partners engage and begin to lean back. The partner works to remain very straight, strong and still, while the mother is pulling back on the rebozo. This helps engage the deep pushing muscles with much less strain.
-
How Can I Get One?
You can buy a traditional Mexican rebozo online. I like to encourage this because they are beautiful and it helps to sustain the cultural heritage of rebozo weaving where it originated and helps support small rural artisans. This website also has lots of great pictures of rebozos in use and some more about its history.
In a pinch or on a tight budget? A large scarf can be used to perform these techniques or even a hospital sheet.
This is a short piece about using the rebozo for pregnancy and birth from Spinning Babies.
Enjoy!
Author Info
No Comments