Rebozo, Rebozo, wherefore are thou?

Rebozo is a Spanish word that translates to “shawl,” and represents the traditional scarf worn on the head and shoulders of Mexican women.

You can use the rebozo to help during pregnancy by folding the rebozo long ways and wrapping it very tightly under your belly and around the hips. Women enjoy the support and stability that this tightly wrapped rebozo offers, and feel that it helps with counteracting the hormone relaxin which causes your joints and ligaments to loosen in preparation for labor and birth. This support can relieve lower back pain and soreness.

During labour, a favorite among mothers and doulas alike, is the double hip squeeze - a wonderful technique for counter pressure on the back.

To do this, gather the rebozo under the belly, around the hips, and pull in opposite directions (pull strap in left hand to the right side and vice versa). You can then add a twist to keep it tight an to add more counter pressure on the back.

The rebozo can be used to play “tug of war” with a partner or support person during the pushing stage, with you holding on to two ends and your partner holding the rebozo in the middle, and offering resistance as you tug on the rebozo to help direct your pushes down and move the baby out. This is a great technique to use even if you are labouring with an epidural, as it really helps focus the pushing efforts.

One unique and efficient way to use the rebozo after the birth is as a girdle. You can tie the rebozo in such a way that it supports your abdomen while the muscles heal. This will help relieve the pain and provide some of the same benefits a girdle promotes, such as making it easier to move around and reducing the risks of developing a hernia, as the rebozo helps your abdominal muscles pull your uterus back into your torso.

Rebozos can be used after the birth to carry the baby aka. baby-wearing. Baby-wearing is very popular and has many benefits to mom and baby, both physical and psychological.