The Rebozo: A multifunctional labor tool

What is it and what is it used for?

A rebozo is a traditional Mexican shawl. While the rebozo has many uses within Mexican culture (shawl, sash, wrap, baby carrier, knapsack), we are going to narrow in on its use as a multifunctional labor tool. The rebozo acts as an extension of the partner's arms to support the weight of the mother and align the mother and baby during labor. The use of a rebozo further helps to assist the mother into different positions for relaxation, as well as aid in rotation and descent of the baby.

How can it help me during pregnancy? During labor?

During pregnancy, use of the rebozo can help to relax the mother and provide much needed relief to sore and aching muscles. The same exercises that are used during labor can be done during pregnancy. Basic rebozo "sifting" exercises are often used to help with moving babies into correct alignment both before labor begins and during labor. During labor, rebozo exercises done between contractions in early and active labor promote relaxation for the mother, encouraging her body to let go of unnecessary tension. The rebozo is extremely helpful in supporting the mother in various labor positions by bearing her weight and promoting proper alignment.

Is it still useful after the baby arrives?

Yes! As your body recovers from the marathon of labor, the same exercises that you used during your pregnancy and/or labor will prove beneficial in relaxing your sore muscles. Rebozos also make excellent baby carriers and can be tied in multiple ways to keep your baby snug and close.

Are there any dangers to using a rebozo?

Rebozo exercises are safe and painless when done correctly and with respect to the mother and baby. That being said, there are a few instances where the rebozo should not be used...

• If the mother is experiencing round ligament pain spasms during mid to late pregnancy. Gentle sifting motions may not cause problems, but more rigorous rebozo use could trigger painful round ligament spasms.

• If the woman's placenta is in an anterior position (at the front of the uterus with the baby behind it).

• If a mother is considered "high-risk" or has had a previous miscarriage, then it is best to talk to their medical provider before using a rebozo. However, in most cases rebozo exercises are safe for both mother and baby.

Where can I find a rebozo?

It is pretty easy to find a rebozo (or woven wrap) online. Shapes, sizes, colors, and materials will vary. Look for one that is at least as long as you are tall and made of a sturdier fabric, as it will be bearing mom's weight. Large scarves, a sheet, or a piece of fabric will also work well.

What do the exercises look like?

To do the below exercise, have mom lie either on her side or on her back. If she is further along during her pregnancy, she may not be comfortable lying on her back. Should she become dizzy or lightheaded at any point, she should roll over onto her left side and rest for a minute or two before coming to sitting or standing. Place the rebozo comfortably underneath mom's head. Instruct her to release all of her tension and weight into the rebozo. Once you feel her weight drop into the rebozo, slowly lift the rebozo up and back very slightly (no more than an inch) to give a gentle stretch. You can stay here, or you can begin to gently rock the rebozo back and forth. This small rocking motion is very relaxing and aids with the stretch of the neck.

You can use a pillow between the knees for added comfort.

Legs may be bent or straight depending on mom's preference.

A bolster can also be added underneath the knees for added comfort.

The following abdominal lifting exercise is very helpful for low back pain and can be done both sitting on a ball or standing. To do this exercise, center the rebozo below mom's belly and wrap the ends around to the back. If using a ball, have the support person stabilize the ball with one foot. Begin pulling the ends of the rebozo towards the midline, creating a tension in the rebozo. The sides of the rebozo should be positioned low enough so that this pulling motion presses in on mom's hips. This "squeeze" pushes the pelvis into a relaxed and open position, relieving low back and pelvic pain, as well as creating room for baby to descend and reposition. In this way, this exercise is also very helpful when baby is not in a favorable position or is slow to descend. You can also tuck in the ends of the rebozo to make it hands-free, allowing the mother to move around however she desires. It also frees up the hands of the support person to massage and comfort the mother in other ways.

Support person stabilizing ball.

Criss-cross pull of the rebozo ends.

Hands-free double hip squeeze.

The following sifting/jiggling exercises are helpful in relaxing tight ligaments and realigning the pelvis to allow for the baby to move into the correct position and drop down into the pelvis. The top two exercises are performed by wrapping the rebozo around the mother's belly and very gently swaying the ends of the rebozo back and forth. Again, this should be a small movement and should be comfortable for the mother. Begin to increase the speed of the sifting to more of a jiggle. The movement will feel like a gentle vibration. There are many positions that this can be done in, including hands and knees (seen on the right), knee chest (seen on the left), or leaning over a ball or chair.

Similar to the above exercise, pelvic rocking utilizes the same gentle sifting movement and can be performed on mom's back with either straight or bent knees.

Gentle lifting and sifting motion to relax tight ligaments and aid in positioning and descent.

The rebozo is also helpful in supporting various labor positions. Use the rebozo to help support mom's weight during squatting positions, allowing her to relax more fully into the squat and giving the support person some assistance. To do this, you can place the rebozo under mom's buttocks in a sort of hammock-like position. Hold onto both ends of the rebozo as she sits back into the rebozo hammock. You can also place the rebozo around mom's mid-back and do a partner squat (as shown below) to give the mom leverage and support in the squatting position. The rebozo can also be used to support a "dangle" position, with the rebozo placed around mom's mid back and twisted in the front as she grabs onto the rebozo and dangles from the support of her partner. For mom's who find themselves pushing on a hospital bed, they can tie the rebozo to the birth bar and use it as increased leverage when pushing.

Moving into a partner squat.

The rebozo can be used in so many other ways to help relax the mom during pregnancy and labor, relive pain, encourage proper positioning and descent of the baby, and aid in various labor positions. If you plan to use a rebozo during labor, practice with your partner throughout pregnancy so you can become comfortable with the various exercises, as well as figure what does/doesn't work for you. Get creative and have fun with it!

Helpful Tips:

• Mom must feel comfortable. If the rebozo position isn't comfortable, then reposition or go on to another exercise.

• Mom must relax. Working against the rebozo is counter-productive. Encourage mom to let go of tension during rebozo work.

• The partner should be doing the work. Rebozo work should be easy for mom, but challenging for her partner. Holding some positions for minutes can give him/her quite a workout!

For more information on the use of rebozo exercises throughout pregnancy and labor or to answer any questions you may have, please feel free to contact me at nurturingchildbirth@gmail.com

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