The Rebozo: Culture, Connection, Comfort

rebozo ri-boh-soh, -zoh; Spanish e-baw-thaw, -saw

-noun, plural re.bo.zos

1. a long woven scarf, often of fine material, worn over the head and shoulders by Spanish and Mexican women.

Also, reboso, rebosa, riboso, ribozo

Origin: 1800-10; < Spanish: scarf, shawl, equivalent to re- re- + bozo muzzle

A rebozo is a long piece of woven fabric, typically about six feet in length, that was used by Mexican women as a shawl, a baby carrier, folded to carry large objects on their heads, as a knapsack to carry things, 'Adelitas' used them to smuggle guns and ammunition past government checkpoints. Rebozos were also used as a way to mark the passage into married life, women were buried in their favorite rebozo and stillborn babies were wrapped in a rebozo treated with herbs and essential oils and then buried. 

The rebozo ties everything together in life and in death. It's a sacred part of the Mexican culture and deserves integrity, honor and respect. 

Rebozo wisdom and use has been passed down from midwife to apprentice, from mother to daughter, grandmother to granddaughter; and beyond. Rebozo use has been taught by oral tradition, techniques, observation, practice, repetition and guidance. 

Moving the woman's body in a rhythmic way operates like a massage on the woman during pregnancy, childbirth and also in the postpartum stage. The rebozo can help ease aches and pain, balance and relax the pelvis, uterus and the ligaments in order to allow more room for the baby to snuggle into the optimal position for birthing, to work with sensations during birth, to provide strength, comfort, relaxation and connection. 
Rebozo's can be used to sift the mother, be an aid in a double hip squeeze to help open the pelvis, rocking or dangling the mother, covering the woman's eyes and ears to block out light and distractions, for the woman to pull on during the pushing stage; and so much more!

During the postpartum stage, a rebozo can be used in a sealing ceremony that consists of different parts. A sealing ceremony can include an herbal bath, a full body massage and a rebozo massage. Traditionally in Mexico, it's to "close" the body of the mother and help the mother's womb return to its correct place. The very same rebozo that was used during pregnancy and childbirth can also be used to carry the baby. 

I am very excited to be hosting a Rebozo Workshop with Bridgette Becker of The Joy of Birthing in July 2017! As a doula and as a passionate woman who has birthed three of her own babies, it's very important to me that I always broaden my horizons, knowledge and wisdom to further benefit my clients, my client's partners and to offer the most personalized care I can. 

I hope that you will join Bridgette and I on July 15, 2017 for a Rebozo Workshop. Pregnant women, their partners and/or support persons, birth workers such as doulas and midwives, doctors, nurses or anyone who may find themselves supporting a pregnant woman during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. 

Visit The 'Workshops' tab to learn more about this event, RSVP to the event via the Facebook Event page, visit Bridgette's website, The Joy of Birthing, visit Petunia's Portraits Facebook page, visit the Albion District Library's website, or purchase tickets via the Eventbrite event page! 

We hope to see some familiar faces, some brand new faces and have a joyous day filled with lots of learning, lots of laughs and a new appreciation for the wonderful tool that is a Rebozo!