Some of the tools we use during pregnancy care, labor and thereafter have been around for centuries. We like to think of a doula Mexican rebozo as an essential prenatal tool that won’t ever change. Though it is commonly used to keep warm or accessorize an outfit, it can also be used in preparation for delivery and also to carry your baby thereafter. Usually during your third trimester in pregnancy, the doula Mexican rebozo is used for release of tension and helps with baby positioning.
What is the Rebozo Method?
The Rebozo method is a term coined by doulas where we focus on slowing down a woman’s breathing in labor. This technique involves placing the rebozo around the woman from the waist to below her bottom before she sits deeply in a chair. Take up the tension in the cloth then observe her breathing to be able to manage contractions.
How to use a Doula Mexican Rebozo for baby positioning
Rhythmic movement called ‘sifting’
Begin by having the mother lean against a wall with only the top part of her back touching it. Her feet are hip-width apart, her body is fairly straight and her bottom is not touching the wall. The middle of the rebozo is placed behind her, covering the area from the bra-line to just below her bottom.
The partner stands facing her holding the Rebozo near the front of her abdomen. Spending time ensuring that there is good tension in the cloth makes all the difference. If the cloth is saggy in places it will be uncomfortable and ineffective. Tension is then taken up in the cloth further by the birth partner before the motion begins.
The movement is called ‘sifting’ and the cloth is moved from side to side to provide a pleasant rhythmic movement of the pelvis. This can promotes relaxation and may facilitate some useful movement of the baby.
Relaxing the broad ligament
As your baby grows you will feel tension around the ligaments in your pelvis and hips. It is believed that tension within the pelvic ligaments may impact on the space the baby has to move in the uterus.
With the woman in an all fours position, stand above her, facing the same direction and place the Rebozo around her belly ensuring the whole ‘bump’ is within the rebozo.
Inform the woman that you will be using the same movement as above, but this time to relax that big broad ligament that lies across the front of her uterus. Encourage her to let her belly hang down and focus on relaxing. Ensure there are no baggy or loose sections of the Rebozo. Pull the cloth towards you to increase the tension a little, then begin the sifting movement.
Doula Mexican Rebozo for Baby Wearing
A rebozo can be used during postpartum, both as a type of belly band for support as your body gradually goes back to its pre-pregnancy shape and in some cases, as a baby wrap to carry your baby in. While there are many different ways to wear your baby, one technique involves wrapping your baby across your shoulder or against your chest.
How to Hold your Baby in the Rebozo
Place the rebozo over the mothers chest, with the ends at the top at the sides of her head. The mother proceeds to lay down on her back and place the baby on her chest. Wrap the towel around your baby like a burrito, secure with one hand, and gently rock with the other.
Alternate between rocking and patting your baby to promote alertness and comfort. You can use a pacifier if desired. Keep the rebozo across your chest to shield your baby from light. This can be a bit of a struggle during the early weeks.
Pre and Postnatal Care with Midwife360
Postpartum care is very important for a new mom, especially if this is her first time giving birth. At Midwife360 all of the midwives and doulas are extraordinary when it comes to making sure everybody is comfortable and that the pre and postnatal care is done correctly. Offering a wide range of services, from family planning to birthing, Midwife360 is there for all women of all ages.
