There are several ways to use a rebozo.
Originally, rebozos are used in Mexico, all through Central America and South America for all manner of things such as a knapsack, as a cold weather warp, as a baby carrier, as protection from sunshine, or folded on the head to carry large and heavy objects.
Mexican midwives have been using the rebozo for centuries to help women in pregnancy, labor, postpartum - and beyond.
And this is probably where it gets interesting for you.
Let's dive deeper into how a rebozo can support and accompany you on your maternity journey…
And remember to check out our latest rebozo collections Here
Rebozo for belly binding in Pregnancy, photo credits Antama
REBOZO FOR PREGNANCY
You can start using a rebozo in pregnancy. It can be wrapped around your stomach and hips to provide extra assistance for your expanding belly as your baby is growing.
REBOZO FOR MASSAGE
Nowadays, the rebozo massage is well known to relax pregnant people. It is said to ease up the lower back and pelvic floor area and to increase the natural energy flow in the body.
Did you know that rebozo massages can be given to men, too? Nowadays, it's less common, but also men can enjoy the benefits of going within, slowing down and being held in the tight wrap of a rebozo for sure!
Rebozo massage with Antama rebozos, photo credits Taya Shopen
REBOZO FOR LABOR
If babies aren't already in the heads-down birthing position, rebozos can be used by trained midwives or doulas to move the baby to an optimal position for birth.
The process of wrapping the mother in a rebozo to position the baby in a head-down-facing-toward-your-back position is called “acomodada” (to accommodate).
In this process, the rebozo will be used in a way to help the mothers relax their pelvic muscles and ligaments. This way, space is created for the baby to move into an optimum birthing position - it may even drop/plop right into the birthing-canal.
But not only does it have physical effects if a rebozo is used during labor. The rebozo strengthens the connection between mother and the birthing team (partner, midwife, etc …)
Rebozo treatments with Antama's rebozos. Photo credit Myrha Nava
REBOZO AS PART OF THE POSTPARTUM CARE
The journey of a mother and her rebozo obviously continues after birth. Carefully wrapped around the sensitive after-birth womb, it supports the body to gradually come into shape after the intense stretch it went through during pregnancy.
Energetically the womb can feel very open after labor, as if wind is swirling through this area. Wrapped with protection, this post birth experience will be lessened.
Babywearing a toddler in a longer Rebozo, photo credit Antama
REBOZO AS A BABY CARRIER
Clearly, the most common way to use a rebozo is to carry your baby.
The benefits of baby wearing are: the promotion of attachment, a sense of safety and bonding between parents and child and having your child close whilst being mobile and getting the “everyday things” done.
For more info check out our blog article about the benefits of babywearing
Desierto Cactae rebozos from Antama in a closing the bones treatment, photo credit Mary Giordano
REBOZO FOR A “CLOSING THE BONES” CEREMONY
This ceremony is a combination of a rebozo massage and a herb bath that focuses on the abdomen and hip area and ends in being wrapped and swaddled in 5-7 rebozos (depending on the set up and practitioner).
This is more than just physical work. It is a deeply energetic process.
It is said that pregnancy and birth is the greatest expansion a woman can go through. A mother expands on all seven layers of the body during pregnancy, she undertakes an extreme opening to accommodate the life and soul of the baby to be birthed through her, so it is an expansion of both physical and energetic body.
That's why a closing after giving birth makes so much sense. There is absolutely no limitation, it can be held years even decades after giving birth.
The “Closing The Bones Ceremony” serves as a deep rite of passage and marks the ending of a chapter. Besides being held in postpartum, it can be applied after a miscarriage, for a fertility treatment or to mark other important changes or events.
This rite of passage is for all people, not only women. Men and children also benefit tremendously when treated.
Go into more depth on our blog and read our article: “The rebozo: cultural background”
REBOZO DURING MENSTRUATION
In the Mexican tradition, when a baby is born the mother uses the rebozo to carry and swaddle her baby. When a daughter enters womanhood and starts to bleed, the rebozo is used to provide comfort and during her menstruation.
We highly recommend the use of a rebozo during menstruation to warm the belly, womb, waist and kidney section.
Besides the rebozo, we also advocate the use of a faja during menstruation, if you feel you want to add more support and warmth to your womb. Mexican Fajas (belt/sash) are made out of double cotton fabric and are easy to wrap around the womb.
Check out our latest faja collection and get inspired!
Caminitos natural dyed rebozo, photo credits Antama
REBOZO AS A DAILY COMPANION FOR COMFORT AND SECURITY
Rebozos are woven with great intention and, beside its physical use, are a noteworthy tool for energetic protection. It gives its user the ability to connect deeper to self and aids in extra care and support to connect deeper to oneself in our everyday life.
