Labor Tools: Rebozo

What it is:

The rebozo is a traditional Mexican shawl that is long enough to wrap around a woman's body (about 4-5 feet). The rebozo is a multifunction tool for labor, used to assist the mother into various positions and for relaxation. If you do not own a rebozo, you can substitute a large scarf, sheet or piece of fabric.

How it works:

The rebozo acts like an extension of the labor partner's arms. It allows the partner to help support the laboring mother's weight so she doesn't have to. It can also help to ensure the mother is in the right position.

How to do it:

Because the rebozo is so versatile, we are not able to explain all of the ways to use it on this page. However, the basic use of the rebozo for positioning is this:

Place the rebozo around the mother's body so the ends can be held by the coach and the rebozo will help support the mother's weight.
Allow the mother to lean slowly into her position while the coach supports her by holding the ends of the rebozo.

Integrating it into labor:

Have the mother sit in an upright position. Place the rebozo so that it is under the mother's arms and goes over her chest or around her back. The coach stands behind the mother, holding the ends of the rebozo to support the mother's weight. The coach can gently sway the mother from this position.

Have the mother get in a hands and knees position. Wrap the rebozo under the mother's belly and around her thighs so that the coach can hold the ends above her. The coach will gently sway the rebozo side to side.

Wrap the rebozo around the mother's eyes and ears, blocking and muffling incoming sights and sounds to help the mother relax.

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