What is ‘rebozo’?
Also known as ‘rebozo manteada’ and ‘rebozando’, it is a traditional technique originating from Mexican midwives, that utilizes a special handwoven shawl called a ‘rebozo’ to gently massage, rock, cradle, maneuver and support someone’s body in different ways to achieve relaxation and balance; stretching and loosening of the muscles and joints; or a specific desired physiological result (such as foetal positioning/descent, pelvic opening, tension release, etc.)
Why choose rebozo?
Rebozo technique is a gentle, non-invasive option that can offer a woman a wide range of benefits during her pregnancy, labour, birth, postpartum and parenting journey such as:
- Helping to relieve many pregnancy and labour related discomforts
- Releasing tension by loosening and stretching stiff muscles and joints
- Providing coverage for general comfort, modesty and privacy
- Promoting physical and mental relaxation and balance
- Preparing for labour and encouraging optimal foetal positioning
- Opening the pelvis, stimulating the uterus and assisting with pushing
- Supporting breastfeeding, bonding and the infant microbiome
Basic history of the rebozo
The rebozo is a traditional and sacred handwoven garment originating in Mexico during the Spanish conquest around approximately 400 years ago. It is a highly respected piece amongst the meso-American cultures as a symbol of the nation’s rich history and heritage, and is the iconic symbol of traditional Mexican midwives and their sacrifice, service and love for their community.
What was once an item of civil, religious and cultural oppression, the rebozo became an item that aided in Mexico’s liberation from their bondage. Used extensively by the women, the rebozo is also treasured as a woman’s personal companion through her life, acting as a practical help and aid to support her through her journey of womanhood, motherhood, her elderly years, and often even extending to the grave.
The rebozo is also a highly valued tool to traditional midwives where they have learnt and discovered how to use this garment as an effective item of pregnancy, labour and birth support to improve birth outcomes in their community where, very often, standard healthcare is not available. Through the years, these midwives have been so generous and have passed their wisdom onto the world where other midwives and birth workers can use the rebozo to help support maternal woman and improve birth outcomes all around the world.
Safe and Ethical Rebozo Practice
With over 150 different techniques for pregnancy, labour and postpartum support, most with a specific purpose and consideration for safety, it is important to be adequately and ethically trained in this practice through the guidance or knowledge of a traditional midwife. This route of training not only ensures proper wisdom and practice but it goes a long way in supporting and honouring the roots of this ancient practice. It also serves in giving credit and honour to the traditional teachers who gifted us with this profound wisdom while supporting the artisanal community to prevent appropriation and possible extinction of this delicate art/craft.
Why Choose Authentic
When it comes to authenticity, we must consider the roots of the rebozo as a garment, a practice and as an artistic craft. As the rebozo is fundamentally Mexican (or meso-American to others) in its origin, we need to consider the issue of cultural appropriation and how to avoid it. Due to the rich history behind the rebozo and the growth of its practice, primarily in the field of maternity, the rebozo is held as deeply special, symbolic and sacred to the Mexican people. By choosing authentic when purchasing a rebozo or practicing its techniques, you are showing respect to the history and nation; giving credit where it is rightfully due; and acknowledging the deep personal sacrifice of the Mexican midwives, their profound knowledge on the practice and their positive influence on birth, while ethically promoting it with the potential to positively change birth on earth in the future for all women.
Cotton Berry Rebozos
Cotton Berry rebozos are authentic and made from 100% cotton yarn. Each rebozo is handwoven using a traditional loom method in Mexico. Purchasing an authentic Cotton Berry rebozo helps to protect the ancient craft of rebozo weaving while supporting the Mexican artisanal community to help minimize cultural appropriation against the garment, ancient art/craft and practice.
You can follow Cotton Berry on Facebook or Instagram for information on rebozo techniques or you can view the available rebozos for purchase in my shop.
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Visit my shop! I have an assortment of handwoven rebozos and unique, gentle aromatherapy products for you and your baby; all handmade with love and care.
