Rebozo - your companion during pregnancy, birth and beyond
Inspired by traditional Mexican midwifery and due to the return to natural birth practices, the rebozo is gaining international importance. In this article, we want to tell you more about its use during pregnancy, birth and as a baby sling.
The Rebozo during pregnancy and childbirth
Inspired by traditional Mexican midwifery and due to the return to natural birth practices, the rebozo is gaining international importance. Particularly through midwives and doulas who learn the centuries-old Mesoamerican rebozo tradition and continue to live it with appreciation.
In Mexico, where traditional midwives have been supporting women naturally during pregnancy and childbirth for centuries, especially in remote regions, the rebozo is a central tool with deep symbolic meaning. The knowledge is passed on from the traditional midwives, the parteras, to the young. Learning the practices requires a long training period, in which not only practical skills such as massage techniques are learned, but also ritual and cultural knowledge. Its use should therefore always be done with respect and appreciation for its cultural significance.
During pregnancy
Photo credit: Antama
During pregnancy, the rebozo is often tied around the belly to provide support and to accompany the mother in daily life. It is also used for relaxing rebozo massages to calm the expectant mother and to have positive effects on mother and child.
During birth
During the birth phase, the rebozo helps to relieve pain, ease contractions and strengthen the bond between mother and child. Through gentle movements and techniques, it creates an atmosphere of calm and security.
After birth
Photo credit: Jessica Franz
In the Mexican midwifery tradition, the rebozo is used after birth for ritual ceremonies such as the “cerrada” (closing ceremony) to celebrate the transition into motherhood and restore energetic harmony.
The Rebozo as a sling
Photo credit: Antama
As a baby sling, it remains of practical use to parents long after the birth.
All rebozos that are longer than 2.50 meters can also be used as a sling on one shoulder with carrying rings or a knot. Of course, you can also get the rings to turn your Rebozo into a ring sling from us.
Size Chart
|
use |
Length: 2m |
Length: 2.5m - 3m |
Length 3m-3.20 |
|
Sling size |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Scarf |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Abdominal wrap |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Rebozo Massage |
✅for self-massage |
✅ for massages performed by a second person |
✅ |
|
Baby carrier
|
❌
|
✅ As a sling on one shoulder with carrying rings or a knot |
✅ As a sling on one shoulder with carrying rings or a knot |
Rebozo Massage: For self-massage, a 2 m long rebozo is sufficient, but for positions in which another person is being massaged, a 2.5 - 3 m long rebozo is most practical.
As a belly wrap / to support the baby bump: easiest with a rebozo that is longer than 2 meters.
For baby carrying as a sling:
A rebozo of 2.6-3m is often referred to as a size 2 and can be used as a sling on one shoulder with carrying rings or a knot. The rings are optional.
Local Impact
We source our rebozos and fajas from our Mexican partner ANTAMA . Since 2016, ANTAMA has invested 10% of its monthly proceeds in projects to improve the situation of traditional midwives. In this way, we are working together to ensure that the valuable traditions surrounding natural pregnancy and birth as well as sustainable handicrafts are preserved and valued.
Discover our Mexican rebozos and experience the connection to nature and the strength and empowerment they represent. Join our movement to support traditional midwifery and crafts in Mexico and create a connection between cultures!
