Rebozo Use in Pregnancy
Birth and Postpartum
Traditionally worn many ways throughout Mexico and Central America, its many purposes include wearing it as a shawl, worn around a pregnant belly during pregnancy for support of the hips, used to aid with labor, wearing your baby, also used for rebozo massage and Closing of The Bones ceremonial purposes. Thanks to Frida Kahlo known for her beautiful rebozos, it has been declared as a Mexican cultural heritage and symbol of Mexican identity. Mexican midwives have used the rebozo to massage the woman's body by moving it rhythmically during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
While there is many types of rebozos, I source all my 100% cotton rebozos directly from Oaxaca, Mexico from a family who uses local artisans who have dedicated and put their heat into the this process of creation these last 45 years of their life.
There are two traditional rebozos from Oaxaca, one from the chilly mountain region that are made from warm sheep wool, and the other from Oaxaca's valleys that are made of a lighter cotton. While some still use a black strap loom, the more recent creations are made using a petal loom that was introduced by the Spaniards that came through Mexico.
While there is many types of rebozos, I source all my 100% cotton rebozos directly from Oaxaca, Mexico from a family who uses local artisans who have dedicated and put their heat into the this process of creation these last 45 years of their life.
There are two traditional rebozos from Oaxaca, one from the chilly mountain region that are made from warm sheep wool, and the other from Oaxaca's valleys that are made of a lighter cotton. While some still use a black strap loom, the more recent creations are made using a petal loom that was introduced by the Spaniards that came through Mexico.
Manteadas
In English this translates to Rebozo Alignment, traditional midwives describe the Manteada as "body rocking on a rebozo or shawl, with precise rhythmic movements.” This technique is used to accommodate the baby, if the mother's internal organs have been displaced during pregnancy or after childbirth. Smooth and precise movements swaying for about fifteen minutes produces deep relaxation, helping even at the time of delivery to alleviate your pain. The Pateras ( Mexican Midwives) believe that this helps to replace the organs, and to "affirm the waist" and “collect the womb because it is loose.” In this traditional technique a rebozo or a shawl is used, moving from one side of the body to the other in order to work with accumulated tension and emotions, resulting in relaxation, and immediate liberation from these feelings.
