What is Rebozo Sifting?

What is a Rebozo?

A Rebozo is a long, woven scarf-like garment. It can be used in many ways such as baby wearing, positioning a baby from posterior, and even relieving mommy with labor pains and even helps with reposition the mother during childbirth.

When to use Rebozo’s for Sifting Techniques

To describe this common technique, it involves wrapping the rebozo around the mommy‘s pregnant belly as she kneels over an exercise ball or when she leans against bed, sink, or wall. The Doula, Midwives, or childbirth supporter person, holds the ends of the rebozo and uses it to gently rock the woman’s hips or belly fromside to side in a rhythmic motion. These movements are called gentle pelvic massages, rocking or jiggling that helps to relieve discomfort during pregnancy and labor.

Rebozo Sifting Benefits

The rebozo ‘sifting’ technique is used to reduce tension in the pelvic muscles and ligaments. Here are some benefits below:

• Relaxing tight uterine ligaments and abdominal muscles

• Helping baby move into the correct position for birth

• Helping a birthing woman relax into her labour

• Helping her slow her breathing

• Reducing the need for medicinal pain relief

Avoid using rebozo sifting technique?

Doulas, midwive, childbirthing supporters knows this technique is paramount and although it works wonders, there are times you should avoid the technique.

• When some placenta complications are present (see your midwife or obstetrician for advice)

• When there is a threat of miscarriage, such as signs of bleeding or low cramping in early pregnancy

• When there is a history of multiple mid to late pregnancy miscarriages, or losses in past pregnancies

• If a technique is uncomfortable or a woman is not enjoying it then it must be stopped immediately

Always consult your provider to make sure techniques are safe and does not cause or pose any undue risks to your unborn child(ren) or yourself.