Rebozos and Biomechanics.

As you know, I've been practicing the use of hand-woven rebozos within my doula practice, as well as, of course, the rebozo ceremony. We also know that practice makes perfect. But what is the master without the learning and the science behind it? Although that question may prompt epistemological and post-colonial conversations about what is science, knowledge only, whatever we want to call it, makes us see things from new, different lenses.

Through my rebozo practice, I've learned what feels good for women in labor. With some awareness of massage techniques, such as the more surface, the better benefits, the power of movement for pain relief, and muscle relaxation. Because I have picked bits from massage training courses, doula training courses, and my own experience using the rebozo, I felt like I needed the validation of someone saying, yes, all of that actually works. Some months ago, my friend and mentor Thando mentioned she was taking Molly O'Brien's Biomechanics course, and that they were trying to source some rebozos for midwives working at hospitals. What a wonderful and validating moment that was for me! Although I have zero commercial, importer, trading skills, I was not able to help them with that. All of my rebozos have gently traveled within my friends' belongings when they come and visit this side of the Atlantic. But the idea of this course existing, where they advise the use of rebozos by midwives at the labor ward, just sat in my head and filled me with excitement.

I looked into the dates and signed myself up for the next online course. Since signing up, Molly and her team were really nice, and they actually mentioned I was the first Mexican at their course. That was a big surprise. I guess there are other people teaching this in Spanish and from Latin American geographies. As a migrant person living in the UK, for me and my practice, it was important to hear what is being said here, in the local language and professional lingo as well.

It was great to sit alongside midwives that are fighting for the right of women to be informed and have access to choices, acknowledging there is always space to learn something new, and listening to practices from across the world to enrich their practice and provide better birthing experiences for women. Key learning is that movement, massage, and touch are essential tools for pain relief. Understanding how our bone structure has mobility and how rebozos can make a huge difference in helping explore and access this mobility.

This course has given me more confidence in my rebozo practice and a deeper understanding of why this actually works. ¡Vivan los rebozos! Long life to traditional practices and their adoption and acknowledgment by health institutions and practitioners! #Biomechanics #MollyObrien #rebozobiomechanics #painrelief #birth #pregnancy #Rebozo #rebozoceremony #closingofthebones