Women have many options for coping with pregnancy discomforts and labor pain, and there is no single right way to give birth. Learning about different comfort measures can help you feel more prepared and confident as you approach labor. Pain management options may include massage, counter pressure, breathing techniques, TENS units, or epidurals.

One of the oldest tools used for comfort during labor is gaining renewed attention: the rebozo. This traditional woven cloth has been used for generations and continues to be incorporated into modern midwifery and birth support practices.

What Is a Rebozo?

The rebozo is a unique, woven cloth, similar to a scarf or wrap.

These special wraps originated in Latin America and have been around for generations. Mexico has a long tradition of using these beautiful pieces of cloth for pregnancy and daily life. In Mexico, the rebozo, also known as a Mexican shawl, is used as clothing or to carry babies. Women also use it to carry heavy loads on their heads.⁴ Traditional Mexican midwives use the Mexican shawl before, during, and after birth.¹

Rebozos come in a wide range of beautiful colors and materials. Initially, they were made from 100% cotton, but now they are sometimes made of other materials. They start at about 4 ½ feet long and come in different sizes. For pregnancy or labor, they should be long enough to wrap around your body and overlap. The scarf should have texture so it doesn’t slip.⁴

The rebozo for labor involves a midwife or support person, like a doula, using the scarf to gently move a woman’s abdomen, hips, or buttocks while standing, lying down, or on hands and knees. It is used this way before and during labor.¹

Rebozos are used during pregnancy and labor by less than 2% of women planning to have a vaginal birth.¹ It is one of many options if you plan on medication-free labor. But it can also be helpful if you have medications and other interventions.⁷

Benefits of Using a Rebozo

Even though there is limited research on rebozo use during pregnancy and labor, many women have given positive feedback about using it. Midwives also claim the benefits for labor. Possible benefits include:^1,2,3

• Reduced labor pain
• May support effective contractions
• May support labor progress
• Promotes natural birth
• Decreases the use of oxytocin
• Involves your partner and promotes teamwork
• Encourages your baby to descend into your pelvis
• Encourages your baby to get into the correct position for birth
• Increases psychological support
• Decreases anxiety

Related: 20 Natural Pain Relief Options for Labor

How To Wear a Rebozo

How you wear a rebozo depends on how you plan to use it. You can fold it lengthwise during pregnancy and wrap it snuggly under your pregnant belly. Some women also like to wrap it around their hips. You then tie the scarf together on the side or bottom.

The cloth is usually used as a sling to wrap around your belly, hips, or buttocks during labor. You can even wear it to carry your baby after they are born. Some women also wear wraps around their heads and necks in labor for comfort.

Rebozo for Pregnancy

In this video, a midwife demonstrates how a rebozo can be worn during pregnancy to provide support and comfort.

A rebozo scarf can be worn around or under your abdomen and hips during pregnancy to provide extra support. The additional support can help with pregnancy discomforts such as back pain. It may also help with round ligament pain. Your round ligaments run up the sides of your abdomen and get stretched during pregnancy, sometimes causing sharp and painful spasms.⁴

At the end of pregnancy, a wrap may help to get your baby into your pelvis if they are still floating up high. It can be beneficial for individuals who have had multiple pregnancies and have weak abdominal muscles.²

Techniques for Labor

This video shows how a rebozo may be used during labor to support movement and help encourage optimal fetal positioning.

Wrapping a rebozo around a laboring belly and moving it in different ways may help to move a baby into the correct position and down into the pelvis.⁵ Always check with your doctor or midwife to ensure that using a shawl in this way is safe for your situation.

Sifting, or “manteada,” involves a rhythmic jiggling of the pregnant abdomen or pelvis with a wrap. Gentle sifting with the cloth may relax tight abdominal muscles, ligaments, and fascia.⁵ Fascia is a thin connective tissue that holds your organs and muscles in place.⁶ Sifting may also help your baby to rotate into a good position for birth.⁵

To do rebozo sifting, you get on your hands and knees, and the scarf will wrap around your belly like a sling. Your midwife or support person will hold the ends of the wrap and jiggle or “sift” it from side to side.⁵ One person can do the sifting, but it is easier with two people, each taking one end of the scarf.

Another way to do sifting is to wrap the scarf across the hips or buttocks and gently shake it back and forth. This technique relaxes your pelvic floor muscles.⁵ The mother can lie down, lean on a wall, or be on her hands and knees for this type of sifting.

In this video, a rebozo is used during the pushing stage to help provide focus and support while bearing down.

The wrap can also be used for the pushing stage of labor. Hold onto both ends of the wrap while your partner or other support person holds it in the middle. Then, pull on the cloth while bearing down and pushing. This technique can help you focus your pushing efforts on the right muscles. It is beneficial if you have an epidural and have little sensation to push.⁸

Related: Best Positions for Active Labor

Rebozo for Postpartum

Good news! You can also use your rebozo after your baby is born. You can wear it around your belly for support in a similar way as you did during pregnancy. This support often feels good as your body adjusts to giving birth and returns to pre-pregnancy shape.

In this video, a rebozo is used for postpartum support and babywearing techniques.

You can also use a rebozo to wear your baby by wrapping it around you and your child. This requires some practice and skill, so finding someone experienced to help you or watching instructional videos can be helpful. For safety, your baby must be wrapped high on your chest so you can easily lean forward and kiss them.⁹

A wrap is also helpful if you are uncomfortable breastfeeding in public. You can drape it over your baby and shoulder to provide privacy. In a pinch, you can even use it as a blanket for your baby.

Related: Benefits of Babywearing for Mom and Baby

When To Not Use It

Rebozo techniques should always be used gently and with guidance from a trained provider or support person.

There are a few situations when using a rebozo for sifting is not recommended:⁵

• If it’s painful
• If you have had recent round ligament muscle spasms
• With a placental abnormality such as an abruption
• Threat of miscarriage

The rebozo is a traditional woven cloth with a long history of use in pregnancy and childbirth. While scientific research is limited, many midwives and birthing people find it helpful for comfort, movement, and support during labor. Learning about tools like the rebozo can help you make informed, personalized choices that align with your comfort and birth preferences.