The rebozo is a shawl used in Mexico. Indigenous women use it to keep warm, given the temperature range, to 'carry' children, and to collect wood from the fields. Mexican 'parteras' (midwives) use it during pregnancy, labour and postpartum to help women and children cope with these situations, combining ritual and tradition.

During pregnancy, labour and postpartum, it can be used as an extension of the hands to massage the woman, align and position the baby in the belly. For midwives it is a real working tool.

Any woman or couple for massage during pregnancy or by positioning it to give support to the belly and relief to the lumbar area especially in the last trimester. Midwives can use it for turning babies in breech position starting from 34 weeks or during labour to give relief and to position the baby to find its way.

During the prenatal classes, the midwives Chiara, Giorgia and Elena are the only three people qualified to use the rebozo during pregnancy and will provide detailed information, sometimes even involving the partner. If the baby is in breech position, the gynaecologist in charge of the pregnancy will arrange an appointment for the couple with the midwife qualified to use it.

If it is necessary to use the rebozo during pregnancy or labour, it may be useful to obtain a fairly elastic and strong shawl, possibly made of cotton, at least 2.50 m long.

For further information, you can contact the Maternity Department and ask for Giorgia, Chiara or Elena at 0549 - 994506 or 994579.