Rebozo Massage for Pregnancy & Birth

The rebozo is a traditional shawl woven and used by Mexican women. Traditional Mexican midwives use the rebozo to do the manteada, a rocking massage technique that is very useful in relaxing the pregnant women and encouraging the baby into the best position for health and labor. The rebozo massage is very relaxing, it balances and relaxes the pelvis, low back, uterus, and ligaments, allowing more room for the baby to tuck his chin and rotate into the best position for labor.

There are many variations of rebozo techniques for abdominal support, pelvic support, massage, rocking, turning posterior babies, and acynclitic babies. The rebozo is also helpful for the doula, midwife, or dad to support the laboring women in different positions. The rebozo is also used to carry babies after the birth. There are traditional rebozo massages for fertility, pregnancy, labor, complications, and postpartum. In addition, the rebozo massage is wonderful for all ages, far beyond pregnancy.

Here is a slideshow of a few rebozo techniques that I teach my doula clients and at the Birth Arts Doula workshops:

Online Birthing Classes for 21st Century Parents

Announcing....

The Co-Creative Birthing Circle

Online Natural Childbirth Education Classes for 21st Century Parents

at the Maia Institute of Co-Creative Healing

 

The Co-Creative Birthing Circle is a new, multi-media, comprehensive, online childbirth education class for expecting parents. This comprehensive class features an additional Birth Story Collection and Birth Circle Forum. The Deluxe Birth Circles includes private email and phone birth consultations, essential birth books, and a free bonus gift.

Learn to co-create the best birth possible for you and your baby with nature and spirit. Discover proven ways to natural ease labor pain. Empower yourself with traditional birthing wisdom and evidence-based maternity care research. Trust in birth, your body, and your baby.

The Co-Creative Birthing Circle features: 

• Natural Childbirth Education 24/7
• 7 Multi-Media Online Lessons
• Articles, Pictures, Videos, & Resource Links
  
• Over 40 videos on birth and natural parenting
• More than 150 links to the best articles and resources on natural pregnancy & birth
• Recommended Activities
• Birth Circle Discussion Forum
  
• PLUS: Birth Story Library
• PLUS: Birth Humor

The mission of Co-Creative Birthing is to create healthy mothers, babies, and families worldwide through trust and love for Birth, Nature, & Spirit.

Co-Creative Birthing Circle Facilitator Training & Sage Femme: Women's Healing Arts Circle coming soon!

  

 

Singing During Labor

Singing or toning during labor contractions is a wonderful coping technique for labor pain. Vocalization through singing or toning creates a vibration throughout the body that can assist the muscles and ligaments to relax. Singing and toning also facilitates full deep breathing which brings fresh oxygen to the mother and baby. Vocalizing can also relax the jaw which  correspondingly relaxes the pelvis. Singing or toning also has emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits promoting mind-body integration, centering, and focus.

Following is a video of one very talented birthing mama, who sings with her family to gracefully flow through her contractions.

Give Birth Slowly - Rumi

 

GIVE BIRTH SLOWLY 

 
A New Moon teaches gradualness 
and deliberation and how one gives birth 
to oneself slowly. Patience with small details 
makes perfect a large work, like the universe. 

What nine months of attention does for an embryo 
forty early mornings will do 
for your gradually growing wholeness. 

-Rumi 

Herbs for a Healthy Birth

by Rosetta Thuresson, Dip. H, www.mamarosesnaturals.com 

The moment that new life is awakened within a women’s being, an internal dance begins between mother, baby, and the earth. This natural bond between mother and child continues to grow throughout pregnancy, birth, and as each continue their journey together. It is intended that the formation of this miraculous and unique relationship remain instinctive, close to nature, without unnecessary interruption from technology and other exterior forces. Through the use of herbs, nature provides many sources of nutrients, which are essential in facilitating a harmonious experience for mother and baby as they approach the moment that they will meet eye to eye in our world.

When learning of having conceived a baby, it is very common for women to want to pay special attention to their well being. While trying to maintain good health, many women also experience physical challenges during pregnancy, such as symptoms of morning sickness, including nausea, vomiting, or indigestion, as well as feelings of fatigue and fluctuation in hormonal balance. Many medications to treat such issues are not safe to use during pregnancy for healthy fetal development. Herbs have been used for generations during pregnancy to assist the process of a natural birth and a healthy mother and child.

Nature offers an abundance of plants, often referred to as herbs, for all stages of the birthing process. Research confirms that herbs are rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other trace elements required for health and vitality. Each plays an essential role in keeping both Mama and baby happy and healthy throughout pregnancy. Low levels of vital nutrients such as iron, calcium, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and E may possibly lead to muscle cramps, backache, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, toxemia, postpartum hemorrhaging, or even miscarriage.

In the quest for obtaining ultimate nutritional health and internal balance during pregnancy and birth, many women have turned to the timeless and traditional use of herbs and natural remedies. Herbs are the most ancient form of medicine known, integrating all levels of personal well being at the internal source, acting synergistically to improve overall health and harmony of the whole person – in mind, body, and spirit. For millions of years, herbal remedies have been passed down from mothers to their daughters and granddaughters to help support the miraculous childbearing process, throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum care, and beyond.