A nurturing and ancient massage that honours the woman who just became a mother.
In traditional postnatal care this massage with rebozos and closing the bones ceremony is giving to a new mother in days and weeks after birthing her baby.
Althought this massage comes from traditional postpartum care in the South America and Central America societies, it can be found in different cultures around the world and and along history with some variations.
All of them have in common nurture and help to speed up the mother’s recovery. Because a woman’s needs in postpartum are the same no matter where you come from. A new mother needs gentle touch, relaxation, warmth, be nourished and being seen and understood. She needs to be hold in order to be able to hold and care for her baby.
In the traditional postpartum care, bodywork is an important part to offer. It is well understood the several benefits that brings, because not only helps with the physical recovery, also with the emotional and mental recovery as well. Therefore it is not surprising this massage is found with variations in another parts of the world.
Rebozos are long shawls used in Mexico and other Latin American cultures to massage and wrap the mother’s body. In other parts of the world, hands or other elements are used for the same purpose.
My interest in learning this massage and ceremony came at the beginning of my work as a doula. My best friend was about to have her baby. I was looking for a gift just for her. I knew about this massage and ceremony and was looking for someone to do it when I realised it could be me! I could learn it and offer it to her, plus it would be a great addition to my postnatal support services. It turned out to be a great idea!
I learned this massage from Sophie Messager, doula and postpartum activist and advocate. Sophie links traditional postpartum care with the latest evidence-based information, bringing a new version of Closing the Bones. Now, after three years of offering Closing the Bones I can assure you how beneficial, beautiful and nourishing this incredible massage is for all mothers.
What happens in a closing the bones ceremony
Before laying out the mats, shawls and blankets, there is always time to talk before we start. While the mother finishes feeding her baby and getting everything ready I start to hold the space for her🧡 We talk about life with her new baby, her recovery, her feelings and the expectations of having this ceremony.
I prepare the room, creating an intimate, cosy, warm and safe space. Rebozos and shawls placed on the mat, their colours forming a cosy and beautiful rainbow in the centre of the room.
Then I invite mum to lie down. I explain to her what she can expect from this massage, that she will be in control at all times and that I will follow her guidance. During the ceremony we will honour her and her body, acknowledging the incredible journey she has been through. We will put words, awareness and be open to any emotions that may arise.
We breathe together and the gentle touch begins.
The coloured rebozos will rock her body. Head, shoulders, pelvis, arms and legs. Rocking is a primary sensation, the one we use to soothe our children, so it is perfect to bring relaxation and calm.
I then wrap her whole body in the same rebozos, bringing a sense of closure. Many women describe it as being held and cuddled. Emotions often released during this part of the process, which is not surprising as western societies have lost the recognition and proper care that a woman needs when she becomes a mother.
Wrapping is another primal sensation that brings feelings of safety, containment and warmth.
With her wrapped and covered in a thick blanket we are in silence, with music, poem, aromatherapy and candles. Letting thoughts and feelings just be. Closure in postpartum is happening, after the opening that took place during pregnancy and childbirth.
Postpartum recovery needs a gentle touch, but also time and space to hold the new mother.
When is the best time for a postnatal rebozo massage and closing the bones ceremony?
The first few days and weeks are perfect for this massage, as it is not only physically beneficial, but also powerful in releasing all the emotions associated with birth and motherhood.
Here are the details of a Rebozo Postnatal Massage and Bone Closing Ceremony.
Working on the three levels, physical, emotional and spiritual, means that it can be done months and years after birth, as well as at any time of transition in a woman’s life.
Closing the bones accompanies and supports the loss of the baby.