Use of the rebozo & concerns of cultural appropriation (2022)
In recent years, there has been considerable discussion and debate within Western birth work. regarding the usage of Rebozos for the provision of non-medical comfort and support during labour and delivery.
Rebozos and similar textiles originate from Central America. The Rebozo is particularly iconic within Mexican culture. The cultural history, development, and modern usage of Rebozos in. Mexico are highly complex, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
As a result of this complexity, some Mexican people state the use of Rebozos as a comfort measure tool within Western birth work constitutes cultural appropriation. There is growing, but uneven awareness that cultural appropriation is a form of racism.
While there is undoubtedly a broad social consensus that racism is harmful, there is ongoing social dissent and unrest in all quarters of society as to what constitutes an act of racism and the threshold for harm. With regards to cultural appropriation, there is no consensus that it exists, what it is, or that it is harmful.
In the arena of birth work, this lack of consensus has manifested as significantly divergent views regarding the use of the Rebozo, and whether techniques with it can be taught responsibly and respectfully by Western birth work organizations, which are usually white-dominated.
In order to address this debate proactively and in a manner that is aligned with social justice values, Doula School undertook a policy research project to ameliorate its understanding of cultural appropriation, the history and culture of the Rebozo, and whether its current teaching practices were aligned with anti-racist principles in this regard. Doula School suspended the teaching of techniques using the Rebozo until such time as there were outcomes from the research project.
The research was designed and largely conducted by Keira Grant, MSc, EDI Lead and Social. Media Coordinator. Keira holds a master’s degree in health services research (policy concentration) and has professional experience designing and conducting health equity and social determinants of health policy research. Keira also identifies as a Queer, Black, cis woman. Keira drew upon these experiences in leading the research project.
Research methods included a literature review, qualitative analysis of discussions on Rebozo. within Doula School’s private member Facebook group, one-on-one consultations with 5 birth workers of. Mexican ancestry, including one Indigenous Mexican birth worker, and a roundtable discussion. with 3 birth workers, one a recent Mexican immigrant to Canada who is training with Doula School and two birth workers practicing in Mexico. We also conducted an interview with a university. professor (Ph.D.) teaching 18th-19th century Latin American history, with a focus on Mexico.
Questions or comments can be submitted to info@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net.
The policies outlined are related to and support the larger Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion priorities of Doula School as a vocationally registered training organization. The policies created from research completed by Doula School are set as a system of support for registered students and alumni of this organization may not align with the values or practices of unaffiliated training organizations. Students and alumni who train with Doula School. and continue to hold membership agree through their Terms & Conditions to recognize and support the updated policies of Doula School.
As a part of the larger EDI action plan and deliverables the policies outlined here will be added to a review and audit plan, in accordance with EDI strategies.
