Belly-binding
Belly binding
Traditional wisdom helps modern families
Belly binding provides physical support and helps hasten the recovery process after childbirth. It supports the torso and organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position, supports abdominal healing and diastasis recti recovery, and supports the body's natural spine and posture realignment post-birth.
Does belly binding work?
For 9 months we, as mothers, have our bodies literally stretched to the max. Then suddenly, after birth, our bodies are no longer full. They feel boggy, squishy, and just downright strange. All of the hard work of growing a baby is over and our bodies now go into "repair mode."
In the immediate postpartum period, the uterus starts to shrink back down, the hips attempt to go back to where they were before, the skin starts to "de-stretch," and the muscles attempt to strengthen and tighten to support our bodies. Support this process with belly binding from your postpartum doula.
What is belly binding?
Sometimes referred to as "Bengkung belly binding" for its roots in Malaysian culture where it is traditionally incorporated into a mother's postpartum recovery process after childbirth. It entails the wrapping of a mother's abdomen in a soft fabric to give her body a slight "squeeze." This process assists in abdominal wall muscle retraction, improves posture, supports loosened ligaments, and provides support to the torso while vital organs return to their pre-pregnancy size and position.
The wrapping process can be done by someone such as a doula. A mother can learn how to do this process to herself as well. Our service entails a wrapping lesson in the mother's home in order for a mom to get comfortable with the process of wrapping herself. Wrapping can be done over or under your clothes.
What are the benefits?
Possible benefits of postpartum belly binding include:
Pelvic support: Belly binding isn't just about supporting your belly, it's also great for supporting your hip and pelvic bones too! Belly binding takes advantage of the still present Relaxin hormone that is increased in the body during pregnancy and makes your joints extra loose. While the Relaxin is still high it's easier for things to move back into their proper place with the support of belly binding.
Helping correct diastasis recti: During pregnancy, the uterus grows and stretches out the abdominal muscles. This can cause the large vertical bands just in front of the belly button to separate. Belly binding encourages the muscles to come back together and strengthens the connective tissues in the abdomen.
Self-care: It can feel nearly impossible to find time for self-care in the early postpartum period. Although it only takes 10-15 mins to perform, the act of pausing your day to perform a belly binding can be a significant act of self-care. In cases of traumatic, or complicated birth experiences, the act of performing a belly bind on yourself can help with giving a sense of 'closure' and safety.
Lower back support: After birth moms spend much of their time breastfeeding and/or baby holding. This means a lot of strain on the back muscles. Belly binding acts as a natural support system to your back as you develop those muscles back during the postpartum period. Our clients report feeling much better when using their belly wrap throughout the day and experience less back pain and improved posture.
Provides support for the organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position
Supports and assists abdominal wall healing and diastasis recti recovery
Supports the body's natural spine and posture realignment post-birth
Constant pressure on the torso and abdomen hastens healing by reducing water, fat, and air in the tissue and cells
Stabilizes loose ligaments
Helps to prevent and relieve lower back aches and strains
Prevents slouching while feeding and holding your babies
When can I start?
We have performed belly binding for clients during pregnancy (for back and pelvic support), but most commonly our services are utilized during the first week after delivery. If you have had a cesarean it is recommended to wait approximately 4-6 weeks.
Most women enjoy wearing their wrap during the daytime every day for up to 2-4 months postpartum.
Details
The first belly binding session is $135. Additional wrappings are complimentary for our postpartum doula clients during postpartum care shifts, or $55 for additional sessions booked separately outside of postpartum care. Our belly wraps are lovingly made by a local artist. When you use our belly binding service, not only are you supporting a local doula and artist, but you'll also look gorgeous wearing it!