Postpartum belly binding might seem like a new thing but it’s actually an ancient practice. It is actually tradition in many cultures including Turkey, for women to use belly binding to help heal and recover after birth.
How Belly Binding Works
Traditionally, a cloth is wrapped tightly around the abdomen. Different cultures use different materials but there are more modern versions available, like the Postpartum Belly Binder by Misty Phases.
Many women can begin belly binding right after giving birth however, always check with your doctor in order to be sure it’s safe for you. If you’ve had a C-section you’ll have to wait longer before using this method due to the incision. Most doctors will tell you that it’s best to wait a few days before beginning the binding process to ensure that you're not doing more damage than good.
Postpartum belly binding provides support and keeps your abdomen stationary which helps the healing process. Not only can it help the healing process take place but belly binding can also help you heal more quickly.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti sounds really scary but it sounds worse than it is. However, it does lead to things like body insecurities and some uncomfortable pain. The gap left between the abdominal muscles can sometimes leave a small bulge.
Generally, diastasis recti isn’t dangerous but in rare cases it can lead to a hernia. This typically only happens if your organs shift into the gap between the muscles. This is another reason so many women are choosing to use postpartum belly binding, as a precaution.
The Benefits of Postpartum Belly Binding
If used correctly, a postpartum belly band will produce some pretty incredible results.
- Promotes Involution: Involution is the shrinkage of an organ during old age or when it’s inactive. Involution also takes place after pregnancy. The uterus is simply shrinking back to the size it was before bearing a child.
- Provides Support: The abdominal region being snuggly wrapped will provide essential support for the lower back and ab muscles, which will be sore and weak. Many women with multiple children that have gone without a binder and then tried one with the next child wishes they would’ve used one every time.
- Provides Compression: Some stray from the belly binders when they read the word “tightly” but the truth is that a postpartum belt provides a gentle compression. This compression helps hold the ligaments and muscles in place while your body heals and it actually helps with the sore achy feeling too.
- Improves Posture: Waist trainers in general help improve posture but postpartum belly binders help with the pregnancy pouch and improves post-pregnancy posture too. Many women end up leaning in one direction or another during the pregnancy which can result in poor posture.
- Speeds Up The Healing Process: Postpartum belts keep your abdomen and your insides in place. Without one your belly will naturally be moving around a bunch which can prolong the healing time. For those of you who have had a c-section, once you're given the ok to use the binder, it will hold the incision in place also helping it to heal on the inside and outside as well.
Make sure to talk with your doctor before you start using a postpartum belly binder. If you wear one and your body isn’t ready there’s a possibility that it could cause more harm than good.
There are several different styles of belly binders so you’ll have to do your research to see which one would be best for you and your body. Also, make sure you use one properly in order to achieve the best results!
