Postpartum belly binding may seem like a new trend, but it’s actually an ancient practice. In many cultures, including Turkey, it’s a long-standing tradition for women to use belly binding to aid in healing and recovery after childbirth.
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, such as the Postpartum Belly Binder by Misty Phases.
Many women can start belly binding right after giving birth; however, always check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. If you’ve had a C-section, you’ll have to wait longer before using this method because of the incision. Most doctors will tell you that it’s best to wait a few days before starting the binding process to ensure that you’re not doing more harm than good.
Postpartum belly binding provides support and keeps your abdomen in place, which aids the healing process. Not only does it help the healing process along, but belly binding can also help you heal more quickly.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti sounds really scary, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. However, it can lead to body image issues and some discomfort. The gap between the abdominal muscles can sometimes cause 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 why 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 can produce some pretty incredible results.
- Promotes Involution: Involution is the shrinking of an organ during old age or when it is inactive. Involution also occurs after pregnancy. The uterus simply shrinks back to the size it was before giving birth.
- Provides Support: Snugly wrappingthe abdominal area provides essential support for the lower back and abdominal muscles, which are often sore and weak. Many women who have had several children and who went without a binder before trying one with their next child wish they had used one every time.
- Provides Compression: Some people shy away from belly binders when they see the word “tightly,” but the truth is that a postpartum belt provides gentle compression. This compression helps keep the ligaments and muscles in place while your body heals, and it actually helps relieve that sore, achy feeling as well.
- Improves Posture: Waist trainers generally help improve posture, but postpartum belly binders help reduce the pregnancy pouch and improve post-pregnancy posture as well. Many women end up leaning to one side or the other during pregnancy, which can lead to poor posture.
- Speeds Up the Healing Process: Postpartum belts keep your abdomen and internal organs in place. Without one, your belly will naturally shift around a lot, which can prolong the healing process. For those of you who have had a C-section, once you’re cleared to use the binder, it will keep the incision in place, helping it heal both internally and externally.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before you start using a postpartum belly binder. If you wear one when your body isn’t ready, it could do more harm than good.
There are several different types of belly binders, so you’ll need to do some research to find out which one is best for you and your body. Also, make sure you use it correctly to get the best results!
