Should I Wrap My Postpartum Belly? Belly Binding Explained in a Nutshell
As postpartum doula, I typically get asked a set of questions around postpartum healing and recovery. Most recently, a lovely new mama enquired about the practice of belly binding (also called belly wrapping).
In today’s blog article, I'm sharing some basic information about this ancient practice to equip expectant and new parents with the knowledge they need to make an informed decision about whether or not belly binding feels right to them.
What is belly binding?
Do I have to wrap my postpartum belly?
How can it help with recovery after giving birth?
How do I bind my belly safely?
I’m concerned about my physical recovery after birth. Who do I reach out to?
As always, there’s no universally right way of doing things, but rather best practices that may or may not apply to your unique family.
Disclaimer: This blog article is intended for general guidance and education only. For more in-depth information or a specific evaluation of your physical healing during postpartum, please reach out to your medical provider or pelvic floor therapist.
1. What is belly binding?
Although commonly practiced in other parts of the world, belly wrapping or binding is a practice that’s still fairly unknown in the Western world.
It refers to wrapping your postpartum belly with a long cloth or tube-like bandage for a certain time after giving birth, as early as during the first few days after birth and for as long as it feels good for whoever wears it.
Regardless of whether you give birth vaginally or via cesarean section, belly wraps are equally beneficial.
First and foremost, people do it because it feels so gooooood. And, if you ask me, feeling good needs to have a major emphasis in postpartum. It’s so important for our mood, lactation, bonding with baby and so much more!
Different cultures have different traditions around belly binding. Some recommend wearing a belly wrap for a few hours a day, others even suggest wearing it 24/7 if it feels good.
Regardless, there’s a ton of research out there about why belly binding may be beneficial during postpartum.
Word of caution: Belly binding is not a weight loss or muscle-building tool. It may help in your healing process but will not help you “bounce back” (a myth in itself, if you ask me) or build strong abs.
2. Do I have to wrap my postpartum belly?
The short answer is: No, you certainly don’t have to, but it may feel really good to give it a try.
Much like anything else in postpartum and parenting, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each postpartum body is different and what feels amazing to one new parent may not be comfortable for another.
As per belly binding... it’s a practice that has several amazing benefits to explore during early postpartum, but you certainly won’t prevent your natural healing curve if you decide against it.
At the same time, remember that millions of postpartum bodies have healed just fine without having access to a belly wrap, so there’s really no pressure to have one.
Personal anecdote: I did not know about belly binding when I recovered from giving birth to my daughter. Now that I support families as their postpartum doula, I’ve seen amazing benefits and would be happy to include a belly wrap as part of my postpartum healing journey without hesitation.
3. How can it help with recovery after giving birth?
Binding or wrapping your belly can be tremendously helpful for parents in the early postpartum days and even during pregnancy.
We can experience such a vast array of postpartum body changes, such as uterine cramping, diastasis recti or pelvic floor discomfort. Belly binding can be a helpful tool to provide relief.
What are the benefits of belly binding?
It provides much-needed support and comfort, especially after C-sections.
It supports your posture, abdominal wall tissues, internal organs and lower back. These are areas which are typically prone to discomfort after birth.
It gently supports your uterus to return to its normal size and position.
It keeps your post-birth body warm. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, warmth is an essential element of postpartum healing.
Gentle pressure makes you feel soothed and held – a feeling that new mothers often miss because they’re the ones holding their baby instead of being held themselves.
It releases oxytocin, the love hormone, which positively affects your mood and helps regulate your nervous system.
It improves circulation and activates your body from within.
It encourages you to rest and slow down, which in itself is a crucial part of postpartum recovery.
Sounds like a wonderful treat for mind and body, doesn’t it? :)
4. How can I bind my belly safely?
First and foremost, listen in to what you want.
Would you like to give it a try? Do you feel ready for it? Are you curious about whether it could offer support and comfort? Or does the thought of binding your belly overwhelm you or cause anxiety?
Whatever you feel like doing is ok. You are the boss of your body.
To bind your belly safely, always refer to the instruction manual of your specific belly wrap. There are tons of different belly wraps out there, and each of them differs slightly.
Next, keep these guidelines in mind:
If you only have one belly wrap, you may want to place an extra layer of fabric in between your body and the wrap to avoid staining from wounds or from oil (if you decide to apply oil beforehand).
Always wrap from the bottom up to avoid a prolapse (downward descent) of your uterus and pelvic organs.
Apply light compression only, similar to a gentle hug. It needs to feel absolutely comfortable for you. Remember that too much pressure will negatively impact the pelvic floor and increase intra-abdominal pressure.
Give yourself permission to wear your belly wrap for as long as it feels good for you.
If anything feels uncomfortable, painful or prevents circulation, please stop.
And as usual, do what feels good for you! Belly binding is not about having a specific training program, but about making your postpartum healing a little more pleasant :)
5. I’m concerned about my physical recovery after birth. Who do I reach out to?
If you’re concerned about your physical healing progress in postpartum, please do not rely on the healing powers of a belly wrap to get better.
Instead, please mention your concerns to your medical provider as soon as possible. You may also consider consulting a pelvic floor physiotherapist.
Your pelvic floor is an essential part of your overall wellness. Pelvic floor physiotherapists can help assess your pelvic health and propose a concrete treatment plan to help you get better. Especially if you experience frequent urinary leakage or incontinence, pelvic pain or even painful intercourse during postpartum, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can work wonders.
Personal anecdote: I consulted a fabulous pelvic floor physio after experiencing a set of issues during my postpartum journey. After less than 5 sessions, I was able to strengthen my pelvic floor considerably and get rid of my challenges. If you need guidance on Montreal-based specialists, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
