Belly Binding
$120
What is Belly Binding?
Belly Binding is the tradition of wrapping the postpartum belly 4-6 days after a vaginal birth (or 2 weeks after a cesarean birth). A long cloth is used to wrap the belly in the lower pelvic area up to the belly button or top rib under the breast. The wrapping is typically done daily, for 6 weeks, to provide physical support for the new mother. Many women describe it feeling like a big hug, which provides emotional support as well.
What are the benefits?
The two that most women notice immediately after binding is the hip and lower back support. As you know, when you are pregnant, your hips need to expand to allow room in your pelvis. Once baby is born, your hips will slowly move back into place. This can sometimes cause some soreness or discomfort. Wearing the bind provides constant support to your hips and can reduce some of that discomfort. It is also very common to have a sore back after labor for a variety of reasons. The wrap goes around your lower back providing support for your back and your posture. Many times women are hunched over during those first few postpartum days, holding their tiny baby, learning to nurse or bottle feed, or just from overall fatigue. Often women are standing up a lot straighter after binding, due to that extra support on their lower back.
There are many types of belly binding methods, rooted deep in some cultures. The common style used is the Bengkung method of learning how to tie a series of knots up the pelvic and abdomen area. You can receive a partial bind, that goes from your pelvic bone up to the navel or waistline. You can receive a full bind, that goes from your pelvic bone to the top rib under your breast. I will come to your home to teach you how to wrap your own belly in what is called a belly binding session. This usually takes up to two hours. Often self belly massage is done first with oil, prior to wrapping the belly, to help stimulate your digestion.
*Disclaimer: The information contained on this website has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The services offered by Labor of Love Doula Services, LLC are not clinical, pharmaceutical, or intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Families who choose to utilize these services take full responsibility for their own health and for researching and using the remedies. If you believe you are experiencing signs or symptoms of postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis, please seek medical attention immediately.