One of the Best Postpartum Healing Tips I've Learned
The beginning of the year always sparks a few things - reflection and goal setting.
For me, I’ve been reflecting on the journey with my body after baby number three. And while the number on the scale and the size of your body post-baby doesn’t matter…feeling good, healthy, and strong does. Not only do I want to feel good for myself, but I also want to feel my best self for my children and my husband too. Pregnancy number three definitely took a toll on my body and I’ve definitely been working hard to get back into shape. One of the best things I did was belly binding.
For centuries in various cultures all over the world, belly binding has been used to help the recovery process after childbirth. But does it really work? I decided to give it a try.
I learned about the technique from my doula. She mentioned they do it in Malaysia for all postpartum mothers. Intrigued by the practice and what she shared with me, I decided to give it a go. The day after I came home from the hospital, my doula arrived to start the process.
It was so nice to connect with her after the wild experience of birth. We talked all about postpartum care and then it was time for the wrapping. The most important part was the timing. The sooner you start, the better your results will be (if you wait too long the less impact it will have). My doula brought over a Batik, which is a traditional long dyed wrap with a beautiful pattern. We went into the privacy of my bedroom and she began wrapping the cloth over a thin shirt.
In the beginning you start with it wrapped pretty tight as she suggested it will loosen up over time. The entire process took about 10 mins. She wrapped it starting below my chest bone down to my pelvic bone. It looked so pretty, similar to how a hair braid can look. I wore the wrap 24/7 for three days. While wearing the wrap you are not able to shower. (But, who has time to shower after having a baby anyway?!) After three full days, it was time for the big reveal!
Did it work? Yes, It gave my body support and pulled my abdomen back and my belly also looked flatter.
To maintain this momentum I continued to use a belly wrap with velcro which the nurse at the hospital gave to me. This was my best hack after having Coco This wrap gives you the flexibility to take it on and off yourself. I wore it day and night except when I showered, yay, for being able to take showers again! After three children I learned the more you wear it the better you will be. I also learned that the tighter you wear it, the better your results. Then after the first month I shifted to only wear it at night.
Voila! This is the best kept secret for mothers post baby. It is a great first step to getting back to a place that feels like your best.
Still have some questions? Here is some more information on belly wrapping.
Belly binding is the tradition of wrapping the postpartum belly 2-4 days after a vaginal birth or 10 days after a c-section birth). A long cloth is used to wrap the belly in the lower pelvic area up to below the crest bone. It helps provide physical support and speed up the healing process for the new mother. Belly binding and hip binding takes advantage of this softened state and pushes the hips and the separated abdomen back together as the body firms up.Other benefits:It slims the ribcage, abdomen and hips.Pulls in the separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) back together.Encourages healing from pelvic/pubic separation (a partial bind during pregnancy can be especially beneficial for pelvic support).Supports relaxed and stretched out muscles.Reduce fluid and air retention in bowels/abdomen. Decreases postpartum bleeding time
When belly wrapping, you want to pay close attention to how you feel. The postpartum weeks are tough on the body; if it doesn’t feel right, stop and see your doctor. The key with belly binding is that it should never be painful. The wrap should provide support during your healing process.
While this was my first step in kick starting my postpartum recovery, I’ve been working diligently to get back into my best shape. which includes working out and eating healthy too!
