Belly Binding (also called Benkung Binding or Belly Wrapping) is a common practice around the world and in many cultures women always have traditionally bond their bellies after giving birth. In some cases, the binding was done as a part of a celebration and recognition of new motherhood and others it was also done for more practical reasons. Here in the Dallas and Fort Worth area women are starting to explore incorporating this beautiful custom into their post partum healing and experience as a new mother.
Why do women bind their bellies?
I don’t know about you, but after I gave birth to both of my daughters, it felt like everything in the middle area was just hanging outside of me. My first daughter was born via cesarean section. Everything felt out of place. I had to learn my new body. My second daughter was an unmedicated VBAC. She was a BIG baby. What do big babies do to their mommies? They stretch everything out and move everything around. I wish I had known about Belly Binding both times. Genuinely, I believe utilizing the technique would have been very helpful for me.
Who can benefit from belly binding?
Belly Binding is truly for every woman that desires it! Just as your doula supports ALL types of births, Belly Binding supports ALL types of moms (quite literally!). Your body grew a BABY. Sometimes the baby is the equivalent of the size of a watermelon. If there is a fabric, a technique, a tradition, or anything that can help put everything back “in place” so that a new mom is more easily able to pick up her baby and care for it – SIGN ME UP!
The cherry on top of that cake is the use of Belly Binding can become a part of a self-care routine. In modern day society, we are so busy, and new parents are often overwhelmed. Incorporating some self-care is essential for new moms. Belly Binding can be a reminder to take care of one’s self in the post partum time.
What happens in the belly binding process?
Correct Binding is done with a very stiff, yet forgiving fabric. This allows for you to feel supported in the area of your body that needs it most: hips, belly, and back. The bind is pulling everything back in, to its’ preferred place. If you choose to use healing herbs under your binding, these help to tighten the skin.
All of this is especially good for someone that is experiencing Diastasis Recti. This is when the muscles in your abdomen separate from each other. The muscles will not just magically grow back together. It is a process, almost like going to physical therapy. Doing Belly Binding daily WILL help with this. It encourages your muscles to come back together, as they were pre-pregnancy. This isn’t to say you will look like your “pre-baby body”, but your abdominal muscles are vitally important for daily life- let’s do something to help them out!
When does the belly binding happen?
This will depend. For a mom that had a Cesarean delivery – not before 3 weeks post partum. We want your sutures to have some healing time first. A mom who has birthed vaginally may bind/wrap as soon as 3 days post partum.
The garment can be worn anywhere from 8-10 hours daily, and a woman can continue to wrap for as long as she feels the need or benefit.
Where does the magic of belly binding happen?
I currently serve the Dallas/ Fort Worth Metroplex. I will come into your home, do your binding (and apply herbs if you so choose), and then I teach you how to do this daily for yourself.
The fabric is yours to keep, and is machine washable because new moms are busy and value the wash and dry directions. Caring for the binding fabric is easy! Even better, after you are done binding your post partum belly, you can now use this beautiful fabric to wear your baby. Since your partner can wear baby as well, the wrap can be used by both of you! This Belly Binding Fabric can become an everyday part of your new family.
And, when you call me to be your doula for your next birth, we will get to pull out this well-loved wrap, and use it at your birth for comfort measures, to once again bind your beautiful post partum belly, and continue the love and tradition that belly binding represents.
***
Leslie Geick is a certified doula serving Dallas, Ft. Worth and Denton (and everywhere in between!). She is also a Preparing for BIrth educator and belly binder extraordinaire. She is married to her Knight in shining armor (seriously, he is a knight) and they have two daughters. Contact us to find out how you can have Leslie as your doula, belly binder or childbirth instructor.