Postpartum Belly Binding Available In Colorado Springs & Denver
The journey of pregnancy, labor, and birth resembles nothing so much as a marathon. And just like after running a marathon, you want to have some tools and comforts available to help you relax, recover, and heal your tired and shaky body.
One of those tools which is quickly gaining popularity among Colorado moms is postpartum belly binding. No, not those utilitarian-looking girdle contraptions – this is something different, and a little more thoughtful and special.
The United States is one of the only countries in the world where we do not have traditional rituals for postpartum healing. In many other parts of the world, such as China, Mexico, and many Eastern countries, new mothers are given specific care for several weeks involving traditional foods, touch, prayers, massage, and other modalities. One of these special routines is postpartum belly binding.
What is Postpartum Belly Binding?
Postpartum belly binding is a supportive healing modality for new parents, which provides a feeling of security and stability in the core. After giving birth, many new parents express feeling “empty” or “loose” in the area around their womb. The internal organs have been displaced, the skin has been stretched, and the muscles have been worked hard. These can all lead to uncomfortable physical sensations after birth which can be decreased by tightly wrapping the area in cloth. While postpartum belly binding will not tone the abdominal muscles, it can provide physical comfort and stability while doing the exercises recommended by a postpartum physical therapist or fitness instructor.
How Does Belly Binding Work?
Postpartum belly binding is done with a special strip of cloth, about 4-6 inches wide, and 20 feet long. It is wound tightly around your torso in a special twisting pattern which keeps the cloth secure and helps avoid slipping or unraveling. You may wear the wrap for 12 hours per day – either during the daytime, or during the night, according to your needs. This can be done for at least six weeks after giving birth according to your comfort level. Our Colorado belly binding specialist comes to your home and teaches you how to wrap yourself and care for the cloth.
Who Can Benefit from Postpartum Belly Binding?
Any new parent who has recently given birth can enjoy the feeling of security and stability provided by postpartum belly binding. You can begin a few days after giving birth, and wear it as long as it makes you feel good. If you have given birth via Cesarean, we recommend waiting until your incision has healed up and your care provider green lights wearing abdominal binding products. If you feel discomfort from loose skin, prolapse, shakiness, instability, or diastasis recti, wearing the wrap can help you feel more confident and secure in the way that you both look and feel.