Women have been binding their bellies after pregnancy for many decades. Many different cultures bind the abdomens of mothers after they give birth as a standard procedure. Different materials are used to create pressure on the lower abdominal area so that the stomach that has stretched quite drastically during pregnancy is encouraged to return to its usual state.
A belly binder or another form of binding after birth works wonders! Not only does the pressure cause the belly to flatten but the compression on the pelvic and abdominal area encourages healing. Compression causes enhanced blood flow and fresh, oxygenated blood is brought to the pelvic area, which improves recovery.
Belly binding and abdominal pressure also gives support to the body. Back, pelvic and hip pain is common during pregnancy and can remain for a long duration postpartum. The support offered by a belly binder gives structure and protection to the back, pelvis and hips as well as the belly, which reduces pain and discomfort arising from these areas.
The first 6 weeks after baby is born is an incredibly important time for healing. Enormous changes are happening yet again to the female body as it attempts to return to normal while adapting to the needs of a new-born. It is during these 6 weeks that the belly starts to shrink. Uterine contractions during breastfeeding occur to do just that. The first 6 weeks are therefore the most crucial time to wear a belly binder as the body is working maximally for healing and recovery. Binding the belly during this time drastically enhances the body’s natural need to return to its correct position. Through compression and support the belly binder works hand in hand with the healing body. The cosmetic results are highly evident, and the belly returns to its normal state a lot faster than not binding or creating pressure at all.
C-section delivery is increasingly common and is an invasive abdominal surgery that requires its own recovery. When pressure is applied to the incision by a belly binder the pain is greatly reduced as the cut is stabilized. Movement, coughing, laughing, sneezing and bed mobility is all made a lot easier as the cut is stabilized beneath the pressure of the binder. C-section healing is also promoted as the compression afforded by the binder brings fresh blood flow to the area.
The compressive effect of the belly binder also enhances breastmilk production as fresh blood flow is coming into the area. This oxygen rich blood is made available to the breast area which enables the production of milk more to be more efficient and effective. The belly binder can be worn during breastfeeding to bring fresh blood flow to the breast area as well as to offer back support. Breastfeeding can cause back pain due to incorrect body positioning or poor posture assumed usually due to fatigue and attempts to keep baby comfortable. The supportive effect of the belly binder reduces this pain and maintains a good posture while feeding baby.
Diastasis recti is a common occurrence during pregnancy and has varying degrees of severity. Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles split in the middle of the abdomen due the internal force of the growing baby during pregnancy. It is most visible after delivery as the full extent and severity of the separation can be assessed. A belly binder gives support to this weakened area and prevents it from getting any worse. The binder encourages the abdominal muscles to draw back together and its constant pressure stimulates these muscles to contract, further improving the outcome of diastasis recti. It is highly recommended by medical professionals that women use an abdominal binder after pregnancy if they present with diastasis recti.
Haemorrhoids (piles), incontinence, pubic symphysis pain and diastasis, all improve with the correct use of postpartum belly binding. The pressure is taken off the pelvic floor and ‘up and out’ of the pelvis. It is important that the correct binding technique is used, and the pressure is directed upward. If too much compression is created in the upper abdominal area, the lower abdominal and pelvic areas will be under great force which can have extremely negative outcomes.
When the correct and effective techniques of belly binding are applied the results are phenomenal. Women recover a lot faster internally and externally with the help of a binder after baby. The belly binder should be worn from the first or second day after baby is born for up to 6 weeks. With the correct use of a binder, coupled with a good diet and gentle abdominal exercises, a full return to a pre-pregnancy body or an even better figure can be achieved. Preserve, protect and restore your body after pregnancy with a belly binder.
If you have made the informed decision to purchase a belly binder for your postpartum recovery Julie Kay Belly Way has the perfect solution for you! Our unique, top quality belly binders are designed and manufactured in South Africa by physiotherapist Julie Kay. Orders can be placed on our website www.juliekay-bellyway.com and delivery is within 48 hours. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact us directly. Join the Julie Kay maternity family today!
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I’m not sure I noticed much difference although I didn’t use it consistently enough 2 months back. If I’d known the other benefits I definitely would have stuck with it.
I must admit, the belly binder actually did work for me. My sister not so much. I cant tell if its because i gave natural birth to all 3 of my kids whilst they had C-sections but it absolutely did make a difference. Helped with back support too