Belly binding is a traditional and effective method of supporting the body’s internal systems during the rehabilitation period. In this article, we will examine in detail how this procedure helps to reposition organs, ease discomfort, and make the process of returning to normal life as safe and comfortable as possible.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes tremendous changes associated with the stretching of the skin and ligamentous apparatus. Immediately after childbirth, the pressure inside the abdominal cavity drops sharply. This leads to the internal organs temporarily losing their usual support, which can provoke their displacement or slow down the contraction of tissues.
Proper postpartum fixation helps create the necessary external pressure that mimics the function of the anterior abdominal wall. This is critically important to prevent abdominal organs from descending under the force of gravity while their own ligaments are still too stretched. Thus, supportive therapy serves not just as an aesthetic tool but as a crucial element of physiological rehabilitation.
It is worth noting that gentle pressure promotes more intensive blood circulation in the pelvic area. This accelerates metabolic processes and helps tissues get oxygenated. As a result, overall tissue detoxification occurs more actively, which positively affects the healing speed of microtraumas sustained during childbirth.
Many modern mothers mistakenly believe that postnatal binding is only for visual body correction. However, the main goal of the method is to maintain women’s health and prevent long-term issues such as urinary incontinence or chronic lower back pain. The support helps redistribute the strain that the spine takes on in the absence of usual abdominal tone.
Main benefits of using support:
Additionally, postpartum binding helps relieve the back muscles, which experienced enormous strain in the last months of pregnancy. When the front wall gets external support, the load on the spinal column is distributed more evenly. This helps to prevent shooting pains and discomfort when carrying the baby in your arms for extended periods.
It is traditionally believed that the procedure can be started on the second or third day after natural childbirth, if there are no medical contraindications. However, in each specific case, one should rely on personal feelings and the recommendations of the obstetrician. If a woman feels severe weakness or dizziness, the procedure should be postponed until the condition stabilizes. As for the duration of the course, experts recommend using support for 4-6 weeks. However, this is an average figure, and it is important to remember that binding is effective immediately after childbirth, but specialized exercises will help to truly restore muscle tone.
In the case of surgical intervention, such as a cesarean section, the timelines for starting support use may shift. Here, stabilization acts as a postoperative corset, which holds the area of the incision, preventing it from stretching and easing the first movements. It’s important that the pressure is distributed evenly, without compressing damaged skin areas.
Important! Binding should only be done while lying down. This ensures that internal organs take their anatomically correct position before gravity begins to act on them when transitioning to an upright position.
For effective results, it is important not just to wrap the body with fabric, but to follow a certain algorithm. To properly bind the abdomen after childbirth, it is essential to choose the appropriate material. The fabric should be natural (cotton or linen), hypoallergenic, and dense enough to hold its shape, but still “breathe.” If you are using a long piece (like a sling scarf or bengkung), follow the instructions:
Correct belly binding technique ensures comfort: you should feel support from below, but not compression.» (Further in the text: Breathing should remain. Breathing should stay deep and free. If you experience a feeling of pressure or discomfort when standing up, the wrap should be loosened. Remember that the main support should rest on the pelvic bones, not compress the waist.
There are many ready-made products on the market, however, traditional fabric binding often outperforms them in several parameters. Fabric allows for the creation of individual pressure on each part of the body, while a ready-made binder has a predefined shape that may not fit a particular woman’s body features.
| Parameter | Fabric Strip (Bengkung) | Ready-made Binder |
| Adjustment | Precisely accurate, along the entire height | Secured with velcro |
| Comfort | Does not chafe, adapts to poses | May dig into the skin when sitting |
| Hygiene | Requires frequent washing of the long fabric | Easier to wash and dries faster |
| Ease of putting on | Requires skill and 5-10 minutes of time | Can be put on in a few seconds |
The choice depends on your lifestyle and your readiness to spend time wrapping. The fabric provides a softer and more anatomical position for the organs, which is especially useful for overall recovery. The band is more convenient to use in travel situations or when you need to quickly prepare for a walk.
Despite the significant benefits, the procedure has a number of limitations. It is strictly forbidden to use tight binding in the presence of skin diseases in the abdomen area or if there is suspected stagnation of lochia (postpartum discharge). If uterine contractions are overly painful, pressure may exacerbate discomfort, requiring consultation with a medical professional.
Cases requiring caution:
If after binding you notice a change in color or odor of discharge, immediately stop using the support and contact a medical center. It is also not recommended to wear the support during sleep, as at night muscles and organs need to rest in their natural state without external influence.
How long should support be worn during the day?
Doctors believe that the optimal time is between 5 to 10 hours a day. It is important to take breaks to prevent muscle atrophy and to help the muscles learn to maintain tone independently. You can start with short intervals of 2 hours, gradually increasing the time.
Does binding help reduce the stomach?
The procedure promotes a quicker reduction in volume by eliminating excess fluid and supporting contracting tissues. However, a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition and permitted physical exercises is necessary for complete figure recovery.
Is it necessary to use binding if the back does not hurt?
Yes, because the main goal is not pain relief, but preventing the prolapse of internal organs. Often, problems do not manifest immediately, but several years after childbirth. Prevention is always more effective than treatment.
How do you choose the right bandage size?
When choosing a ready-made product, refer to your measurements from the second trimester of pregnancy or add one size to your pre-pregnancy size. A too-tight product will disturb blood flow and cause more harm than good.
In conclusion to this review, it should be noted that taking care of yourself in the postpartum period is the key to long-lasting health and energy. Binding is a gentle way to help your body cope with the aftereffects of pregnancy and childbirth. Remember, your well-being is priority number one since a happy mom can more easily ensure the well-being of her children.
In any critical situations, make sure to contact your doctors!
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