Belly-binding post-partum. « Back to Group Discussions

[SlimP]

Seeing as we're creeping closer to the end of pregnancy, I've been looking at some post-partum items. The idea of belly-binding hadn't even occurred to me but makes total sense especially as I have a gaping abdomen now (diastasis recti) and am a bit worried about everything returning to its original position once baby vacates the space.

I've read that woven wraps make good binders as well as good newborn carriers so it's tempting to buy 1 item that has 2 purposes. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations?

[jodieanneanton]

I am curious about this, too.... 

[veganyogamomma]

There's a post on this in the Feb 2013 group that I thought was helpful!

I'm looking at either the belly bandit or the squeem... may get one of each if I can find the right price. With DD, I just used the belly band for additional support which felt better than nothing. But I don't think it really helped pull my belly back in as much as wrapping would.

Ive read that a short woven wrap is good but you would ideally have someone to help wrap you each time to get it tight enough.

[Chapsie]

I used a tight elastic/velcro contraption after my c/s that was essential to feel like my insides were still inside!  

My midwife was just telling me that it is important not to have tight clothes for after birth so that the organs can settle naturally.  We weren't talking about postpartum belly bands, but rather my use of regular jeans (my maternity jeans are just too hot with that belly panel!) and how tight things against my womb were a no-no.  I wonder what she would think about this.  

I did think it felt really good after my c/s, though.  Didn't use one after the VBAC.  Good question to look in to!

[withlittlelungs]

I got a cheap one with DS from amazon. It worked GREAT. My stomach shrunk down really quickly once I started wearing it.
Chapsie, if you talk to your midwife about this I am interested in knowing what she says. I didn't start binding until after I got home, but was thinking about starting earlier this time.
I was also curious about binding after a c-section (god forbid), so I am glad that you had a positive experience!

[SlimP]

Thanks veganyogamomma, that thread is v interesting! Sounds like you would need help with wrapping, which I won't have. The Squeem sure looks restrictive but I guess that's what's often needed. I certainly wouldn't relish the thought of something do tight at the moment but that's likely to change postpartum, when my insides feel like they're falling outside!
Chapsie, I wonder what your midwifes rationàle is against binding, perhaps it's important to let organs settle back into their correct position in case you force them into an unnatural place?! I'm seeing my midwives and a physio in the next fortnight so will ask them.....but I trust anecdotal evidence as weightier than medical opinion.

[Chapsie]

Well we didn't actually discuss binding-- I'll have to ask her about it. Ever since my first pregnancy, I've had a retroverted/retroflexed uterus and I have been wearing non maternity jeans that have been too tight lately and her comments were in reference to wearing tight pants around the waist postpartum.

Please share what your providers think. I know this practice has been around for centuries, especially in eastern cultures.

My midwife is a practitioner of Mayan abdominal massage, so don't know of her perspectives are different on this issue because of this?

[SlimP]

Oh yes, excuse my hasty reading and replying. It makes sense that a tight waistband might prevent the uterus sinking back to its place. But really I know very little about this. I never even heard of the Mayan technique until recently! Very interesting.....makes me wonder what other valuable traditional practices are largely forgotten today.
I am currently studying herbal medicine and will ask my teachers about the use of herbs in an external fomentation or application. My healthcare providers are extremely orthodox, there is slim chance they'll enlighten me any.....which is why I rely on this site, and others, to see me right. Appreciate all the input ladies

[Chapsie]

I got a chance to mention belly binding to my midwife today and she is all for it! She said "it makes a lot of intuitive sense to me". She said as long as it is not too tight, it can be beneficial.

[SlimP]

Thanks Chapsie for the update. None of my team of midwifes or physios had anything to say either way! I'm getting more and more disillusioned with the hospital scenario. Your midwife sounds lovely.

[Chapsie]

Originally Posted by SlimP 

Thanks Chapsie for the update. None of my team of midwifes or physios had anything to say either way! I'm getting more and more disillusioned with the hospital scenario. Your midwife sounds lovely.

She is lovely!  I really lucked out in finding her!  She just started her private homebirth practice a year and a half ago and only takes 2-3 OB clients a month.  I am very lucky!  There was nothing like her practice when I was pregnant with my first two.

[velveeta]

I have used a belly bandit before, but I might like something more garment like this time. The BB worked well, and helped me feel better after a cesarean birth (1st cs, 3rd birth). My first two were home births, and both times, I really felt the super loose guts feeling. I also tried using my moby wrap, but it was too much trouble, and it bunched uncomfortably. I think the best items for this are designed for just this purpose, in terms of comfort and convenience.

Planning an HBAC, and planning to get some kind of binder!

Edit: just checked out squeem, and I am going to go with that bc you can't really adjust the BB as "nicely". BB is a Velcro closure, and squeem is hook and eye adjustable, like a bra.