Benefits of belly wrapping after pregnancy

Why Belly-binding Postpartum?

Postpartum belly wrapping (also referred to as belly binding), is a time-honored practice in cultures around the globe, that provides essential support to a mother's healing body after childbirth.

Wrapping the abdomen postpartum offers structural support, helping to stabilize the core and encourage the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size more efficiently. It also provides gentle compression, which can reduce swelling and offer comfort and stability during the early healing process, when everything feels like it is floating and slushing around your belly! Belly-binding with a soft organic material feels like you are receiving a warm hug :).

Beyond immediate postpartum healing, belly wrapping plays a crucial role in long-term pelvic health. By providing gentle yet consistent support to the abdominal and pelvic muscles, wrapping helps prevent organ prolapse—a condition where pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum can shift downward due to weakened pelvic muscles. This additional support can also reduce the likelihood of diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles), back pain, and other postpartum-related discomforts that may arise months or even years after childbirth.

Additionally, belly wrapping can enhance overall postpartum well-being by offering emotional reassurance and a sense of containment, which can be especially comforting during the vulnerable postpartum period. Postpartum belly wrapping is a powerful tool to aid in healing, stability, and your long-term health.

Let’s summarize the benefits of postpartum belly wrapping:

• Supports the womb by encouraging the process of uterine contractions

• Compression guides the organs back to their pre-pregnancy position

• Reduces water retention by activating lymphatic drainage

• Supports pelvic floor tone and health

• Helps repair Diastasis Recti

• Reduces tummy pooch and can prevent loose skin.

• Encourages blood flow to the belly which helps breaks down access fat and cellulite

• Adds warmth to womb and kidneys

• strengthens and tones stretched abdominal muscles

• Reduces bloating and discomfort

• Stabilizes loose ligaments

• Helps prevent low back pain

• Supports spine and postural alignment while breastfeeding

• Easier to hold baby for longer periods

• May support emotional composure

• Helps to close the ribcage and hips to previous dimensions and return to pre-pregnancy shape
  

Types of Belly Binding Wraps

There are several types of belly binding materials and techniques. We can divide them into two main categories:

1. Traditional fabric wrapping

2. Modern hospital-style stretchy velcro binders

1. Traditional Fabric Wrapping

This method involves long, soft fabric—often cotton or muslin—being wrapped tightly around the abdomen in layers. Used in many cultures, such as Bengkung belly binding from Malaysia or Faja wrapping in Latin America, traditional fabric wraps provide fully adjustable support and a customized fit.

Pros:

• Fully adjustable to fit each unique body shape

• Offers firm yet flexible compression

• Can be wrapped in a way that supports the hips and lower back

• Made of breathable, natural materials

Cons:

• Requires learning proper wrapping techniques

• Can take longer time to wrap and adjust

• May need assistance for initial wrapping

How To Use a Traditional Fabric Wrap:

1. Begin by placing one end of the fabric at the base of your pelvis.

2. Wrap the fabric snugly around your midsection, layering upwards towards your ribcage.

3. Ensure each layer overlaps and provides even support.

4. Secure the wrap by tucking the end into the layers or using ties*

5. Adjust as needed for comfort and support.
   * For proper technique of tying a Bengkung Belly Wrap click here or request a lesson.

6. Wear consistently for the first few weeks postpartum for maximum benefits.

2. Hospital-Style Stretchy Velcro Binders

These wraps are often provided by the hospital and are made of stretchy, breathable material with velcro straps for easy adjustment. They offer a convenient, structured way to support the postpartum belly without the need for intricate wrapping.

Pros:

• Quick and easy to put on

• Provides immediate compression and support

• Ideal for C-section recovery due to the structured fit

• Adjustable with velcro straps

Cons:

• Less breathable compared to fabric wraps

• Can lose elasticity over time

• May not provide as much customized support

How To Use a Hospital-Style Velcro Binder:

1. Wrap the binder around your midsection with the velcro side facing outward.

2. Secure the velcro fasteners at a comfortable tightness.

3. Adjust throughout the day as needed for comfort and support.

4. Wear consistently for the first few weeks postpartum for maximum benefits.

Which one is right for me?

You can’t go wrong! The important bit is that you wrap your belly postpartum for added warmth, comfort and support - both physically and emotionally. Choosing the right method—whether a traditional fabric wrap or a modern velcro binder—depends on personal preference. The velcro stretchy belly binder is often offered in hospital birth setting, so if you have easy access to it, you might as well try it and see how you like it. The main potential issue with it is that it is not made of natural fabric and it’s more rigid and can feel less comfortable. For the fabric type binding, if you don’t want to go shop for yet another item, you could try repurposing a fabric style baby-carrier such as Boba, Moby, etc. A long cotton scarf, a cotton saree, or any other long piece of natural fabric you may have already could also be used as a belly wrap.

Ready to give it a try? Here are some tips for best results:

• Start wearing as soon as possible after the birth (within the first 3 days) and continue for about 4-6 weeks.

• Make sure you have the right amount of compression (snug but comfortable).

• Choose a natural (and organic if possible!) material if using a fabric wrap. If you want to try the Bengkung style wrapping the fabric needs to be looong! I love using Sageabay.

• Choose a wrap that is comfortable and easy for you to put on.

• C-section mamas should wait until the incision heals before using a fabric belly wrapping (about 2 weeks). Hospital grade belly binder is recommended in this case for the initial two weeks.

• Practice your belly wrapping while pregnant, so it is easy for you to implement once baby is here.

• Put it on your baby shower or blessing way list,

• Include it in your Birth-Ready bag.