Embracing The Art of Belly Binding in Postpartum

As a new mother, you embark on a beautiful journey, transitioning from a woman into a mother. Your days are filled with nurturing and nourishing your baby, and I am deeply passionate about ensuring that you, as the mother, are nurtured and nourished too.

This is where the absolutely beautiful tradition of belly binding comes in. It can support your body as you move from pregnancy into your fourth trimester. However, this journey can also be accompanied by physical challenges as your body adjusts after childbirth. Belly binding is one of my favorite postpartum rituals for mothers, and the joy this ritual brings is long-lasting! After I wrap a mother, words like "held," "supported," "hugged," and "warm" are often used to describe how they feel.

The Origins of Belly Binding

Belly binding has roots that span various cultures and traditions. Historically, many societies, including those in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, have practiced belly binding as a way to support postpartum healing. These communities have long understood the importance of nurturing the body after childbirth, using techniques passed down through generations. Each culture brings its unique materials and methods, enriching the practice with diverse meanings and approaches.

My Training with Bridging Worlds and the Faja

I have been fortunate to be trained by Sarah Smiths from Bridging Worlds, who works with Mayan midwives in Guatemala. I also love using Fajas from Doña Dominga, a Mayan midwife who hand-weaves each Faja over the course of a week. These Fajas are unique, beautifully crafted, and steeped in tradition, bringing energetic support to the women who wear them. To find out more about these Fajas and Sarah, visit Bridging Worlds.

The Gentle Embrace of Belly Binding and Why It Is So Needed for Postpartum Mamas

Belly binding is more than just a practical technique; it is an act of self-care and tenderness that can bring warmth and comfort during your postpartum journey. Here are some of the soft, nurturing aspects of this beautiful practice:

• A Gentle Support: Belly binding wraps your body in a soothing embrace, providing gentle support to your abdomen as it heals. This comforting sensation can help you feel grounded as you adjust to the changes of motherhood.

• Fostering Connection: Many women find that belly binding deepens their connection to their bodies and their postpartum experience. It serves as a reminder of the miraculous journey of bringing new life into the world, creating a bond between mother and child.

• A Sense of Security: The gentle pressure of the binding can offer a feeling of safety and security, helping to ease anxiety that may arise during the early days of motherhood. This emotional comfort can be invaluable as you navigate the new and often overwhelming responsibilities of caring for your baby.

• Support for Abdominal Muscles: Belly binding helps to support the abdominal muscles, which can be stretched during pregnancy. This support can aid in the recovery of muscle tone.

• Enhanced Posture: By providing physical support, belly binding encourages better posture, which can alleviate back pain often experienced postpartum.

• Reduced Swelling: The compression from belly binding can help reduce swelling and promote healing by improving circulation in the abdominal area.

• Embracing Your Heritage: Engaging in the practice of belly binding allows you to honor the traditions of women who came before you. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the wisdom passed down through generations.

  
  

With all that in mind, doesn't it just make sense to incorporate this into your postpartum healing? We truly need to heal from the inside out and honor the journey our bodies have gone through and continue to experience in our fourth trimester.

Would you like to have Belly Binding part of your Postpartum?

If you would like belly binding to be part of your postpartum experience, please get in touch. I offer belly binding as one of the many postpartum rituals in my postpartum doula visits. Or if you prefer a one-off belly massage, moxa, and belly binding session with me, I can accommodate that too. Get in touch at kathryn@mammanurture.com or text/call 0490194343.