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What is belly wrapping, and does it really help you pre and postpartum?
Midwife Tylah is a midwife based in Sydney. In our latest Facebook Live chat, she says belly wrapping has become quite common.
But the concept isn’t new. In some countries, belly wrapping, also known as Bengkung and faja, has been used for hundreds of years to offer some extra support during pregnancy and healing postpartum.
“Essentially what it can do is offer that support,” says Tylah. “So it’s the same as if you’ve sprained an ankle, you can put [ on a bandage] for that little bit of extra support to make you aware of those muscles and limit the movement slightly; that can aid in the recovery process.”
During pregnancy, a woman’s abdominal muscles separate to make room for baby.
“Every woman will have some degree of abdominal separation, but some will be worse than others,” says Tylah.
“That’s just the nature of going into the third trimester: you’re growing a good size baby, so your body has to accommodate.”
After a woman gives birth, that’s when the healing begins, and when belly wrapping can help.
Watch the full interview below.
Some women find belly wrapping helped them to reduce back pain during pregnancy.
And although belly wrapping was originally done using a piece of cloth, there are lots of different varieties available today – but Tylah says to be careful because not all belly bands are created equal.
“You really want one that has gone through the proper trials and meets the regulations, so that you know that it’s going to support your ligaments appropriately and band appropriately,” she says.
Parents in the Tell Me Baby community have rated the Belly Bandit Upsie Belly with some reviewers saying it helped to reduce back pain the third trimester.
“I had pains all over my back, upper and lower, and this helped stabilize my posture and ease the aches,” said one mum-to-be. “The pocket for the pack came in very handy as none of my other regular heat packs were long enough to be strapped enough over my bulging belly to keep it in place.”
Another parent said: “Due to my severe back and pelvic pain, I bought this and it gave incredible support from my second trimester onwards! It definitely took a little getting used to, but really helps with relieving the pain and strain from my growing belly.”
Read Belly Bandit Upsie Belly reviews.
Belly wrapping can also help with recovery after a caesarean delivery.
“One thing we recommend for women straight away after a caesarean, like if they’re going to call for anything like that, we say to get a blanket and put it on your stomach and hold that support, and a belly band is going to do something very similar.”
However, it is always best to seek the advice of your doctor before wrapping your belly pre and post-birth. If not worn correctly, or too soon, belly wrapping can put pressure on your pelvic floor.
While belly wrapping does have its benefits, it’s not a shortcut for healing your body after giving birth. Your body still has to go through the process, and that takes time.
So enjoy these moment with your little ones, and let you body do what it was made to do.
If you are concerned about your stomach muscles, see your GP, midwife or physiotherapist.
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