Post Partum Belly Wrapping

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Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« on: February 22, 2008, 03:28:16 PM » by ShabbyChic

Has anyone tried this or heard of it?

http://babooshbaby.com/

Obviously you wouldn't have to spend over $60 for this device Roll Eyes

but has anyone heard of this working or are there reasons not to wrap the post partum belly?

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2008, 03:35:30 PM » by ShabbyChic

Found this site:

http://books.google.com/books?id=h4CWSwmvHysC&pg=PA54&lpg=PA54&dq=belly+wrapping&source=web&ots=p2HyhDVTH0&sig=zO5-wm-SslupXn-13U1UvYplL5I

I've had A LOT of post partum bloat, bleeding, and clotting. I was taken to the hospital and had several ultrasounds which said that the fluid on my uterus just isn't draining very quickly. So there are some folks I know from south america who say that every woman there knows you're supposed to wrap your belly post partum. That's my angle. Cheesy

This isn't for vanity...

And this article on Malaysian women:

http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/worldbirth/malaysia-indonesia/index.php

« Last Edit: February 22, 2008, 03:43:36 PM by ShabbyChic »
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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2008, 03:46:19 PM » by floydian

I've never heard of it shabby, but just from an experience point of view, it seems like it would just feel good. Sort of a support when it feels like everything is out of place and flabby. Not sure how to explain it, but it just sounds like it would feel good during the day.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2008, 03:57:10 PM » by lotsaboys

Interesting Shabby because its something I've heard of recently and wished I had known about 9 babies ago! I'd do it for health AND vanity!

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2008, 03:58:46 PM » by SC

Tummy wrapping has been used in countries like India, Japan & others for centuries. The thought of NOT wrapping to them is cruel as it leaves the uterus and other tissues unsupported as they resume their positions. The links I saw that showed flimsy velcroed wraps wouldn't be considered sturdy enough. If you have someone to help you, a wide ace wrap would do the trick.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2008, 05:29:32 PM » by steadygirl

Might have to try that wrapping thing.I just wouldn't tell my in-laws- they think I am really weird now! Grin

I wonder if I could convince my midwife that massage should be part of my prenatal exams and postnatal exams? Cheesy

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2008, 05:44:12 PM » by its_me518

Hi. Well, I was ALWAYS told to wrap after giving birth. I never did. Personally, I just thought it was "dumb".... It just didn't make sense to me... but now as I'm "maturing" I have come to change my mind about a lot things. Roll Eyes

(not so sure about this one though Wink

)

Anyway, as far as I know, in Russia, it was "mandatory" to wrap... and I know some young ladies who don't live in Russia anymore, but they still wrap after giving birth. They say it helps... but with what, I'm not sure. My thinking was always that if you let a device do the "holding" for you, then you're muscles aren't getting a work out. But if you always try to "hold" with your abs then you are working the muscles. That's just my thinking. Wink

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2008, 07:02:15 PM » by homesteadmommy

I am definately intrigued. Is there anyone who has done this and can relate their experience. I would also be interested in knowing what they used to do the wrapping.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2008, 08:44:44 PM » by gloryacres

Quote from: homesteadmommy on February 22, 2008, 07:02:15 PM

I am definitely intrigued. Is there anyone who has done this and can relate their experience. I would also be interested in knowing what they used to do the wrapping.

After I had my twins, an older nurse came in with what she called a "binder"..she wrapped it around my tummy. It was held with Velcro. I can tell you personally that it helped with the downward pull I was having after delivering my twins. I would totally recommend it to all. I didn't not wear it long nor did I wear it all day. Mostly just in hospital and that was two days. At home I would but not to go out or w/company. I think probably only a couple of weeks at most...if that.
Just my thought.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #9 on: February 22, 2008, 08:50:45 PM » by girly

Is it too late for me to start this now... I'm 3 years post partum but I can use all the help I can get Roll Eyes

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2008, 08:44:27 PM » by ShabbyChic

Three years post partum... I'm laughing SOOO hard... Grin

Well the only additional info I've found is NOT TO SLEEP wrapped. So I"m going to start it tomorrow since it's 9 pm now. I'm 3 weeks post partum. We'll see what happens and if I notice any changes. I'll keep ya posted.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #11 on: February 23, 2008, 09:06:05 PM » by mtnmama

I wrapped post-partum after my third baby and it was the best thing I've ever done. After my first two I always felt like there was a gaping hole in my middle and it felt horrible. I got a wrap - started a few days after the baby was born - and wore it for a long time. I was still wearing my maternity shirts and wore the wrap underneath - no one could tell. I also got a book called "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" by Julie Tupler that talks about diastasis (the natural separation in your abs that occurs to most women when they get pregnant) and how to get it to heal back up again to give you a flat stomach. She says binding is crucial in getting your stomach back to normal and gives her exercises in the book. I haven't been consistent with the exercises at all, but when I do do them I notice a big difference in the way I feel. You can get the book on Amazon pretty cheaply, and she has a video too but that's kind of expensive.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #12 on: February 23, 2008, 09:20:57 PM » by homesteadmommy

what did you use for your wrap? And why aren't you supposed to wear a wrap to sleep?

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #13 on: February 23, 2008, 10:28:46 PM » by Kitty

This is an interesting topic--I'm finding interesting sites on this. "Belly binding" is a good search phrase:

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/postpart.html#Binding

"I have used a belly binder so to speak for the mom after the birth and everyone that uses it just loves it. It is made by Body Glove and you can get them at Big 5 for about $5-8. It is velcroed and fits all. Well worth it. I am one that when I had my babies and would stand up my innards felt like they were hanging in empty space and I had a hard time breathing. When I used some kind of binder I could stand and function. It feels great!!!! But for the mom not the baby. I tell all my clients about this in one of my hand outs and the majority get one. They all love it."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I know of a few grand multips who bellybind postpartum. They think it helps with diastasis recti. They also say it can't be properly done by oneself. Does anyone know how to do this if we should be asked?"
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"We have done it a couple times the last few years when a mom requests it ..And I still remember from the old days!

Mom usually gets cleaned/showered while you change the bed sheets, When she comes back you have a large bath towel (or a twin sheet, folded in half) laying across the bed; she lies on the towel on her back, with the bottom edge just about level with the lower edge of her pubic bone -- level with her "hips bend". You want the towel to cover from just under the breasts down, so you might need to fold the edge.

You pull the towel snugly around her tummy, usually fastening at her side with large diaper pins.. We used to start from the bottom and work our way up... It should be snug but not uncomfortable so.. If the uterus is a bit boggy or she's having lots of after cramps you can snug in a folded washcloth or baby diaper over the fundus to act as a constant irritant[Grin]and prevent relaxation and bleeding. The OB pads can be pinned to the lower edge of the binder -- nice way to get a snug fit with the pads.

If mom tore or had stitches we used to put the binder on a bit lower -- so mom had to walk as if she were wearing a tight skirt (to limit perineal movement).

Moms used to keep these on for at least 24 hours and maybe three days..."

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #14 on: February 23, 2008, 11:00:24 PM » by MommyGus

Quote from: girly on February 22, 2008, 08:50:45 PM

Is it too late for me to start this now... I'm 3 years post partum but I can use all the help I can get Roll Eyes

I am only 1 yr post partum, but I am wondering the same thing. Grin

My tummy came back pretty quick with most of my babies, but not this time. I guess I shouldn't complain, I still don't have any stretch marks after 7 pregnancies, but this time, my belly is like jello. Yuck Tongue

I wish I had known about this. I would like to try it if we are blessed again.

« Last Edit: February 23, 2008, 11:02:25 PM by MommyGus »
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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #15 on: February 23, 2008, 11:09:10 PM » by SC

Regarding the question of whether or not belly wrapping weakens the abdominal muscles, it may help to think of it in terms of a temporary support, much like you would wear after a sprained ankle. The wrap helps those ligaments and muscles that have been very stretched have some support while they rediscover their moorings so-to-speak. This doesn't weaken the muscles. Rather, it supports the muscles while they move back into place. Without the support, the muscles are constantly trying to contract against gravity in a weakened state. The wrap allows them to regain their strength within the protection of the binding. This becomes more and more important for older moms. One night of spasming muscles that have been left to drop in the now empty space after delivery will be enough to convince any doubter that there are good reasons for supporting the body during recovery.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #16 on: February 24, 2008, 12:46:21 AM » by H0MEFree

AMEN!
Especially in response to the comment about "older" moms.... or multiple time moms.
I used a waist cincher or the girdle type panties that "tummy trim" as they say.
It felt GREAT!
I recommend binding.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #17 on: February 24, 2008, 07:36:54 AM » by Sparkys9

Just reaffirming something Yooper posted. We use belly wrapping esp. with moms prone to or who have lost excess blood. It does work to keep the uterus hard ( thus reducing the risk of heavy bleeding), and usually makes it so we don't have to do that fundal massage every woman hates, including me Grin

. I just wish I'd discovered it earlier.
An interesting little story. I was blessed to have a dear friend who was 80+ years old. She would tell some very neat birth stories. Any way, she once told me that the dr's (homebirths) would put mom on bedrest for 10 days and that the ladies who cared for them would keep a sack of sugar on their bellies at all times. Sounds like the same thing to me.Amy

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #18 on: February 24, 2008, 10:32:15 PM » by jall29

Okay, this may sound pretty stupid, but can you do the wrapping if you've had a c-section? I am scheduled for my third one on April 29. Grin

and

The wrapping sounds great but I'm not so sure if it would help or hurt after surgery.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #19 on: February 24, 2008, 11:03:50 PM » by DHW

Sparky9? What do you think? Maybe a bit modified so it isn't too tight. It is generally advised that after a C-section the mom needs to cushion her belly with a pillow when coughing or using those tummy muscles, so maybe binding would be a good thing.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #20 on: February 24, 2008, 11:20:46 PM » by H0MEFree

I had a c-sec with my first baby. I did not bind, nor did I know of such a thing then.
I do remember the entire incision area being VERY sensitive for a year or so afterward. I could not wear teeny cutesy panties any more as they tended to almost lay right across there. Or if they did not hit that area, they tended to slip into that "dip" there and drive me climbing up the wall. Cry

That being said- because of the nerves still healing there you have that to seriously consider when choosing HOW to bind.
If you did decided to bind, I suggest you wear big ol gramma panties, you know the full cut kind and hope that the layer all across and up high will lower the chances of the binding doing any sliding or bunching.
Perhaps you could bind with a waist cincher that comes down over the hips? I have seen them occasionally- more like a partial corset that comes down lower. Or use high waisted girdle/tummy trimmer panties. That last option sounds the easiest to me.
Just keep trying until you find what works for your body shape.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #21 on: February 25, 2008, 09:59:34 AM » by mtnmama

Quote from: homesteadmommy on February 23, 2008, 09:20:57 PM

what did you use for your wrap? And why aren't you supposed to wear a wrap to sleep?

I don't remember the name of the wrap that I used, but I got it at Motherhood and it's the only one they sell. I've also seen it at BabiesRUs. The maker also makes a really good looking maternity belt. I didn't use the wrap when I slept because it was so tight - not comfortable enough to sleep in, and to give my muscles a chance to rest and breathe. I felt that wrapping helped with my posture, it helped tone up my stomach muscles since it was keeping them tighter and closer to my body - it was kind of like an isometric exercise without any effort! And it did help bring all the organs back together.
As far as moms who haven't just recently had their babies - the subtitle to "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" is "For Moms of any age, no matter when they had their babies!" I highly highly recommend it!
She describes your stomach like a lemon wedge - what happens when you squeeze a lemon? It cracks down the middle and opens up. She says that's essentially what happens when you do traditional crunches and sit ups. Instead of creating a flat stomach you widen the diastasis further, and no matter how many crunches you do, while you are strengthening your abs you won't make them flat again.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #22 on: February 25, 2008, 01:08:35 PM » by jhandrh

[quote author=mtnmama link=topic=15983.msg155598#msg155598 As far as moms who haven't just recently had their babies - the subtitle to "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" is "For Moms of any age, no matter when they had their babies!" I highly highly recommend it!
She describes your stomach like a lemon wedge - what happens when you squeeze a lemon? It cracks down the middle and opens up. She says that's essentially what happens when you do traditional crunches and sit ups. Instead of creating a flat stomach you widen the diastasis further, and no matter how many crunches you do, while you are strengthening your abs you won't make them flat again.
[/quote]

i'm gonna have to get me that book! i was reading this thread thinking grrrr!! where was that info three months ago when i had my baby? Cheesy

my stomach really isn't too bad for having had 3 babies, but i would still be happy for some improvement. if only there was a way to lose the extra skin! my grandma had 7 babies and 5 miscarriages and considers a girdle a necessity. I can see why.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #23 on: February 25, 2008, 06:44:04 PM » by littlemama24

My mom had a back brace thingy that I'm going to try to use for belly binding. I am hoping it will help splint some of the reorganizing going on in there and cut down on the uncomfortability...

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #24 on: February 25, 2008, 07:35:12 PM » by ShabbyChic

Well yesterday I tried an ACE bandage and it lasted for about 30 minutes before it was too uncomfortable. I got tired of it rolling over (rolling down) too, and I think you'll have to have a sturdier material.

I saw this cheaper one at babies'r'us and they have the same one for $5 more at motherhood maternity. So I think I'll invest in one even though I'm almost a month post partum. Mostly because of the fluid issues I'm still having and to help support me.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2320116

It's weird, though, about c-sections and wrapping. The baboosh site and one other that I went to said not to wrap after c-section, but the medela site above said it is for support after a c-section. Huh

Personally, and I've never had a c-section so I'm only speculating, I'd think it'd hurt to have anything rubbing on the scar/incision site. Just my thought.

« Last Edit: February 25, 2008, 07:47:18 PM by ShabbyChic »
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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #25 on: February 25, 2008, 07:45:53 PM » by hsink

Quote

if only there was a way to lose the extra skin!

You could check out the skin brushing thread for help with the extra skin...
http://www.welltellme.com/discuss/index.php/topic,1597.0.html

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #26 on: February 25, 2008, 07:47:10 PM » by milmuth

Quote from: jall29 on February 24, 2008, 10:32:15 PM

Okay, this may sound pretty stupid, but can you do the wrapping if you've had a c-section? I am scheduled for my third one on April 29. Grin

and

The wrapping sounds great but I'm not so sure if it would help or hurt after surgery.

YES, imo. After the incision is healed enough that less air flow caused by binding would not cause infection. Make sense?

Where I worked, some docs ordered abdominal binders for their patients to wear while awake, and especially if up. When they started usually depended on how they were healing, but most were at least a few days after the c-section. And the docs usually only ordered them for the c-section patients. It wasn't a fancy binder- just a really wide (like 12 inches or more???) elastic binder with velcro closure. I think any medical supply store would have it, or the hospital should carry it. Perhaps your doc could order one for you.

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #27 on: February 25, 2008, 07:53:35 PM » by ShabbyChic

Here are 2 reviews at onestepahead.com who said they've had c-sections and the belt is a must have.

http://www.onestepahead.com/product/osa/357756.html#tabs

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #28 on: February 25, 2008, 08:00:19 PM » by happyhomemaker

Okay, here's my question: How wide does a belly wrap need to be? I have seen 8", 10" or 12". I have been looking at some from Ezywrap.com

http://www.ezywrap.com/c-147-post-op-abdominal-binders.aspx?gclid=CLL2lozS4JECFQLBPAoda27lfA

Looking for something that will work, but not cost and arm and a leg. KWIM?

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Re: Post Partum Belly Wrapping
« Reply #29 on: February 25, 2008, 08:06:26 PM » by Sparkys9

Well, I've never had a c-sec, but I agree with milmuth. Waiting until the incision has begun to heal seems important b/c air flow to that area would be restricted with a binder. Also you'd be more likely to sweat and that might increase the chance for infection,IMO. I do think that they would be very helpful after that though, b/c there has been the added stress of the abdominal muscles being cut, along with normal separation of muscles, the uterus involuting, the back muscles adjusting to the shift in weight, etc,etc. I would ask your dr ( can't remember who asked this in the first place, major pg brain Grin

), and see what they think. Amy

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