In the realm of postpartum care, Ayurvedic practices offer a wealth of knowledge and time-honored traditions that support the healing and recovery of new mothers. One such tradition is Ayurvedic belly binding, a practice that has been used for centuries to provide physical and emotional support during the postpartum period. This article explores the significance of Ayurvedic belly binding, its benefits, and how it can be incorporated into modern postpartum care.

The Historical Significance of Belly Binding in Ayurveda

Belly binding is a postpartum tradition that can be traced back thousands of years in various cultures around the world, including India, Malaysia, Morocco and Latin America. In Ayurveda, belly binding, or "Peetabandha," is a practice rooted in the understanding of the body's need for support and stability after childbirth. The physical and energetic changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth are immeasurable, and belly binding is seen as a way to help the body regain its strength and balance.

The practice involves wrapping a cloth around the abdomen to provide support to the muscles and organs that have been stretched and displaced during pregnancy. In Ayurveda, this process is believed to aid in the realignment of the uterus, support the abdominal muscles, and promote the expulsion of toxins and fluids that accumulate in the body after childbirth.

The Benefits of Ayurvedic Belly Binding

Ayurvedic belly binding offers numerous benefits for postpartum recovery. These benefits extend beyond the physical realm, as the practice is also believed to provide emotional and psychological support during a time of significant transition.

Belly Wrapping / Belly Binding

Postnatal belly wrapping is an important component of post-birth rejuvenation. Below are some of the key benefits:

• Decreases excess Vata

• Closes the empty space in the womb, thereby minimizing empty womb sadness

• Helps the pelvis and hips to close after birth

• Brings a feeling of mental and emotional stability and support

• Brings feelings of strength

• Helps the hormones regain balance more efficiently, thereby balancing emotions

• Brings physical support to the muscles and organs which have all been displaced, helping them move properly back into position

• Helps separated abdominal muscles to come back together

• Helps relieve anxiety and depression

Credit: Inner Sun and Moon

Physical Support and Healing

One of the primary benefits of belly binding is the physical support it provides to the abdomen and lower back. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles and skin stretch significantly, and the internal organs are shifted to accommodate the growing baby. After childbirth, these muscles and organs need time to return to their pre-pregnancy positions. Belly binding helps to gently compress the abdomen, providing support to the muscles and encouraging the natural process of involution, where the uterus returns to its original size and position.

Additionally, the gentle pressure applied by the belly bind helps to stabilize the pelvis and lower back, reducing discomfort and pain that can occur during the postpartum period. This support is particularly beneficial for mothers who have undergone a cesarean section, as it can help to protect the incision site and promote healing.

Promoting Detoxification and Circulation

In Ayurvedic tradition, the postpartum period is considered a time for cleansing, restoring balance and rejuvenation. Belly binding is thought to aid in the elimination of "Ama," or toxins, that may have accumulated in the body during pregnancy and childbirth. The compression of the abdomen encourages the release of excess fluids, reducing swelling and water retention, which are common after childbirth.

Belly binding also promotes healthy circulation, which is essential for the healing process. Improved blood flow to the abdominal area can help to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and accelerate the recovery process. The warmth generated by the binding further supports circulation and provides a comforting, soothing sensation to the mother.

Emotional and Psychological Support

The postpartum period is not only a time of physical healing but also a time of emotional and psychological adjustment. The act of belly binding can provide a sense of security and grounding, helping the mother feel more connected to her body during a time when she may feel vulnerable or disconnected.

The process of wrapping the belly can be a meditative and nurturing ritual, allowing the mother to take time for herself and focus on her own well-being. This can be particularly important in the early days after childbirth when the demands of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Belly binding serves as a reminder for the mother to prioritize her own healing and recovery, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-care.

How to Perform Ayurvedic Belly Binding

Belly binding is a simple yet powerful practice that can be easily incorporated into postpartum care. Traditionally, a long strip of cloth, often made of cotton or muslin, is used to wrap the abdomen. The binding is typically done daily for several weeks, several hours a day starting right after childbirth and continuing for up to six weeks or longer, depending on the mother's recovery needs.

How To Make A Belly Wrap Cloth

As an Ayurvedic doula, I like to use organic muslin cloth that I have torn into a 10-12 inches wide by 18-36 feet long strip. You can use a cloth that is anywhere from 10-12 inches wide & 18-36 feet long (6-12 yards). Feel free to experiment to find the length of cloth that works best for you, and you may want to vary the length depending on how big or small the mama in your care is. 18 feet can sometimes be too short, but 36 feet can be very difficult to deal with because it is so much length.

Be mindful to wash the belly wrap cloths in a mild non-toxic laundry detergent, put them inside a pillowcase first to not get tangled in the washer.

Choose a fabric that is a natural fiber like cotton or cotton muslin. Look for the softest, thinnest natural fiber fabric you can find. Choose fabrics that are not stretchy or only slightly stretchy. A local fabric should have a variety of options.

Corset-style belly binds or elastic belly binds can cause more damage than good, unfortunately. We absolutely recommend using a cloth belly wrap and never a pre-made corset-style elastic or Spanx type belly bind. Unfortunately, the corset and Spanx-style belly binds cut in at the wrong places, and we are seeing that some women are actually receiving organ damage from them. It is unfortunate because they are so much easier to use—the cloth can be cumbersome, but it will provide mama with all the benefits she needs in all the right ways.

Credit: Inner Sun and Moon

How To Wrap The Belly The Ayurvedic Way

1. Start with one end of the cloth at the side of one hip and wrap diagonally up toward the opposite ribs. Bring the cloth straight across the back to the other side of the ribcage and then cross in front back toward the opposite hip from where you started.

2. Continue in this crossing pattern, occasionally twisting a single twist at the sides of the body to give extra support and to help the cloth angle diagonally more easily.

3. Wrap from the hips up to the bra line. Experiment by wrapping your belly until you find a way of doing it that feels most comfortable and supportive to you. This may take 5-6 times to get right, I suggest practicing before baby arrives.

4. The wrap should be simultaneously firm and gentle—you should feel firmly supported but be able to breathe and move around easily. Think of it as wrapping a sprained wrist with an ace bandage.

+ It is important to think of pulling the belly up as you wrap it with the belly bind cloth. If we wrap with a downward pressure, it can be too much downward pressure on the already weakened pelvic floor after birth.

+Benefits are received after only 20 minutes of wearing a belly wrap, and a mother can wear it as often as 24/7 during the 6 weeks postpartum if it suits her to do so. You can encourage her to aim to wear it 10-12 hours daily to start and see how it suits her.

A mother who wants to belly bind daily for 6 weeks will want to have 3-5 cloths on hand. It is safe to wrap a mother’s belly who has had a cesarean incision so long as it is comfortable for her to do so AND SHE HAS APPROVAL FROM HER DOCTOR – let her decide when she feels ready after she has her doctor’s approval. If she is worried or it is uncomfortable for her, wait until the stitches are starting to dissolve.

Credit: Inner Sun and Moon

Oiling The Belly

It is incredibly beneficial to massage the belly with warm oil before wrapping, you can do a longer massage for the entire body then wrap the belly. Apply clockwise circles to the belly, light pressure and a small amount of oil (about a nickel size).

Oil options: Remember, always use organic, gently warmed oil that is deliciously just above body temperature and feels comfortable to your client.

• Ghee (typically a strong smell and messy, but very beneficial)

• Sesame oil

• Sesame + Sunflower oil (half and half)

• Sesame oil herbalized(my favorite choice)Ashwagandha, Bala,Sandalwood or any herb that is safe for breastfeeding mothers, supports womb health, and is restorative to skin and ligaments. Options are available premade at Banyan Botanicals.

Step-by-Step Guide to Belly Binding

Here is a simple guide to performing Ayurvedic belly binding:

1. Prepare the Cloth: Lay the cloth flat on a comfortable surface. If using herbal oil, gently warm it and apply it to your abdomen in circular motions, focusing on the lower abdomen and sides.

2. Position Yourself: Get into a comfortable, relaxed position. This will help ensure the cloth is wrapped smoothly and evenly around your abdomen.

3. Start Wrapping: Begin by placing one end of the cloth on your lower abdomen, just above your pubic bone. Hold this end in place with one hand while you use the other hand to wrap the cloth around your waist. As you wrap, apply gentle pressure to ensure the cloth is snug but not too tight.

4. Continue Wrapping: Continue wrapping the cloth around your abdomen, overlapping each layer slightly as you move upward toward your ribcage. Make sure the wrap is even and covers the entire abdominal area.

5. Secure the End: Once you reach the end of the cloth, tuck it securely under the previous layer or tie it off with a knot. The binding should feel supportive but not restrictive.

6. Adjust and Rest: Adjust the wrap as needed to ensure it is comfortable. You can wear the belly bind for several hours each day, or even overnight, depending on your comfort level and needs.

Incorporating Belly Binding into Modern Postpartum Care

While Ayurvedic belly binding is rooted in ancient tradition, it can be easily adapted to modern postpartum care. Many women find that incorporating belly binding into their recovery routine provides a sense of continuity with traditional practices while also offering tangible benefits for physical and emotional healing.

Consulting with a Postpartum Doula or Ayurvedic Practitioner

If you are new to belly binding, it may be helpful to consult with a postpartum doula or Ayurvedic practitioner who is experienced in this practice. They can provide guidance on the correct technique, help you choose the right materials, and offer additional support as you incorporate belly binding into your postpartum care routine.

Additionally, some doulas and practitioners offer belly binding services as part of their postpartum care packages. This can be a convenient option for new mothers who prefer to have a professional perform the binding, especially in the early days after childbirth when energy levels may be low.

Combining Belly Binding with Other Ayurvedic Practices

For optimal postpartum recovery, belly binding can be combined with other Ayurvedic practices such as Abhyanga (warm oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and a Vata-pacifying diet. These complementary practices work together to create a holistic approach to healing that supports the body, mind, and spirit.

For example, performing a daily Abhyanga massage before belly binding can enhance the benefits of both practices. The warm oil massage nourishes the skin, promotes circulation, and calms the nervous system, while the belly bind provides physical support and helps to retain the warmth and healing properties of the oil.

Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can help to create a sense of ritual and self-care, fostering a deeper connection to your body and supporting your postpartum recovery in a holistic and balanced way.

Embracing the Tradition of Ayurvedic Belly Binding

Ayurvedic belly binding is a powerful and nurturing practice that honors the body's natural healing processes and provides essential support during the postpartum period. By embracing this tradition, new mothers can experience the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits that have been cherished by women for generations.

Whether you choose to practice belly binding as part of a comprehensive Ayurvedic postpartum care plan or as a standalone ritual, the key is to approach it with mindfulness and intention. As you wrap your abdomen each day, take a moment to connect with your body, honor your journey, and acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience that motherhood requires.

For more insights into Ayurvedic postpartum practices and how to incorporate them into your recovery, explore the resources available on Mothersource. Whether you're seeking guidance on belly binding, postpartum nutrition, or holistic healing, you'll find the support and information you need to nurture yourself and your baby.