Can Belly Binding Help With Postpartum Recovery? Let’s Talk About It

Mama, let’s be real for a second:

After giving birth, your body feels like it’s been through everything. Because, well, it has.

You’ve carried life, labored, delivered, and now you’re holding your baby in your arms… but your body? She’s still catching her breath.

You might feel sore, wobbly, disconnected from your core. Maybe you don’t feel like “yourself” in your own skin. And while everyone’s asking about the baby, you’re quietly wondering: “Is my body ever going to feel okay again?”

Let’s talk about belly binding. Not as a trend. Not as a “snapback” fix. But as a gentle, ancestral practice that supports your recovery from the inside out.

So, what is belly binding?

Belly binding is the practice of gently wrapping your abdomen postpartum with a cloth or a specially designed binder. It’s not a new trend, it’s been around for generations in so many cultures around the world. Our ancestors weren’t strangers to postpartum care, and belly binding was often a part of the healing process.

Now, modern mamas are rediscovering it as a way to feel more held during those tender weeks after birth.

Can belly binding actually help in postpartum?

The short answer: yes, for many moms, it really can.

But let’s break it down in a way that makes sense. This isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about healing, comfort, and support.

• It supports your core

  Your abdominal muscles go through a lot during pregnancy. They stretch. They shift. And after delivery, they can feel weak and unfamiliar. Belly binding gives gentle support as those muscles begin to realign.

• It can reduce swelling.

  That light pressure helps your body release extra fluids, especially in your lower belly and hips. It’s like giving your body a little encouragement to find its way back.

• It helps your posture.

  Newborn cuddles are the best, but the hunching and nursing and bending can do a number on your back. Belly binding encourages better posture and can take some strain off your lower back.

• It gives emotional comfort

  One thing we don’t talk about enough? How comforting it can feel to be held. Belly binding can offer a sense of security — physically, emotionally, spiritually — like someone is wrapping you up in a hug when your whole world feels upside down.

• It supports cesarean recovery. 

  If you had a C-section, a belly binder can provide extra support around your incision, ease movement, and help you feel more stable as you heal.

• It may help with diastasis recti.

  If your ab muscles stayed separated after pregnancy, binding (along with movement and breathwork) may help them come back together more gently.

Things to Keep in Mind

Not every binder is created equal, and not every body responds the same way. Here are a few things to consider:

• Choose the right binder – Whether it’s a traditional wrap or a modern adjustable binder, comfort and proper support are key.

• Don’t wrap too tight – You want to feel supported, not squeezed.

• Ask for guidance – If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to a postpartum doula (hi, we’re right here 💜).

• Listen to your body – If it feels wrong, stop. Binding isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay.

• Consult your provider – Especially after a c-section or if you had complications during delivery.

Belly Binding Isn’t a Cure-All, But It Can Be a Comfort

Let’s get one thing straight: belly binding isn’t about “bouncing back.” It’s about holding space for healing.

It’s about honoring a body that just did something miraculous. And it’s about choosing to care for yourself in the tender, raw, beautiful days after birth.

You deserve that kind of care. Not just for your baby, but for you.

At Haven Place Doulas, We Offer Belly Binding Because We Believe in This Work

If you're in the Boston or greater Massachusetts area, our doulas at Haven Place Doulas are here to support you, not just during birth, but well into postpartum. We offer belly binding as part of our postpartum care services, and we’d be honored to wrap you up with the same love and intention our ancestors did.

You’re not meant to do this alone. Let us care for you, wrap you up, and remind you just how strong and sacred your body is.

Ready to try belly binding?