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Belly-binding and why you should consider it.

Two years ago I attended a course which focused on the health & well being of mothers in the immediate post-natal period. It was while on this course that I was introduced to Malaysian Bengkung belly binding and I could immediately see the value in it. I purchased my first belly binding soon after from a doula who makes hers in rural Wales.

A belly bind is a long piece of fabric, often cotton , approximately 40cm wide and between 6m and 16m long. The length you require depends not just on your frame, but how deeply you wish to bind. Some people wish only to bind their hips and lower abdomen, while others prefer to bind further up, to sit just below their breasts.

During pregnancy, all parts of your body change, shift and expand. Your skin stretches taught over your growing baby and your hips widen in preparation for birth. Once the baby has arrived, the post-partum body you find yourself with is unfamiliar and almost certainly a bit squashy. Internally your muscles have also been affected greatly.

Post birth belly binding can help with the contraction of your body, moving it closer to it’s pre birth state. This isn’t necessarily about being slimmer (although few would complain), it’s about providing support to your internal organs, and encouraging them into a pre-pregnancy position, assisting with abdominal wall muscle retraction, supporting loosened ligaments and improving posture, reducing the risk of back pain.

Belly binding can help with repairing diastasis recti as well, by bringing bands of muscle back together and supporting them.

Belly binding can also provide support to the pelvic area. The pelvis undergoes a lot of change in the run up to birth, loosening and preparing for the passage of the baby. Using a binding post birth can provide additional support while the birth hormones are still whizzing around your body. The lower back support this gives feels amazing and is akin to the nurturing feelings experienced by firm hip squeezes during labour.

As well as the physical benefits of belly binding, many women feel an emotional strength from it too. The act of caring for yourself, taking a few minutes in the morning to do something for yourself, often helps a woman to appreciate what their bodies have achieved in growing and birthing their child. As with ‘closing the bones’ ceremonies, many women see this as a symbolic closure of their pregnancy (I can direct you to women who perform this ceremony locally).


Belly Binding service
I would like to share the benefits of belly binding with women in Cornwall and the Devon borders. I have put together a service which you may buy for yourself or gift to friends and family.

The full package includes:

  • Each appointment, in your own home, lasts approximately 2 hrs.
  • We will discuss what benefits you are seeking from belly binding.
  • We will try several belly binds to find one which is the most suitable length for your requirements.
  • I will teach you how to bind yourself.
  • One months rental of your chosen belly binding.
  • A pre-paid envelope to return the belly binding at the end of the month.

All of this is included in the £60 fee (If you wish to purchase your binding it will cost an additional £20)

I am also able to offer a daily binding service where I will come to your house each morning to bind you. Price for this service is available on request and dependant upon location.

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International Women’s Day 2019

 

This day needs to be acknowledged every year. On International Women’s Day I always do a lot of thinking and reflect on my feelings of women and their position in the world today. My thoughts are always tinged by the experiences I have had in the weeks leading up to IWD and this year is no different.

This beautiful image (by Little by Lupin) reflects how I am feeling today. It may be chilly and cold still, but there’s a hint of Spring in the air, and Summer will eventually arrive. I am fortunate to have a group of women around me who support and encourage me, whatever endeavour I’m pursuing. These women don’t all live near to me, although luckily some do. I see my friends and colleagues doing amazing things for other women, whether that be through their work, their mothering or their care of others. Most of them know that they need to perform self-care to do this well, and there is no guilt for ensuring they can do the best for all. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Recently I’ve been working alongside a group of midwives who are engaged in a project to provide Continuity of Care to the women in their area. This in itself is fantastic, but they are also inviting other birth professionals to meet their antenatal groups. Myself, along with other doulas, hypnobirth teachers and yoga practitioners, have been given the opportunity to speak to women and their families about many options which fall outside of standard NHS care . These choices may provide additional support to them through pregnancy, birth and beyond. I am so excited by this as it is a perfect example of women being open to ideas, looking at things from a new perspective and raising up other women. What is not to love about empowering women to make their own choices about something so life-changing as becoming a mother.

I have also been doing some training to support women who are survivors of sexual and domestic violence. This wasn’t entered into lightly but there has not been a second when I have regretted that decision. I’m a long way off completing my training, but the course has been transformative.

To sit in a circle of women who all have the same desire to improve the lives of other women is very grounding. I have always considered myself a Feminist, but now I am a far better informed one. I have been shocked and saddened by most of the information given to me, but at present I feel as if we are on a mountain, heading for the top (although admittedly with a long way to go).

To finish, I wanted to include a picture of the gift sent to me by my sister. On International Women’s Day, I know there are millions of women who have my back, the same way I have theirs. But there is something special about a sister who sends you a reminder of your worth, on just the right day.

‘Empowered Women, Empower Women’

Happy International Women’s Day 2019

 

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What does a doula do?

What does a doula do?
I’m very fortunate here in Cornwall as there are quite a few wonderful doulas. This means that not only are there are lots of opportunities to provide shared care for clients and back-up for unforeseen emergencies, but also means there is a fantastic network of women, all working towards providing a better birth experience within the county.

As well as the benefits above, it also means that the role of a doula is fairly well understood locally, certainly when compared to other places I have lived and worked. Despite this, I do often get asked what I do, and there are definitely some misconceptions about my job. I always wanted to try and come up with a ‘snappy soundbite’ to encompass my role, but so far it has evaded me, so I thought I’d write a short post of explanation.

Lets start with some myth busting
Firstly, I’m not medically qualified. I can not replace the role of the midwife or any other healthcare professional that may attend to you. I am however trained in providing continuous  informational, emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatally. I enjoy working alongside midwives and have a deep respect for their skills and knowledge.

I’m also not a patchouli smelling hippy, although I do have a penchant for jasmine oil, being barefoot in the garden in summer, and hanging pretty bits in trees.
I like filling my house with treasures from the garden, and do like an Epsom salt filled bath, with essential oils and dried flowers.
I have 50 odd sheep and have been known to spin their wool. I don’t think I’m particularly ‘alternative’, but I’m definitely in tune with what’s around me.

I don’t just attend homebirths. I will attend your birth wherever you choose it to be. You could be in a forest, surrounded by nature’s wildlife, at home in a birthing pool, in a midwife-led unit, the delivery ward or support you through a C-section. What is important to me is that you make your decision having considered all the facts and options available to you, knowing that the choices are yours to make.

I’m not a ‘paid hand-holder’ as I’ve seen us described recently in the press. I’m a trained birth professional, well-read & confident. I will help you prepare for labour, will ensure you’ve considered all your options in your birth plan and am willing to help you achieve your desired birth however possible. Of course, I’ll hold your hand if you want me to, I’m pretty good at it.

I won’t offer you advice, my role is
not to tell you what to do. I can listen and I am epic at tracking down information and signposting. If you’re unsure at any time, I’m a good sounding-board and I’ll be able to remind you about your wishes during any difficult phases of labour. I’ll also remind everyone else around you.

I don’t replace your birth partner, unless you want me to fulfil that role. For me, we are all part of a team. I will ensure your needs are met first and foremost, but I also recognise that your partner will be able to support you all the better if they are rested, fed and hydrated. I’ll remind you both throughout and ensure you are both cared for.

During birth, I will hold that sacred space for you. I will give words of encouragement, help with positioning and give massage to help with pain relief.

What else?
As your doula I will be there for you from the moment you book me. You can call me with any fears, doubts or worries. I want to hear them to understand you better. I will go on call at about 37 weeks, as will my husband, and no doubt friends, to ensure that my family are cared for and I will be 100% focused on your birth. If your labour lasts longer than expected, there won’t be a shift change, I will be by your side. I won’t leave until you’re ready for me to go.

When your baby arrives, I will stay with you, and make sure you are comfortable. I can help to protect that precious, golden hour after birth, making sure you have what you need, are warm, have eaten and have a drink by your side. I can help you establish your first breastfeed if that’s what you choose.

In the days after I will visit you at home. I can provide practical support, whip around the house with a hoover, pop a wash-load on, do the dishes and make you some food. More importantly I can watch your baby if you want to grab some sleep, or I can amuse older siblings. I can listen to you, and go through your birth story if you wish. The bond we build through pregnancy and birth is incredibly special and I value it enormously.


I am a passionate advocate of Birth Rights, for that you can read Human
Rights. I do bang on a bit about ‘Informed Choice’, and I will do my best to ensure that you feel empowered to make decisions that are best for you and your baby.
I have many books that I can lend you, and can direct you to some brilliant organisations who can provide information in less than straight-forward situations.

I hope this has helped to understand what I do. I am privileged to be invited into your birth space and to be able to do the work that I love.

If you would like more evidence-based reasons for why you should consider hiring me, perhaps look at the Cochrane report.

If you think you may be interested, please get in touch. We can arrange an informal meeting to discuss your needs, but more importantly to see if we click. I’m always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Some useful websites
www.aims.org.uk
www.birthrights.org.uk
www.doula.org.uk
www.positivebirthmovement.org