Stomach wrapping, also known as abdominal binding, is helpful after surgery and childbirth. By compressing the stomach, the patient is able to move with less pain after surgery, and the binder can also help hold the surgical wound together. After childbirth, whether a vaginal or surgical birth, stomach wrapping can help compress the uterus, leading to decreased bleeding, and helps hold the abdominal muscles together. Abdominal binders may be purchased online or at medical supply stores, or they may be given to the patient after surgery or childbirth.
Step 1
Determine the easiest, most comfortable position for the binder to be applied. The abdomen may be wrapped with the patient lying down or standing up. Anyone who has recently had surgery may be more comfortable having the binder applied while lying down. It is also easier to get a more secure fit while lying down.
Step 2
Place the binder underneath the patient if she is lying down or around the patient if she is standing up. The binder can be applied next to the skin or over a thin shirt unless the doctor's instructions state otherwise.
Step 3
Pull the side of the binder without the Velcro or fasteners over the patient's stomach with one hand and hold firmly. The harder the material is stretched, the more firm the fit will be once it is on.
Step 4
Stretch the other side of the binder across the patient's stomach, over the first side and pull so the fit is snug but not too tight. The patient's comfort should determine how tightly the binder is wrapped.
Step 5
Adjust the height or position of the binder if needed. Depending on the type of binder used, and the reason the belly needs to be wrapped, the binder may reach from underneath the breasts to the hips, or it may cover only the upper or lower abdomen. Wrapping done after childbirth should cover the lower abdomen and hips if desired. Wrapping after abdominal surgeries should cover the areas specified by the surgeon.
