The art and science of postpartum wrapping

Do you feel that postpartum belly wrapping is important? does it feel daunting and you aren't sure how to start, what is the best way to do so?

What if I told you that it is simple and can be done with everyday items, and that there isn't a right way to do it, but rather a range of ways and that each mother knows best what suits her?

In this online course you will learn the following:

• A range of methods of wrapping that are simple to do and affordable
• What traditional and modern knowledge say about this practise
• How to use wrapping as a source of postpartum support
• How to tailor what you offer your client’s needs and preferences

All around the world, there is (or used to be) a custom of wrapping the hips and/or the belly for the first few weeks after birth.

It makes sense when you think about it. During pregnancy, the body adapts to accommodate the growing baby: the pelvis tilts and widens, the spine curvature increases, the abdomen stretches to accommodate the growing uterus, which in turn also pushes all the internal abdominal organs up. During the birth the pelvis opens. Then after the birth all of this has to happen in reverse. The uterus has to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size, and the abdominal organs descend back into place. On a simple physical level, wrapping helps to support stretched and unstable muscles and ligaments during this process. It also provides comfort and warmth.

New mothers are also open physically, emotionally and spiritually, and the wrapping is part of the support that helps on this level too.   On an emotional level wrapping brings us back to our bodies and provides a sense of being contained. On a spiritual level it also feels protective.

How to do wrapping during the postpartum

I want to demystify the process and show you that it is simple and  doesn’t require expert knowledge, and that you can do for yourself, or teach others easily. I will explain why there isn’t a kind of wrapping that is better than the others. Choosing a method of wrapping is like choosing a pair of jeans: you cannot be prescriptive about what fits each person, and it is a good idea to try before you buy. It needs to fit your lifestyle, and it needs to feel comfortable for your unique body.

Having been wrapping myself for over ten years and teaching my clients and other professionals to do it, I’ve decided to create a new online course to teach this. To celebrate the launch of this course, I am going to share some these techniques with you in this webinar

In this course, I will share history, evidence, stories and tutorials that demonstrate how simple and effective postpartum wrapping is.

What does the course contain?

• A historical background of postpartum wrapping
• Why wrapping can support postnatal recovery and wellbeing, including what science says
• What options are available to wrap the belly and hips after birth
• Stories to illustrate how effective the wrapping is
• Videos tutorials showing  how to do the wrapping

By the end of this course, you will know why wrapping is an important part of postnatal recovery. You will immediately be able to practise ad offer several simple ways of wrapping. You will also know how to access further knowledge and support in learning many different ways to wrap.

Who is this course for?

This class is for birth professionals and for parents who want to learn how to wrap the belly and hips during the postpartum

What makes this course special?

I have a unique blend of scientific, theoretical and practical experience.  I offer a blend of scientific, traditional, and practical knowledge. I have extensive experience in using and teaching wrapping techniques face to face and remotely.

About the instructor

Having worked as a doula from 2012 to 2022, I also have a diploma in antenatal education and spent several years teaching antenatal classes. I have been facilitating in person workshops for birth professionals for over ten years, and online courses for 5 years. I know to present information in a way that is entertaining, easy to follow, and which allows students to learn easily and enjoyably, as well as apply what they have learnt in the class.

Prior to being a perinatal educator, I gained a PhD in Physiology of Reproduction and spent 20 years working as a biology research scientist. I also have a DiPhe in antenatal education.

I am the author of the book Why Postnatal Recovery Matters, published by Pinter and Martin.

The course will run live from October 2022, to include 3 live sessions on zoom as well as written and pre-recorded online lessons. 

By the end of the course you will feel confident about starting to offer wrapping support to your clients and your community.

How is the course structured?

The course is divided in the following modules

• 1. Welcome
  2. Introduction
  3. History and traditional wrapping wisdom
  4. Wrapping in the modern world : the science of postpartum wrapping
  5. How to wrap (tutorials for scarves, velcro wraps, and items of clothing)
  6. How to support others in wrapping
  7.  Conclusion

What is the course format?

• 4.5h of live video classes, divided in 3 weekly 90 min lessons (these will take place at 8pm London time (BST) on the 11th, 18th and 15th of September 2022). If you cannot attend the sessions live you will be able to access the recording in the course itself.
• Lifetime access to the complementary online course content, with a mix of text and video lessons, stories to illustrate how powerful this ritual is, and many downloadable handouts with pictures, poems, songs and much more.
• Access to a private Facebook group for ongoing support.
• A certificate of completion at the end of the course.

What is the investment?

• The course costs £149.

If you would like to read some examples of the type of wrapping I offer, read my blog post The lost art of postnatal wrapping.