Postpartum DIY Yarrow Herb Plant Dye a Bengkung Belly Binder for Recovery
instead of using a plastic belly binder….💗🌱🌷🧺
The perfect way to prepare for your postpartum recovery is by making things as comfortable and special as possible. I’ve always loved cotton belly binders over plastic Velcro ones. They are so much more comfortable, breathable and fit the body the best. I think this might be the sweetest nesting party gift too! You can use any herb really but I love using postpartum herbs like yarrow to celebrate the most gentle recovery! If you are inspired to make belly binding even more special, this DIY is for you!
Wondering what are the benefits of yarrow?
Also known as milfoil, devil's nettle, and many other names, yarrow grows wild in many different places. It belongs to the daisy family and has feathery green foliage and white or pink flower heads.
yarrow is often used by midwives to make postpartum recovery easier because it is uterine relaxant and can stop bleeding. Always chat with your midwife or doctor before using.
Yarrow also can help with pain and soreness postpartum which makes it one of my favorite herbs to make tea and use in sitz baths and peri bottles.
Although using it as a plant dye doesn’t offer these benefits, it still is pretty special and it’s beautiful energy deserves a part of postpartum in one way or another.
Here’s what I did to create a yarrow herb plant dyed & infused belly binder ⬇️
🪴Source the materials: cotton belly binder, white vinegar, dishpan basin, water, a ton of yarrow
I use these similar measurements but obviously, please do what you think is best with what you have:
100% cotton belly binder - the ones in my shop are perfect to do plant dye work with!
White Vinegar - I used about 1/2 -1 cup of vinegar for one binder.
Plastic Dishpan - I use this dishpan for so many crafts and it really comes in handy with plant dyes.
Water - fill the dishpan to the top once belly binder is inside. The measurement varies but i highly suggest filling it and submerging the bind as much as possible. I used glass weights too.
A ton of yarrow - you will need much more than i showed in these photos. later i realized i needed so much more but next time for sure i will harvest more! i suggest about 8 cups of yarrow and i think i had about 2 cups here. Please use the flowers and leaves.
🪴Prep the binder: place binder into the vinegar mixture and allow it to soak for 2-24 hours.
This is super important to allow the bind to soak as long as possible. i usually try to soak it in vinegar for about a day when I have the patience.
🪴Prep the herb\plant dye mix: boil a pot of water with about 8 cups of yarrow leafs and flowers for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to sit.
Allow this mixture to boil for 15 minutes or more until the water color is a beautiful yellow color.
🪴Do the thing: place binder into the yarrow mixture and allow to sit for 2-3 days.
The moment you have been waiting for! Place the binder in the tea mixture and allow it to sit for 2-3 days. I simply put it on the back of the stove and let it steep for a few days without bothering it.
🪴Dry Time: allow the binder to sit in a shaded area to dry outside for 24 hours. Don’t try to squeeze the water out but allow it to drip dry.
This is so simple but i sometimes forget to not put the bind in the sun while drying. Place it in a shady area to drip dry and make sure not to twist any water out of the bind.
Wrapped up and ready to be purchased!
This plant dye will stay up to 1-2 washes but my momma clients don’t feel the need to wash their binds until their postpartum season is over. 💗 This DIY was so simple but really special! I am selling this one of a kind belly binder like I did the previous seasons. You are welcome to check out what other plant dyes i’VE DONE IN THE PAST. i HOPE YOU ARE ABLE TO PLANT DYE YOUR OWN BIND FOR YOURSELF OR A BEAUTIFUL GIFT TO A FRIEND.
wISHING YOU ALL THE HEALING!
