Bind Safely

←Older revision Revision as of 06:12, 23 June 2016 Line 3: Line 3:   == Steps == == Steps ==−# Binding your chest is the effect of wanting to make your chest look flatter, if you are happy with your appearance then you can try different methods to change it as well as being safe.+# Understand what binding is. ''Binding'' is the effect of pushing breasts back towards the body, making your chest look flatter. It's most often used by transgender men, who may have to bind their breasts down, but it's also sometimes used by cisgender (non-transgender) men who have ''gynecomastia'', or enlarged breasts due to excess fat and breast tissue.−# Never try to flatten your chest with tape or bandages, they will restrict your breathing and give you fatal injuries including broken ribs.+#* Binding for extended periods of time will break down the breast tissue, creating "floppy" breasts, so it's not a good idea for women who just want their breasts to appear smaller.−# One way to make your chest look smaller is by layering up however many don't enjoy this in the summer months. You could wear t-shirts with shirts or sweatshirts/jumpers on top.+# Avoid binding with tape or ACE bandages. A common sight in the media is the transgender boy who has tape or an ACE bandage wrapped around his chest, trying to bind his chest down. '''Never use these at any cost.''' Tape is very bad for the skin, and ACE bandages are designed to compress, so every time you take a breath, you'll be constricting your lungs and ribcage. Using either of these materials to bind can result in chest pain, torn skin, broken ribs, severe lung problems, or even a fatal punctured lung;<ref>http://www.idontdoboxes.org/your-friendly-neighborhood-binding-safety-guide/</ref><ref>http://transguys.com/features/chest-binding</ref><ref>http://nonbinary.org/wiki/Binding</ref> additionally, they can also prevent a mastectomy (or surgical removal of the breasts) due to damaged ribs.−# Another way whoch discreetly makes your chest appear flatter is to wear sports bras. Try them on and make sure they are not to small or big and that they will be comfortable. You can also wear two and the second one should be inside out.+#* If you have absolutely ''no'' other choice than to use a bandage, do not wear it for more than an hour. '''Never use tape under any circumstances.'''−# To bind your chest safely and properly, you should invest in a proper binder. They are safe and can be bought from the internet, they come in different sizes and can make you look and feel much better. They are the safest way of binding however, you must never excercise in them as they may restrict your breathing. Do not wear your binder longer than 8 hours at any given time and you must not sleep in it.+# Use sports bras. A safe way that discreetly makes your chest appear flatter is wearing sports bras. Buy a bra or two. Try them on; make sure they're properly sized and that they are comfortable. You can also wear two, with the second one inside out. It sounds odd, but it works.−# If you feel dysphoria or need help talk to a counseller or your parents/responsible adult. Always tell someone you can trust about how you feel and you can message me personally for support.+#* Unlike binders, sports bras can be used for as long as you want, as they don't provide any compression around your ribs. If you plan on going somewhere for a long time, consider wearing a sports bra rather than a binder. +# Purchase a binder. To truly bind your chest safely and properly, you should invest in a proper binder. They are safe and can be bought from the internet; they come in different sizes and can make you look and feel much better. +#* Never exercise in your binder, as it may restrict your breathing. +#* Do not wear your binder longer than 8 hours at any given time. +#* Don't sleep in your binder.