#ftm binding

We had something similar to this at home, and I used to wear that thing for around 7-10 hours a day, usually folded in half. I could not breathe properly, I had red marks all over my skin from chafing, and my ribs HURT.

Eventually I switched to wearing about 4 sports bras layered ontop of each other, which was an improvement, but it still restricted my breathing, not to mention it restricted proper bloodflow.

I got my first real binder for my 16th birthday, after coming out to my parents. And that worked perfectly well for a few years, since by then I had learned about binding safely and I was making sure I didn't exceed 8 hours a day.

And then I started recovering from my ED. And I gained weight, but I kept using my binder until I realized it was hurting, and I stopped binding for a long time.

When I was 18 I finally got a new binder, which fits me well and I do still use, even if I don't bind all that often anymore (mostly due to asthma complications)

So just a recap on the general rules of binding safely:

• Always, ALWAYS wear a binder in the proper size

• NEVER wear your binder for more than 8 hours a day

• Try to take breaks. When I used to bind daily I would go to the bathroom every 2 hours or so to take it off and stretch

• Make sure to keep your binder clean

• Listen to your body. I know dysphoria is the worst feeling in the world, but if you feel any pain or discomfort, or if your breathing feels resteicted, TAKE THE BINDER OFF ASAP

In other words: Be smarter than teenage me. Love y'all <3 Be safe out there