A few helpful voice tips for those binding your chests
Updated: Nov 28, 2022
Check that the binder is not too tight- you want to be able to fit four fingers under the side of the binder
Spend a few minutes checking in with your breath. Try a few breath cycles where you breathe out all of your air each time. If you feel better afterwards you might want to make a habit of doing this periodically (carbon dioxide is heavier than oxygen- unless you're physically exerting yourself you're likely are not getting good oxygen exchange in the bottom of your lungs, your reserve capacity. But you can intentionally breathe out all of your air from your reserve capacity which works too.)
Forget any advice to keep your stomach flat to look slim. You look fine with your stomach relaxed anyways, and it interferes with your breathing patterns when you're binding.
If you're finding that you're running out of air when speaking a normal length sentence, or using a lot of fry at the end of sentences, you may want to think about your breathing. Try breathing from low in your torso.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you're binding and have any other questions about your voice! I'm happy to help :)
- Tallulah
Please be aware that this blog is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please check with your doctor for any medical advice you may need.
-Tallulah Breslin, MS, CCC/SLP (she/they)
Gender & Identity Affirming Voice Training @Harmonic Speech Therapy
