Bengkung style belly binding can be an important part of recovering from childbirth. Using cotton, muslin, or silk fabric your abdomen is wrapped snuggly in order to support your body’s natural healing process. Belly binding has traditionally been used to provide the postpartum body the support to assist the abdominal wall muscle retraction, improves posture, support loosened ligaments and provide support to the torso while vital organs return to their pre-pregnancy size and position.
BENEFITS OF POSTPARTUM BELLY BINDING:
Repairing Diastis Recti: What is Diastasis Recti? According to the Mayo Clinic, it happens; “During pregnancy, the growing uterus stretches the muscles in the abdomen. This can cause the two large parallel bands of muscles that meet in the middle of the abdomen to separate — a condition called diastasis recti or diastasis recti abdominis. Diastasis recti might cause a bulge in the middle of the abdomen where the two muscles separate.”(1) The Malaysian technique of Bengkung binding is helpful in bringing those bands of muscles back together in order for the Linea Alba, or connective tissue, to strengthen and support the muscles more effectively.
Pelvic Support: In addition to supporting the abdominal area, belly binding also provides support for your pelvic area. During childbirth, a woman’s body produces something called Relaxin, which helps her body physically become looser and more flexible in order to birth her baby. When binding postpartum, we take advantage of the Relaxin in the body by putting pressure on the hips and pelvis to go back to its pre pregnancy state more easily. This also helps to firm and support the areas that are still loose from pregnancy as the Relaxin reduces in the body.
Lower Back Support: The Bengkung method of binding is also helpful in supporting the lower back. It is well known that the abdominal muscles have a direct relationship to the back muscles. According to www.spine-health.com“…The abdominal muscles and back muscles are key components of [a] muscular network, and provide the strength to keep the body upright and for movement. When these core muscles are in poor condition, additional stress is applied to the spine as it supports the body, and back injury or back pain is more likely”. With the abdominal support, the back is supported as well. Having lower back support helps to reduce strain and improves posture.
Internal Support: Besides musculoskeletal support, belly binding helps reduce fluid and air retention in the bowels and abdomen, decreases postpartum bleeding time by speeding up the process of getting rid of waste or blood clots. It also provides support to aid the internal organs back into a pre-pregnancy placement.
Emotional/Spiritual Support: Many women enjoy the process of taking care of their bodies and being able to focus on their recovery and the healing process. They are able to really take that time out each day for self-care and get in touch with their new self and their new role as a mother. Many women use binding as a spiritual or symbolic closure of their pregnancy; especially if they didn’t receive the birth they envisioned.
WHY SHOULDN’T I SIMPLY BUY A BELLY BAND FROM THE STORE?
The Bengkung method of belly binding is incredibly adaptable to your specific body type, size, and shape. It uses cotton, muslin, or silk fabric and as your postpartum body changes and shrinks down you can simply rewrap to accommodate your transforming body. Those standard belly bands also do not support your hips and ribs and can bulky and uncomfortable, and can put pressure on the pelvic floor.
WHEN SHOULD I GET WRAPPED?
It is recommended that for a vaginal delivery, you be wrapped within the first week postpartum and if you have had a cesarean 4-6 weeks postpartum with a doctor’s approval. You will continue to wrap for each day, for about 10 hours, up to around the 40 day mark. The more you wear it, the more benefits you will see.
INVESTMENT:
Includes handmade cotton muslin wrap, and application of warming paste or essential oils
- 1-Day Bengkung Belly Bind – $150
- 3-Day Bengkung Belly Bind – $225
- 5-Day Bengkung Belly Bind – $300
- 10-Day Bengkung Belly Bind – $500
Self Binding Course ($45): We recommend having someone else available to learn how to continue to do the binding for best results, but in the case that is not possible you may also choose to take a Self Binding Course:
Self Binding Instructional Video
Loaner Bind Program: If you live within 5 miles of me you may qualify for a discounted rate on belly binding. You can also inquire about using a bind on loan for a retainer that is returned when you return the bind. I have two available for use. Please inquire in advance.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“I had a c-section so this was a must for me. Otherwise I felt like my guts were going to fall out.” -Madison H
“I did belly binding after my son was born and it made a HUGE difference! LOVED it!” -Charity W.
“I did it with my second and it was so great!!” -Kylee B.
“So fantastic!! I went to the chiropractor the morning before I did it – so that I was putting things back in place . helped me a ton. Totally loved it – highly recommend” -Jessica S.
“Absolutely yes! Did it with my second and I loved the support it gave me! And my belly went down faster!” -Sharon S.
“What do you think of the cost of belly binding? ‘It is worth it!'”