We’ve had a lot of requests for belly binding services and when we were presented with the opportunity to learn more about this Malaysian art form, we jumped on it. We’re so excited to share with you the many benefits of this form of belly binding!
What you need to know about Bengkung belly binding
We attended a belly binding workshop over the weekend and we were blown away by what we learned. We had done some research about the Bengkung belly binding method and knew there were some definite benefits to it for postpartum women. But we never tried it ourselves and wasn’t sure it was going to be comfortable or practical. Well, it was both!
During pregnancy the abdominal muscles are stretched which can cause Diastasis Recti. Certain exercises (like abdominal crunches, and even some yoga) can make diastasis recti worse. There are ways to correct DR–ask your provider for information. In the meantime, Bengkung belly binding can help make you feel more supported and comfortable and may help correct DR.
If you aren’t familiar with belly binding, Bengkung is a traditional Malaysian belly binding method. This method uses a long strip of cloth which is wrapped snugly around the abdomen of a mother during the postpartum recovery period. The wrap helps ensure support, stability, and comfort to the abdominal muscles during the healing process.
What makes this method of belly binding better than other conventional and modern methods?
- For one, the fabric is very customizable and can conform to any body shape unlike the stiffer commercially made support bands. As your body returns to its nearly pre-pregnancy shape, your wrap will conform to your adjusting figure. There is no need to buy different sizes. It is made of 100% cotton muslin fabric–nothing synthetic here.
- The Bengkung method also fully covers the entire abdomen area, plus some; from just under the breasts down to the hips, pelvis and pubic bone area. It provides ideal support and truly full coverage.
- The wrapping method and fabric used helps insure lower back and posture support. (I drove home–1.5 hours–with my wrap on and it felt great, barely moved, and ensured I didn’t slouch.)
- The mother’s mobility is restricted–not impossible!–so she is sure to rest. While it is easy enough to sit with the wrap on, it makes you sit straight, which is fabulous for mothers because it is so easy to slump over while feeding a new baby.
- During pregnancy, the outer most abdominal muscles separate. The job of these muscles is to support your back and your organs; however, when they are separated they are weak and cannot do their job. To achieve a strong core, these muscles must be close together. Enter: Bengkung belly binding.
- We can’t minimize the emotional impact of wearing something beautiful…when you’ve not showered in 2 days and you smell like spit up, something so simple as a colorful wrap can literally make you shine.
- Many of our clients do not like feeling helpless during recovery, they are eager to do for themselves again, and return to (a new) normal. When you learn to wrap yourself, you are practicing self-care and self-help which can make a world of difference in your emotional and mental well being in the early weeks of postpartum recovery.
Ready to get started? You can begin wrapping as early as the first week after vaginal delivery, about day 4 or 5. And for a c-section, wrapping can start with doctor’s approval once the incision site is healed, about 4-6 weeks. You’ll wrap each day, wearing the wrap for about 10 hours a day for up to 30-40 days or until you feel restored.
Included in our Bengkung belly binding package, you’ll receive:
- a handmade 100% cotton muslin wrap
- one binding session (1 hr) with personal instruction on how to self wrap
- instruction for your spouse/partner so they can assist you in wrapping or wrap you (optional)
- text and email support for questions or concerns
Additional sessions also available.
Not newly postpartum and don’t plan to be any time soon? Belly binding could still benefit you if you suffer from diastasis recti (the separation of the outermost abdominal muscles). Contact us today to learn more!
*photo credit: Myrriah Raimbault