Belly binding is a tradition in many eastern cultures. The practice involves using special knots to tie a long strip of cloth around the abdomen – sometimes after applying an herbal paste or essential oils to the abdomen – during the postpartum recovery period to support a woman’s uterus and other organs after childbirth. The Bengkung style of belly binding seen here is specific to the Malaysian culture.
Benefits of Postpartum Belly Binding:
- It helps to slim the ribcage, abdomen and hips.
- Pulls in the separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) back together.
- Encourages healing from pelvic/pubic separation (a partial bind during pregnancy can be especially beneficial for pelvic support).
- Supports relaxed and stretched out muscles.
- Reduce fluid and air retention in bowels/abdomen.
- Gets rid of the “empty” feeling after childbirth.
- Nurtures the mother in a time of vulnerability and healing.
- Prevents back pain. While wearing it, you are reminded to sit and walk straight, a good antidote to the “nursing-slouch”.
- Decreases postpartum bleeding time by speeding up the process of getting rid of waste blood in a natural way.
- It’s an ancient traditional natural way of healing after birth.
- In the case of a miscarriage or still-birth, belly binding can improve emotional healing as it speeds physical healing.
- It feels good!