Postpartum Bengkung Belly Binding

What is it?

Bengkung belly binding is the art of wrapping a postpartum women's belly with a long strip of cloth  from hips to rib cage to provide physical support and to help accelerate the recovery process after giving birth.  

Because the wrapping process moves upward from hip to rib cage, this technique does not put any downward pressure on the pelvic floor like some binds can and provides a flexible support that can help with diastasis recti, back pain associated with weakened core muscles, and posture support.

For Best Results.

Women should be wrapped as soon they can after birth, ideally on day five postpartum. The belly bind should be worn daily for 8-12 hours a day in the first 40 days. After a cesarean birth women should wait at least 6 weeks until the incision is mostly healed before they are wrapped. At this point, belly binding is used primarily for postural support and alleviating low back pain during physical activity and/or babywearing. 

All women are encouraged to discontinue belly binding daily around 6 weeks of using the bind to allow for the muscles to regain and build strength. The belly bind may be used occasionally with exercise to support diastasis recti healing and postural support for babywearing or low back pain. 

What’s included?

  • Belly bind/wrap made with pure cotton muslin

  • Wrap session in the comfort of your own home.

  • Instructions and video tutorials for you and/or your partner to continue to bind.

  • postpartum support & resources

Benefits.

  • Pelvic + Back support – Prevents slouching while feeding or holding your child  

  • Prevents slouching while feeding or holding your child

  • Helping the body regain its pre-pregnancy shape. Due to water + air retention, pelvic expansion, and larger organs (such as the uterus returning to its original size), belly binding supports the body in returning to its previous state.

  • Decreases postpartum bleeding time – while keeping the uterus in a contracted position.

  • Relieves the “empty” feeling after childbirth, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

  • Speeds core healing, by pulling the separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) back together.

  • Increased stomach muscle tone and skin tightening 

  • Provides postural support for the torso and organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position

  • Supports and assists abdominal wall healing and diastasis recti recovery

  • Supports the body's natural spine and posture realignment post birth

  • Constant pressure on the torso and abdomen hastens healing by reducing water, fat and air in the tissue and cells

  • Stabilizes loose ligaments

  • Helps to prevent and relieve lower back aches and strains

  • And above all, it simply feels good. Who doesn’t want that after giving birth?

When to book Belly Binding Services.

Please try and schedule your belly binding services before 38 weeks gestation. This allows enough time for your bind to be made, and for me to ensure you are booked in my schedule.

QUESTIONS.

  • The Bengkung belly binding technique is rooted in Malaysian culture however various countries and cultures around the world use a form of belly binding to help support the healing process.

  • Sooner optimizes the healing process and better results.

    Vaginally - the first few days after giving birth.

    Cesarean Section - at least 6 weeks after you have given birth, until the incision is mostly healed.

  • Other store-bought belly binds or girdles are made “one size” to fit small to large. However, your “size” will change as you continue binding, and our bind/wraps are custom made when wrapped to fit every shape of woman, and will adjust to whatever size you need. And store bought one size fits all kinds of bands can push and squeeze instead of lifting and holding which is what we want.

    It doesn’t just work on the waist, it covers from under the chest all the way down to below the hips, which also helps the ribcage and hips shrink back down to their former dimensions. Each bind is comfortable and supportive; and recommended to be worn under clothing.

  • My services include a lesson on how to continue wrapping. You can wrap yourself, or have a partner help out. I suggest having a partner present at the wrapping session so they can learn and continue to wrap you.

Here at Kōkua Birth our binds are made from 100% unbleached cotton muslin and hand dyed with non-toxic, 100% vegan dyes.