Photo credit: Mother Naturale
Pictured in photo: Ellen Dostie
Bengkung Belly Bind
What is a Bengkung Belly Bind?
The Bengkung Belly Bind is a traditional Malaysian technique of binding the abdominal area after childbirth. Binding the stomach offers support, stability and comfort to the muscles, skin and internal organs to repair and bring healing to the postpartum body. During pregnancy, the vertical abdominal muscles widen and thin to accommodate growing babies, which can result in diastasis recti. This is a condition where the muscles separate and may stay separate (if not properly cared for), creating back issues, hernias and bulging of the abdomen. Binding is a terrific way to heal the muscle walls back together and also support spine and posture realignment. Binding is considered very emotionally healing for postpartum mothers. Pregnancy opens and fills up the body with life and binding is considered a ceremony of “sealing” the body in which pregnancy ends and the woman now transitions into motherhood. Binding is also found to be healing after a miscarriage…
What are the benefits of Bengkung Belly Binding?
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Gives support to the womb after birth
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Speeds up the healing process of the uterus and provides a cleansing of blood clots
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Helps to reduce common back and shoulder pain associated with nursing by improving posture
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Helps to tone up your abdominal muscles and shape your hips after childbirth
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Relieves muscular and tendon tension throughout the torso
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Relieves water retention
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Accelerates fat burning
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Improves circulation
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Excellent support after surgical births (wait 1-2 weeks to allow proper oxygen to the wound for healing)
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Provides comfort for anxiety, allows for a chance for meditation & focus while wrapping.
What about bathing with the bind on?
While wearing the bind, you can still bathe; however, a sponge bath or shallow bath is recommended if you have the
bind on. Taking a shower with the bind on is NOT recommended as it will not be able to fully dry, which will cause
discomfort and odor. Clients usually keep the bind on for 2-3 days, remove the bind on their own and take a
shower. It is okay to have the bind off for a day or two to accommodate your bathing schedule
My baby is already a couple months old, is Bengking Belly Binding still effective?
I usually see clients in the first 4-7 days postpartum BUT they bind for the 40 days that follow. Relaxin is still in your body for about five months after birth, so binding can be effective anywhere in the first five months (it's just most effective right after birth, in the first 40 days).
Why use a Bengkung Belly Bind instead of Belly Bandit, a corset or postpartum girdle?
Products like the Belly Bandit can actuallly weaken the pelvic floor becuase of the way it wraps and squeezes around the abdomin basically forcing all of your insides down into your pelvic floor and up into your diaphragm. The Bengkung Belly Bind has a lifting effect to help lift and support the organs & ligaments, and can aid in the healing process.
The Bengkung Belly Bind is able to be adaptable to your unique body type and size. As your body changes, so can the Bengkung Belly Bind to accommodate it. You can also get the tightness exactly how you want as opposed to be restricted to the corset/girdle's ability. Also a Bengkung Belly Bind can go from the hips to just under the breast to fully support the whole abdomen and corsets/girdles typically focus on the waist area only.
What else can the Bengkung Belly Bind be used for?
The Bengkung Belly bind can be used for support during pregnancy to help lift the belly gently to remove pressure. The Bengkung Belly Bind can be used for back pain and to help stabilize your posture as well.