"Topics for New and Expecting Parents" Series: Belly Binding

Belly binding is a traditional postpartum practice in many societies of the world and involves wrapping a binding around your abdomen and wearing it for a certain duration of time (usually hours per day) depending on your needs.  Bengkung Belly Binding is specifically found in Malaysia and Japan and it can be used both in pregnancy and postpartum.



Benefits of Belly Binding

• Shrink abdominals back down to pre-baby size (for postpartum)
• Helps reverse diastisis when done in conjunction with other exercises
• Ease back pain and poor posture in both pregnancy and postpartum (especially when associated with "nursing slouch" postpartum)
• Decreases postpartum bleeding and helps organs to fall back into their proper place
• Feels warming and secure, balancing the body energetically
• Helps with blood circulation 

How does it work?

     In order to bind a woman’s belly, the practitioner will need a long strip of cloth, usually an unbleached muslin, although it can be dyed to create a truly beautiful binding.  The muslin is wrapped around the belly in a specific pattern, with the woman helping out by holding onto the loose end.  The pattern forms a series of knots along the front of the belly in a vertical line. 

     The binding should be tight enough that it feels snug but loose enough that the woman is able to breathe.  When binding a pregnant belly, the practitioner should be able to put a finger or two in between the binding and the woman’s belly.  In both cases, the binding is worn over a soft tank top or shirt in order to protect delicate abdominal skin.  Women who have had C-sections can also receive a belly binding, although it may be a smart idea to wait until a few weeks postpartum so the incision has time to heal.


Who can bind my belly?

I am trained in Belly Binding and there are other practitioners available in our area as well.  Most offer packages with additional visits to perform another binding.  Some women like to have a spouse or support person with them to learn how to bind so that they can wear it more often, even everyday in the first weeks postpartum.  Visit my Web site for more details and to book your belly binding visit!

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