Belly Binding

What is it?

Bengkung belly binding is the traditional Malaysian art of wrapping a postpartum person’s belly for physical support and to speed up the recovery process after childbirth.

This belly binding technique uses a long strip of cloth to wrap around the abdomen from the hips up to the ribcage.  This wrapping usually begins as soon after birth as possible, ideally between day 3-5 and then worn for 10-12 hours per day for at least 40 days. For cesarean section recovery, starting binding after the incision has healed, usually starting anywhere between 2-4 weeks postpartum.

Why not just use a standard postpartum wrap, like a Belly Bandit?

First, it’s longer. A longer wrap provides holistic support to all of the abdominal and pelvic organs and muscles. The pressure of a longer wrap on the hip area helps the cervix shrink and allows the pelvic muscles to heal without being further stretched.

Second, it’s higher and lower. Instead of only going around the belly, binding includes the hips and the ribcage as well. This allows for better healing.

Last, the bengkung style of binding can actually help heal diastasis recti with the constant supportive pressure on the abdomen. When the abdominal muscles separate, their strength is reduced and this can lead to back pain. Diastasis Recti is common and can require physical therapy to heal without early intervention.

So, standard belly wraps can provide firm support, feel great, and help the body look slimmer, but belly binding is unique in that it actually heals the body.