Bengkung Belly Binding

What is Bengkung Belly Binding?

Bengkung belly binding originates in Malaysia -  it is a sacred birth sealing ritual that

physically "closes" the birth process by binding (wrapping) a new mother's torso and

abdomen using a length of material (typically 8-12 metres of cotton, jersey or

muslin).  The ritual plays a significant role in a mother's postnatal recovery by

speeding up physical healing through 360 degree support and pressure applied by

the bind to the mother's torso and abdomen (the Malaysian style of binding is known

What does a Bengkung Belly Bind do?

During pregnancy, a woman's body retains water, fat and air which cause her body to swell and expand,  including her womb,

cervix, vagina and other internal organs.  This swelling and expansion plays an important role in supporting amniotic fluid and

cushioning baby and the mothers internal organs as her centre of gravity shifts due to her baby growing bigger and bigger. 

In addition to organ expansion, a woman's body changes significantly during pregnancy as her baby grows, including

stretched abdominal muscles, loosened ligaments and connective tissues, forward tipped pelvis, "S" shaped spine, altered

centre of gravity, reduced balance and a stretched, loosened pelvic floor to name but a few!  After baby is born, the excess

water, fat and air are no longer needed and the mother's cells and internal organs gradually release and shrink back to their

pre-pregnancy size and position however her muscles, ligaments, posture and pelvic floor continue to require support as they

heal.  This healing process is aided by the constant pressure and support provided to the mother's torso and abdomen by the

Bengkung belly bind which provides holistic support to all of the abdominal and pelvic organs/muscles which is important for

postnatal recovery in the immediate weeks following birth. 

Key benefits of the Bengkung Belly Bind

* Speedier postnatal recovery (typically around 6-8 weeks)

* 360 degree support and pressure to the abdomen and torso

* Assists in abdominal wall retraction (recti diastasis)

* Improves posture and pelvic alignment

* Provides pressure to the hips and pelvic girdle

* Stabilises loosened ligaments

* Provides support to the torso whilst internal organs shrink

and

return to their pre-pregnancy size and position

* Helps dispel excess water, fat and air

* Supports the pelvic floor and enables pelvic floor healing ,

without further stretching, which is essential to prevent urinary

incontinence

* Provides back support and eases back pain

* Closes the birth process 

Your Bengkung Belly Bind

Should you wish to learn the art of Bengkung belly binding following the birth of your baby, I will come to your home for up to

1.5 hours to bind you and teach you (and any other family member/friend who may be supporting you) the technique.  You

will be provided with a Bengkung belly bind of your choice as part of the consultation cost.  I only carry a small stock of binds

therefore I can only offer binds that are available at any give time unless there is a particular material you would like - this

can be discussed and costed in advance.  Should you wish a second bind, this can be purchased.  You can wear your bind

under or over your clothes - a simple vest top is ideal to wear under your bind and you can then wear other clothing on top

or you can bind on top of a cotton top or t-shirt. 

 

Bengkung belly binding is a sacred ritual, therefore your session will involve:

1) Cleansing/smudging the environment in which your binding will be carried out

2) Applying your warm herbal tummy firming paste before binding should you wish this

2) Teaching you (and any family member/friend that may be supporting you) the technique and giving you ample time to

practise

3) Sealing the session with music and a blessing

4) You will be provided with a written information sheet detailing key points regarding use of your bind

5) I will be available by phone or email after your consultation for ongoing support and to answer any questions you may

have - should you need further support with the technique after your initial consultation, one 1:1 follow up session is included

in the cost.

 

Warm Herbal Tummy Firming Paste

Before applying your bind, you can choose to make your own warm herbal firming belly paste.  This is applied to your

tummy and torso before putting on your bind and the paste is made from 100% natural ingredients which have warming

properties that stimulate increased blood flow to the abdomen.  This in turn has a firming, toning and strengthening effect

on the abdominal muscles and skin.  Should you wish to make your own paste prior to your consultation, I will send you the

relevant information.  You will require a piece of material or muslin to cover your tummy and torso before applying your bind

- this will protect your bind from the paste and any staining (a baby's muslin square is great for this!). 

"Disclaimer - Back to Birth accepts no responsibility for the misuse of the Bengkung

Belly Bind or the Warm Herbal Tummy Firming Paste

for treating "recti diastasis", separation of the outer abdominal muscles which commonly occurs in pregnancy).  Typically, a

new mother begins wearing the bind around 24-48 hours after a vaginal birth (or by day 5 depending on personal

circumstance and readiness) and from week 6 after a caesarean birth when her scar is healed (some women may feel ready

from around 4 weeks after a caesarean and ultimately you will know when you are physically ready). The bind is worn daily

for up to 12 hours for at least 40 days (or longer!).  Although wearing a belly bind just after birth is preferable, there is no

harm in beginning too wear a bind many months or even longer after having given birth as the bind will still offer back

support (there is however, no research to support the effectiveness of the bind in this situation).