Today’s guest post on belly binding is brought to you by Maria Pokluda.
Maria Pokluda is a certified doula and educator who has helped hundreds of families have happy birth days. She became a doula after a journey through infertility – though now she and her husband have 4 children, all with different birth stories. Maria is the founder of Great Expectations Birth, a doula agency serving the DFW metroplex.
Belly binding is an age old practice
Belly binding uses a beautiful wrap to provide abdominal support, postural support and stabilization for ligaments after a baby is born. Bengkung belly binding technique is rooted in Malaysian culture; however, cultures around the world use a form of belly binding to help support new parents in the healing process. The ritual of binding is a beautiful custom that is both practical and pampering. Its use has spanned cultures across the globe as a way to celebrate the end of pregnancy.
Who can benefit from belly binding?
Belly Binding can benefit anyone who has given birth and desires some extra support, self-care and a postpartum experience enjoyed through the centuries. The binding can be done after vaginal or a Cesarean delivery. While the sooner the binding happens the better, it can be done at any stage of postpartum. In modern day society, we are so busy, and new parents are often overwhelmed. Incorporating some self-care is essential for new moms. Belly Binding can be a reminder to take care of themselves and to support oneself during postpartum.
What are the benefits?
- Provides postural support to the spine, torso and organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position
- Supports abdominal wall healing and diastasis recti recovery
- Stabilizes loose ligaments
- Helps prevent and relieve lower back pain
- Promotes ideal posture while feeding or holding your child
How does it work?
Binding is done with a long and stiff, yet forgiving fabric. This gives support in the area of the body that needs it most: hips, belly, and back but is also custom wrapped for each unique body shape. The bind can be worn under or over clothing. It can even be a part of the outfit itself. Binding may be especially good for someone that is experiencing Diastasis Recti. This is when the muscles in your abdomen separate from each other. As the muscles work to grow back together, the daily binding can further encourage this process. No cloth will make your body instantly return to a “pre-baby body”, but supporting the abdominal muscles are helpful for many every day actives. As they adjust to no longer accommodating a pregnancy – belly binding can assist in the new ways your body has changed.
When Does binding occur?
The best time for binding will depend on how the person birthed, postpartum needs and each person’s unique time line for healing. After a vaginal delivery, binding can be done in the first week following the birth of the child (though chat with your midwife!). Following a Cesarean delivery – it is suggested to wait for binding until 3 weeks postpartum. The sutures will need some time to heal before shifting the focus to the abdominal muscles. Once binding has starting, it is recommended that the binding garment be worn anywhere from 8-10 hours daily. The woman should continue to wrap for as long as she feels the need or benefit.
Interested?
If binding is of interest to you, chat with your provider. They can refer you to providers of this service. If they do not have a preferred provider, Great Expectations Birth provides belly binding in the DFW area. We will come into your home and do your binding (and apply herbs if you so choose). Then we teach you how to do this daily for yourself. The fabric is yours to keep, and is machine washable (because new parents are too busy for hand washing!) After you are done binding your postpartum belly, this beautiful fabric can also be used to wear your baby. This much loved piece of fabric can even be pulled out at your next birth for comfort measures! Then, used once again to bind your next beautiful postpartum belly, as continues the love and tradition that belly binding represents.
