What is Belly Binding?
Traditionally used to support the postpartum body, Bengkung Belly Binding provides assistance to abdominal walls as they retract and vital organs as they return to pre-pregnancy size. The wrapping can, being done over or under the clothing, improve posture, support the torso and loosened ligaments.
What is Diastasis Recti?
Diastasis Recti is a medical term; “Diastasis” means separation, “Recti” meaning the ab muscles, “rectus abdominis.” So it literally means a separation of the Rectusabdominis muscles. All pregnant women will experience some separation to a certain degree, but some will have quite extensive separation. Small separation will almost always go back within about 8 weeks of delivery. For many women the gap remains and if left untreated, the distance at 8 weeks remains unchanged at 1 year postpartum. (Coldron et al 2008, Liaw et al 2011). Benkung binding may help bring this together completely, by helping to strengthen and support the connective tissues and muscles. For those who have more serious separation, binding can still play a key part in helping with the healing process when coupled with other medical treatments (physico-therapy, etc).
When can you start?
For vaginal births: You can start binding during the first week postpartum. Usually 2-3 days after delivery. It is recommended to start 3-5 days postpartum and as always, get permission from your care provider first.
For cesarean births: After a cesarean birth it is not recommend to start until after your incision has healed, staples and/or stitches have been removed, and your care provider clears you for wrapping. Typically this is somewhere between 4-6 weeks postpartum.
How long do you do it for?
Belly binding is most effective during the first 8 weeks postpartum but can be useful for support after that time frame. It’s never too late to start binding! It seems to be most effective when done on a daily basis of 8-12 hours a day for about 40 days. You can certainly choose to do it for shorter periods of time, but there is no need to exceed 12 hours a day. Your body needs time to breathe and relax without the wrap in place.
Belly Binding Session:
- Application of a postpartum healing belly salve and a relaxing belly massage
- Belly Bind Application
- Belly Binding instruction to teach you how to bind yourself daily at home. A friend or family member is welcome to learn so they can wrap you at home
- Includes your own Bengkung Belly Bind to take home