Postpartum Belly Binding

The concept behind belly binding is to support the muscles and skin of a woman's midsection after having a baby. 

Here's an interesting snippet about the history of belly binding:

"For centuries, Japanese mothers have used their “Sarashi” to speed up weight loss and toning of the abdominal muscles and skin after childbirth, while Hispanic mommies believe their “faja” helps bring all the muscles used in the birthing process back together again. No matter what she calls it, women in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Latin America, Mexico, Spain, England, and the Philippines have benefited from using an abdominal compression wrap after childbirth."

 
In many cultures around the globe woman traditionally bind their bellies after giving birth.  One type is called:

Bengkung Belly Binding is the traditional Malay belly compression binding method used after childbirth. Wearing a Bengkung helps to tone up your abdominal muscles and shape your hips after childbirth. It is advisable to start wearing a Bengkung 2-4 days after a normal delivery, and usually at 2 weeks after a surgical birth.  Benefits over using the Bengkung instead of some of the other compression garments sold in stores is that is covers the area from the pubic bone all the way to the area under the breast.  It does not ride/roll up and stays tight but comfortable until it is removed.  It is also made of a natural fabric instead of a nylon/spandex blend. 

After I gave birth to my first two I actually secretly wore a neoprene band. I wore it in hopes of burning off the excess fat....I do feel it worked and wish I had known about the many cultures that practice post partum belly binding.

Massage therapists say that from a muscular standpoint belly binding makes complete sense. The vertical abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy to allow the belly to expand and accommodate the growing baby, leaving a large gap after giving birth. Ideally, we want those muscles to come back together, but in many cases it takes months for that to happen.  Belly binding would, in theory, hold those muscles in their proper place and facilitate faster healing.

Another interesting note is that I weight lifters and construction workers wear wide support belts to support their back and core. It makes sense to me that a woman who has just given birth would need that kind of support as well.

Here is a youtube video I found also. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hGWXqTW4Q

I am now a certified Sacred Belly Binder!

Tiffany's HBAC