Belly binding provides physical support and helps hasten the recovery process after childbirth. It supports the torso and organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position, supports and assists abdominal healing and diastasis recti recovery, and supports the body’s natural spine and posture realignment post-birth.
Belly binding, often called Bengkung Belly Binding, is a traditional Malaysian postpartum practice used to support a mother’s healing after childbirth. It involves wrapping the abdomen with long strips of soft fabric to gently hold the torso, supporting the body as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
This gentle compression helps with abdominal wall retraction, posture improvement, organ support, and stabilization of loosened ligaments. Wrapping can be done over or under clothing and is typically performed by a trained birth worker or doula, though mothers can learn to do it themselves.
Our service includes an in-home wrapping lesson so moms feel confident continuing the practice on their own. Belly binding is a natural way to encourage recovery and support the body’s healing journey during the postpartum period.
During pregnancy, the body stretches and shifts to support new life—organs move, abdominal muscles expand and separate, ligaments loosen, and extra fluid and fat are retained. After birth, the body begins the intense process of shrinking, healing, and realigning itself.
In this early postpartum stage, the uterus starts to contract, hips settle back into place, and stretched skin and muscles begin to tighten. This period can feel strange and unfamiliar as the body shifts again.
Belly binding provides gentle support through this process. It helps you feel held and stabilized while your body repairs itself, offering both physical and emotional reassurance during the healing phase.
A modern belly bind device is a velcro bound device that you can buy from your store. They can sometimes be helpful for women in pregnancy and postpartum, however a traditional Bengkung method of belly binding is much more adaptable to a person’s specific body type, shape, and size. No matter what changes your body size and shape undergoes, your wrap can adapt and be adjusted to your liking. Also, the standard belly bands don’t support your hips and ribs like a belly bind can and can often dig in and be uncomfortable.
Our belly wraps are lovingly made by a local artist. When you use our belly binding service, not only are you supporting a local artist, but you’ll also look gorgeous wearing it!
Possible benefits of postpartum belly binding include:
Belly binding isn’t just about supporting your belly, it’s also great for supporting your hip and pelvic bones too! Belly binding takes advantage of the still present Relaxin hormone that is increased in the body during pregnancy and makes your joints extra loose. While the Relaxin is still high it’s easier for things to move back into their proper place with the support of belly binding.
During pregnancy, the uterus grows and stretched out the abdominal muscles. This can cause the large vertical bands just in front of the belly button to seperate. Belly binding encourages the muscles to come back together and strengthens the connective tissues in the abdomen. Learn more about diastasis recti on WebMD.
It can feel nearly impossible to find time for self-care in the early postpartum period. Although it only takes 10-15 mins to perform, the act of pausing your day to perform a belly binding can be a significant act of self-care. In cases of traumatic, or complicated birth experiences, the act of performing a belly bind on yourself can help with giving a sense of ‘closure’ and safety.
After birth moms spend much of their time breastfeeding and/or baby holding. This means a lot of strain on the back muscles. Belly binding acts as a natural support system to your back as you develop those muscles back during the postpartum period. Our clients report feeling much better when using their belly wrap throughout the day and experience less back pain and improved posture.
Belly binding can begin as early as the first week after a vaginal birth. We’ve also supported clients during pregnancy for back and pelvic discomfort. If you’ve had a cesarean, it’s best to wait 4–6 weeks and consult your doctor before starting.
Most women enjoy wearing their wrap daily for 2–4 months postpartum. For ideal results, wear the wrap 8–10 hours per day for at least 40 days. Many clients notice a return to their pre-pregnancy size in about 6–8 weeks when following this routine.
Binding should be avoided if you have a prolapsed uterus unless approved by your pelvic floor therapist.
All belly binding sessions take place in the comfort of your home and include everything needed to get started. The session lasts 1–2 hours and includes a full tutorial for you and your partner, plus your own wrap to keep.
You’ll receive a handmade 100% cotton muslin or batik wrap, a warming belly paste, and a written instruction sheet for ongoing use. I make each wrap by hand and they’re included with your session or can be purchased separately.
Each session begins with a relaxing foot and belly rub using soothing massage oils and calming essential oils, to help you feel grounded and supported.