Belly Binding FAQ
Q: How long should I wear the binding?
A: Traditionally, the Benkung Belly Bind is done for the entire postpartum period, which is 30-40 days in the cultures that observe this practice. However, this is unpractical for modern day living, and the results begin to diminish after a week or two. We’ve found the best belly binding length to be 6-12 hours for 1-2 weeks.
Q: What makes belly binding different from western postpartum girdles like Belly Bandit?
A: Its length and the custom fit. A Benkung Belly Bind is a long wrap that covers from under the breast-line all the way down to below the hips. This way, it doesn’t just work on the waist, but also helps the rib cage and to shrink the hips go back to their former dimensions. It also stays put when you move, and so it doesn’t press on the abdomen. Girdles that only bind the abdomen also push down on the pelvic floor muscles and organs, potentially causing or worsening pelvic, uterine, or bladder prolapse. The custom fit cannot be found anywhere else, and this improves the results you will see.
Q: How effective is belly binding compared to a postpartum girdle, like the ones you can buy at a maternity store?
A: Imagine the difference between buying jeans that claim to fit everyone, regardless of size or shape–and getting custom-fitted by a professional. Which would be better? The custom fit is, of course, going to give you the best results. Likewise the traditional belly bind is a custom fit every time. It’s made of soft materials instead of having boning or Velcro like most girdles, which can dig into your skin and be painful when you sit or lay down, especially if you’ve had a cesarean. The Malaysian belly bind is the best option for your time and money if you want the results mentioned above.
Q: Can I still belly bind if I have a c-section?
A: You can still receive belly binding if you have a c-section. We will wait until 4 – 6 weeks postpartum, based on your healing and recovery. The belly bind still has many benefits within the first three months.
Q: How do I go to the bathroom while wearing the belly bind?
A: The most effective belly bind stretches from just below your bust to about mid-hip, near your pelvic bone. It is still easy enough to pull your underwear out from under the bind the first time you use the bathroom and when you’re finished, simply pull them up over the bind or tuck them back underneath. You can then wear a loose fitting skirt or yoga pants on top.
Q: My belly bind bunches, rolls, or moves during the day. How can I keep it from doing that?
A: The belly bind moves because you move! This is also what helps to keep it soft and comfortable. Realize, the cultures that do this also practice postpartum “lying-in” which is a period after birth where the woman rests while she heals. If you are up and moving around constantly postpartum, the belly bind is going to shift, bunch, and roll. The only way to prevent this is to move less. Part of what belly binding does is encourage you to be down (whether lying, reclining, or sitting) and resting while letting others care for you!
Q: Am I too late to belly bind if I’m x-number of months/years postpartum?
A: The short answer is no. You can still receive benefits belly binding after 8 weeks postpartum. For more details on how to do it safely and effectively, see this blog post “Am I too late to Belly Bind?”