Bengkung Belly Binding
What is Bengkung Belly Binding?
Bengkung is a traditional Malaysian belly binding method. Essentially it is a practice of tying a long strip of material around the upper hip and abdomen during the postpartum recovery period to ensure a strong support to our womb/core after childbirth.
Why would one want to have belly binding?
Pulls separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) back together.
Prevents back pain. While wearing it, you are reminded to sit and walk straight, a good antidote to the “nursing-slouch”. Gives you increased core support.
Decreases postpartum bleeding time by speeding up the process of getting rid of excess/waste blood in a natural way.
It’s an ancient tradition; a natural way of healing after birth.
It feels incredible and our binds are beautifully made by a mom just like you!
Why would I choose traditional Bengkung over a modern day waist trainer?
It’s the length. A Bengkung Belly Bind is a long wrap that covers from under the breast all the way down to mid hips. This way, it doesn’t just work on the waist, but also helps the rib cage and the hips go back to their former dimensions. A waist trainer is often one size. As your body transitions back to it's pre-pregnancy weight that one size will no longer be beneficial to you.
More info on belly binding...
Wrapping the belly is an effective and important part of a mother's recovery in the postpartum stage of her journey. It aids the body to shrink and recover in a shorter period of time. A Bengkung belly wrap provides a mothers' postpartum body with complete support to assist abdominal wall muscle retraction, improve posture, stabilize loosened ligaments, and provide support to the core while vital organs return to their pre-pregnancy size and position.
During pregnancy a mama’s body retains water, fat, and air which cause her body to swell and expand, including the organs in the womb area such as the cervix and vagina. The water retained by cells supported the amniotic fluid and the purpose of the air was to cushion the baby, mothers' internal organs, and bones as her center of gravity shifted as her baby grew bigger . This is why a mother gets more and more swollen during the last months of pregnancy. When a baby is born, the excess water, fat, and flatulence are no longer needed and the cells will naturally release and shrink back to their pre-pregnant size. However, the purpose of a post-pregnancy wrap is to speed up this process with constant pressure on the abdomen and torso area.
A long post-pregnancy wrap provides holistic support to all the abdominal and pelvic organs, including the muscles in the pelvic area. Support to the pelvic area is very important in the immediate weeks after birth as a mothers' cervix dilates 10 cm when active labor is reached; this is the equivalent to the size of an average bagel. Therefore the pressure of a longer wrap on the hip area helps the cervix shrink and allows the pelvic muscles to heal without being further stretched. Steady, constant, pressure supported on the hips allows the body to “retract” more easily than if just left in its expanded state. The Bengkung style of binding is known to help heal diastasis recti with the constant supportive pressure on the abdomen area.
The Belly bind is most effective and best used during the first 8 weeks postpartum but can be useful for support during anytime of the postpartum period or after abdominal surgeries.
Yoni Steam
What is a vaginal Steam and who benefits from them?
Vaginal or yoni steam baths are an old, respected treatment for women used by Maya midwives and traditional healers in Central and South America. The practice is mentioned in early chronicles of Spanish friars who took time to record the healing practices of the Maya and Aztec. Bajos (ba-hoes) as they are called in Spanish, are a common and effective treatment for many female complaints, especially those of a serious or chronic nature.
Traditionally given within 1-9 days after childbirth depending on the personal preference and the woman’s condition. They are excellent for dysmennorhea, amenorrhea, ovarian cysts, cervical fibroids and as a general health aid to prevent any of those ailments. Vaginal steams can be done regularly. How often depends on the severity of a woman’s condition.
Vaginal steams are also great for preventive care. For those who have normal, pain free cycles, the recommendation for a vaginal steam would be done four times each year just before their monthly cycle. Menopausal women have reported passing clots and/or dark, thick blood even a year after menses has ceased. “Better out than in,” is a great motto in this situation. The combination of steam and essential oils from the plants penetrate deeply into the cervix and uterus to dislodge menstrual fluids and pathological accumulations that have not properly sloughed off with each monthly cycle.
How is a Yoni steam administered?
At Birthing Tree we bring all the herbs specifically blended for your needs to your home. Along with the herb combination we will bring a birthing stool, large/heavy blanket and relaxing music. We will prepare the herbs via stove top, allow you to wear your own comfortable gown/dress, sit on the birthing stool with the herbs paced under you. We will drape the heavy blanket over you so that no heat/steam escapes. Next we will provide you with relaxing music and a bottle of water. Allowing yourself time to relax and nourish your body will take approximately 30 minutes. You will then be asked to rest and lie down as we clean up and leave the home. Resting for at least one hour after in warm covers is suggested.