Postpartum Belly Binding

"Belly binding after birth is a practice used around the world in older traditions, with good reason. It offers such stability and comfort, like being hugged at a time when there is so much empty space inside."

-Ysha Oakes Ayurvedic Practitioner and Postpartum Doula

(scroll down for FAQ)

Zulu Belly Binding - $110 in-office

It is an honor and a privilege to share this Zulu tradition with blessings from my teacher, Kama Tai Mitchell, and her teachers before with the Zulu Birth Project.

This methodology takes 45 minutes-1 hour depending on the birther's alignment. We begin with gentle scalp massage while the birther lies comfortably and fully clothed on a floor mat. Intentional stretches and compressions are performed while standing/kneeling over the client. Using a woven cloth and my hands, I help to release muscles on the back body from the head to the ankles, focusing intention on aligning the pelvis and hips and balancing spinal musculature.

After helping to align and stretch, a healing oil will be gently massaged into the belly to support organ positioning and digestion.

Next I will wrap 3-5 yards of cotton stretch material around torso from bottom rib to top of hip bone. It is suggested to stay wrapped for at least 24 hours the first time, and to schedule a follow up visit within one week of first appointment.

$100 travel fee is applied within Kalamazoo County**

Bengkung Belly Binding - $150 in-office

Bengkung Belly Binding is a Malaysian postpartum method of wrapping the birther's abdomen in a long narrow piece of muslin or light weight cloth. Wrapping the belly can be a supportive daily ritual in a birther's postpartum experience. This technique aids the body to heal and recover often in a shorter time period. A sacred belly wrap provides a birther's body with 360 degree support to assist the abdominal wall muscle retraction, improve posture, stabilize loosened ligaments, allow for ease in the pelvic floor and provide support to the torso while vital organs rest and reconfigure.

Bengkung Belly Binding Session

- 60 minute intuitive craniosacral and abdominal massage therapy session

- Application of a postpartum healing belly oil

- Binding of the belly with a wrap of your choice to keep

- pdf instructions for reference

A friend or family member is welcome to learn with us so they can assist with wrapping you at home.

**Additionally we offer 90 minutes massage therapy sessions, and 30 minute in-home binding sessions without massage therapy. $100 travel fee is applied within Kalamazoo County**

Schedule My Belly Binding Session

How soon after birth can I begin binding?

Binding after a vaginal birth may begin 3-4 days after giving birth. It is suggested to wait 4-6 weeks to begin binding following a cesarean birth.

Can I use belly oil or salve before binding?

Yes, you can apply an oil or salve of your choice to your abdomen. We recommended wearing a thin shirt or tank top under your bind to prevent any staining.

What is Diastasis recti?

Diastasis recti is the partial or complete separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (often referred to as the "6-pack muscles). During pregnancy, these muscles stretch and may separate to make room for growing baby (babies). These muscles migrate closer back together after birth, however sometimes the muscles do not completely come together.

Can Bengkung belly binding repair diastasis recti?

Bengkung belly binding is a gentle and supportive way to help guide the abdominal muscles back together after being stretch and separated during pregnancy. Each body is different, and underlying conditions may vary results. Belly binding does not replace the benefits of pelvic floor focused physical therapy and stabilizing movements designed to develop pelvic strength and structural alignment. Rather, they work together to optimize restoration of the body post birth.

How do I wash and take care of my Bengkung wrap?

We use organic muslin cotton wraps that are 17 yards long and hand dyed with natural dyes. We suggest hand washing your wrap once a week, depending on how often it's worn and if there is any residue on the wrap from oils or salves. To dry your wrap, we recommend draping the wrap several times over a shower curtain rod, railing, or on a clothes line outside. Drying your wrap in a drying machine is not recommended, and will most likely result in a knotted, tangled ball of fabric. You may iron your wrap on low heat, or just pull the side of the wrap to flatten before draping to dry.

Postpartum Belly Binding

"Belly binding after birth is a practice used around the world in older traditions, with good reason. It offers such stability and comfort, like being hugged at a time when there is so much empty space inside." ​ -Ysha Oakes Ayurvedic Practitioner and Postpartum Doula

(scroll down for FAQ)

"Belly binding after birth is a practice used around the world in older traditions, with good reason. It offers such stability and comfort, like being hugged at a time when there is so much empty space inside."

-Ysha Oakes Ayurvedic Practitioner and Postpartum Doula