Wrapped in Support: The Global Tradition and Science of Belly Binding After Birth

Mar 31

Across cultures and centuries, postpartum care has emphasized one powerful, physical practice: belly binding. Known by many names—faja, bengkung, sarashi, wrapping, or abdominal binding—this ancient ritual involves the gentle compression of the abdomen after birth using cloth, bands, or binders. While it may seem simple, belly binding is deeply tied to healing, identity, and recovery.

This article explores the cultural origins, physiological purpose, anatomy behind belly binding, and how this practice continues to serve birthing people around the world today.

Global Traditions of Belly Binding

Belly binding is not new—it’s timeless. Variations of it exist on every continent:

Latin America – Faja

In many Mexican and Central American cultures, the faja (a long woven sash or band) is wrapped around the belly for warmth, support, and organ repositioning.
Often part of la cuarentena (the 40-day postpartum rest period).

Malaysia & Indonesia – Bengkung Binding

Traditional bengkung binding uses a long cotton cloth wrapped from the hips to the chest.
Applied with herbal oils and massage, it’s believed to realign the uterus and protect internal organs.
Often combined with other healing modalities like jamu herbs, steams, and abdominal massage.

Japan – Sarashi

The sarashi is a traditional cotton binding cloth used in postpartum and martial arts for abdominal support.
It’s thought to stabilize the torso, support core strength, and protect internal healing.

Middle East & North Africa

Belly wrapping is integrated into 40-day postpartum rituals, often with herbal compresses or oils.
Support is both physical and symbolic—marking the body’s return to strength and integrity.

Nigeria & Ghana

Belly binding is a common part of omugwo (Nigeria) and similar West African traditions.
Elders assist new mothers in wrapping the abdomen with firm cloth and massage to prevent postpartum sagging and organ displacement.

United States & Europe

In modern Western practice, belly binding has reemerged in doula work, pelvic floor therapy, and postpartum recovery tools.
Commercial abdominal binders or Velcro wraps are now common—but the roots are global and ancestral.

What Belly Binding Does: Anatomical and Physiological Insights

1. Supports Weakened Core Muscles

Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles, especially the rectus abdominis (front abdominal wall), often resulting in diastasis recti—a separation of the midline fascia.
Binding provides gentle external support to aid approximation of the muscle walls.

2. Encourages Uterine Involution

The uterus shrinks back to pre-pregnancy size over ~6 weeks postpartum.
Light compression can encourage uterine involution and reduce postpartum bleeding (lochia) more efficiently.

3. Stabilizes the Pelvis and Spine

Relaxin (the hormone that loosens ligaments during pregnancy and birth) stays elevated for weeks postpartum.
Binding offers pelvic stabilization to reduce back pain, SI joint pain, and posture issues.

4. Improves Posture and Breathing

New parents often hunch while feeding or holding baby.
Abdominal support can promote upright posture, diaphragmatic breathing, and reduce upper back strain.

5. Provides a Sense of Containment

Birth can feel expansive, open, and raw. Many describe belly binding as offering a feeling of being held or “put back together.”
Especially for those who had long labors, cesareans, or trauma, the sense of containment can be emotionally grounding.

Methods of Belly Binding

1. Traditional Cloth Wraps

Bengkung binding: A 15–17 ft cotton cloth, wrapped in layers from hips to ribcage, often tied with small knots down the front.
Faja or sarashi: Wide sashes wrapped snugly but not tightly, sometimes over a base layer of oil or fabric.

2. Modern Postpartum Girdles or Binders

Available with Velcro or hook-and-eye closures, these offer convenience and adjustability.
Often recommended by pelvic floor therapists or physical therapists.

3. Ayurvedic or Herbal Integration

Some traditions apply herbal pastes or oils before binding to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, or support healing (e.g., turmeric, ginger, castor oil).
Others combine binding with abhyanga (oil massage), heat therapy, or yoni steams.

Is Belly Binding Right for Everyone?

It may be especially helpful for:

Postpartum people with diastasis recti
Those with back pain or feeling of instability
Anyone seeking emotional or physical containment
Those recovering from vaginal or cesarean birth, with guidance

Cautions:

Too tight binding can impair breathing or pelvic floor function.
Should not be worn while sleeping or if causing discomfort.
Always consult a provider if there are signs of prolapse, incision infection, or pelvic floor dysfunction.

When and How Long to Bind

Typically begins within the first week postpartum, once bleeding is manageable and any incisions are healing well.
Worn for 4–8 hours a day for up to 6–8 weeks, depending on comfort and support needs.
Binding can be a daily ritual—paired with herbal tea, oil massage, and rest.

Final Thoughts

Belly binding is more than a physical support—it’s a cultural inheritance. Across continents, generations of women and birthing people have wrapped their bodies as a gesture of healing, strength, and identity.

In a world that often rushes recovery, belly binding invites us to slow down, care deeply for the body, and honor the profound transition of birth. Whether you choose a traditional wrap or a modern binder, this practice can be a powerful addition to a holistic postpartum plan.

References

Goyal, M., & Kaur, S. (2017). Traditional postpartum practices and rituals: A qualitative systematic review. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 6(10), 4231–4236.
Hills, N. F., Graham, R. B., & McLean, L. (2018). Comparison of trunk muscle function between women with and without diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Physical Therapy, 98(10), 891–901.
World Health Organization. (2003). Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002–2005.
Balogun, J. A., et al. (1995). The use of abdominal binders in postpartum care: A historical and clinical perspective. Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, 19(1), 15–21.
Midwifery Today. (2007). Traditional Belly Binding: History and Application.
Beckmann, M. M., & Garrett, A. J. (2006). Antenatal and peripartum pelvic floor muscle training for preventing urinary and fecal incontinence in pregnant women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3.

Eloise Howell