Belly binding has been a part of postpartum traditions all over the world for hundreds of years. Unique belly binding techniques can be found in the birth traditions of Africa, Malaysia, Japan, and Latin America.
Many of these traditions use their own unique tying techniques. Such as the knotted bengkung bind from Malaysia, the sarashi wrap from Japan and faja stemming from several different cultures in Latin America. They all however, serve a similar purpose to provide physical and emotional support during the postpartum period.
These wraps are worn during the 40-100 days following birth. In Japan this is called ‘ansei’ and it prescribes 100 days of rest and pampering for a new mother to focus on herself and her baby. A cuerentena is a 40 day period of rest and recovery in many Latin American countries. The period of binding the belly after the baby is born and is sometimes combined with abdominal massage with herbs and oils and a simple, nourishing diet like in the traditions originating from the African diaspora and Latin America.
This practice is widespread in cultures around the world because it is so effective in providing postpartum support. Many women across cultures describe feeling grounded and emotionally supported by the practice, as well as soothing anxiety and grief. Belly binds also support hips and lower back and can provide postural support while lifting and feeding babies. They provide support internally as well, encouraging organs to shift back to prepregnancy position and allow for water and air built up during pregnancy to release. This can reduce bloating and discomfort in the days and weeks after birth. Connective tissue in between the abdominal muscles tends to widen and thin when growing babies, causing diastasis recti. The belly binding practice encourages the gap between the abdominals to close.
It’s these ancient practices that inspired the diastasis splint products on the market today. These products like the Tupler splint are made of elastic, spandex, and velcro rather than using a binding method with a long piece of cloth, however they serve the same purpose to support the back and hug the abdominals.
Sources:
If you’re interested in learning more about belly binding practices check out these incredible resources:
https://www.thestatesvilledoula.com/bengkung-belly-binding
https://shafiamonroe.com/african-american-postpartum-belly-binding/
https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-belly-binding
https://www.ourmotherslight.com/traditional-african-belly-binding
https://www.birtharts.com/the-art-of-the-sacred-belly-bind/
https://www.sankofabirth.com/postpartum-belly-binding