Belly Binding After Birth: What It Is and the Different Types Explained

Belly binding is a postpartum practice that’s been around for generations across many cultures. If you’ve ever heard of wrapping the belly after giving birth but weren’t quite sure what it meant or whether it’s right for you, you’re not alone.

At Melancentric, we support a full-spectrum approach to postpartum care — and that includes educating families about traditional healing practices like belly binding, while also helping you understand what’s safe, supportive, and realistic for your recovery.

What Is Belly Binding?

Belly binding is the gentle wrapping of the abdomen after childbirth, using cloth or specially designed garments. The purpose is not to "snap back" or flatten the belly, but rather to support the body as it heals — physically, emotionally, and energetically.

After pregnancy, the muscles and ligaments of the core are stretched and shifted. Belly binding offers gentle compression that can help support the uterus, lower back, and abdominal muscles during the early weeks of recovery.

It can also feel like a loving ritual — a way to mark the transition into postpartum and be held (literally and symbolically) through that process.

Types of Belly Binding

There’s no one “right” way to bind — different cultures, body types, and traditions call for different styles. Here are a few of the most common types of belly binding:

1. Bengkung Binding (Traditional Malaysian)

This long, beautiful cotton wrap is tied in a layered crisscross pattern from the hips to just under the bust. It’s one of the most well-known traditional methods and is usually done with the support of a postpartum doula or healer. Bengkung binding is deeply symbolic, emphasizing ceremony, rest, and being nurtured.

2. Modern Postpartum Wraps

These are store-bought binders (like Velcro or stretchy fabric belts) that are marketed as “waist trainers” or “postpartum recovery wraps.” While they’re easy to put on, they don’t always offer the same full support or gentleness as traditional methods. Some are helpful — others are overly rigid or tight. It’s important to listen to your body.

3. Ayurvedic or Indian Binding

Often used alongside herbal pastes and warm oil massage, this method may use soft cloth wraps and is done as part of a full-body postpartum care ritual. In this tradition, binding is just one piece of a larger healing plan focused on balancing energy (doshas), rest, and nourishment.

4. Latin American Faja

Fajas are shapewear-like garments often used in Latinx cultures. While some are safe for postpartum use, it’s important to choose styles that allow the body to breathe and recover, rather than ones that focus on compression for aesthetics.

Is Belly Binding Right for You?

Belly binding is not for everyone — especially if you’ve had a cesarean birth, experienced diastasis recti, or are working with certain medical conditions. Always check with your care provider before binding, and remember: postpartum healing is not about appearance — it’s about support.

At Melancentric, we offer gentle belly binding support and can refer you to culturally competent postpartum doulas and body workers if you’re interested in incorporating this practice into your healing.

Final Thoughts

Belly binding isn’t just about the body — it’s about honoring a time of transformation, making space to be held, and allowing recovery to be intentional and slow. Whether you choose a traditional cloth, a simple wrap, or nothing at all, what matters most is that your healing feels supported, sacred, and yours.

If you’re interested in belly binding after birth, or want to learn more about what’s safe, supportive, and culturally grounded, reach out. Melancentric is here to walk beside you during postpartum — every wrap, every rest, every breath.