Belly Wrap Bengkung
|
Postpartum Articles The Postpartum Practices of Malay women To order, click here: Postpartum Belly Wrap (Bengkung)
Even though the 44-day postpartum period is considered a test of patience, a great number of Malay women readily and willingly observe this tradition. It is said that women who diligently follow the traditional Malay postpartum practices or pantang will regain their original figure, their health and energy levels, as well as their looks – and retain their husband's interest.
Modern research support the role played by the village midwife (bidan kampung) in the postpartum period and confirm the benefits of some postpartum practices such as massage and the prohibition on excessive physical activity. Anthropologists explain that Malay postpartum practices are based on centuries-old understanding of four "elements": soil - which is dry
fire - which is hot
air - cold
water - which is wet
These elements must be balanced in the body in order for the person to enjoy good health.
It is believed that the process of childbirth, for example, causes a woman's body to become unbalanced. Blood loss during childbirth makes her "cold". It is believed that by observing the various practices (pantang) of the postpartum period – massage, traditional wrap abstaining from certain foods, eating jamu and herbs – the new mother can regain health and bring the elements in her body back into balance. Midwifery knowledge is also said to be a gift from God to privileged individuals and families, with the intent that they help women from all walks of life. Thus the village midwife is a gift to the women in the village. Today, many urban new mothers in the Malay community find themselves unable to fully observe the practices of the traditional postpartum, mainly because they lack the family and community support that were taken for granted in village life. Out of four women we asked, only one of them, Nuri, 46, had fully observed all the taboos and completed the full postpartum period. Hajar, 34, managed most but not all of them while, Linda, 30, could not complete the postpartum period. Suria, 42, had a caesarean and did not observe any pantang at all. Generally, only women who can afford a bidan (traditional midwife) or specialised nanny or carer, or have their own mothers available to help, can fully observe the postpartum taboos and practices for all 44 days. However, some practices are still observed by many Malay women. 1) The Postpartum Belly Wrap is still widely used The Postpartum Belly Wrap (Bengkung) is a cornerstone of Malay postpartum period. Today, you can buy the cloth rather than sew it yourself. They are available on the Internet or traditional wellness shops. You can choose between three types of bengkung:
1) Bandage Bengkung - which is similar to the traditional cloth carrier for children.
2) Bengkung Mia - is a corset-styled wrap with criss-crossed strings.
3) Bengkung Java - a broad piece of cloth about 15m long.
2) Postpartum Massage Traditionally, Malay women who have just given birth are advised to undergo the traditional massage for at least three consecutive days, and if possible, even more.
According to Datin Sharifah Anisah, founder of Nona Roguy (now NR) and author of Ensiklopedia Perbidanan Melayu (Encyclopaedia of Malay Midwifery), this will: • improve blood circulation; • expel lochia; • "lift" the womb to avoid sagging; • straighten out the veins; • break down fat; • tone and shape up the body to help the new mum get her pre-baby body back. It is also believed that the traditional massage on the breast and chest area will stimulate milk production. 3) Hot compress
Before putting on Postpartum Belly Wrap (Bengkung), a new mum get a hot compress applied to their body, a practice known as bertungku. This is believed to help the womb shrink or contract, as well as dissolve any residual blood clots. It is believed that the blood and discharge must flow throughout the postpartum period -- if the flow stops too early, it means the womb has not been cleansed thoroughly and would pose a threat to the new mum's health. The hot compress, together with the consumption of specific herbs (jamu) during the 44-day postpartum, ensures that all impurities and toxins are removed from the body.
Usually, it is said that the hot compress also helps to: • break down fat; • shrink the womb and other organs; •.helps the body return to its pre-pregnancy state. During this process, the abdomen is also massaged in a particular style, known as sengkak, to "lift" the womb and prevent it from sagging in old age. To prepare the hot compress, lemongrass, galangal or pandan leaves are wrapped in a cloth and then heated up. It is best that the hot compress is applied for an hour, or at least half an hour if you are pressed for time. Apart from the abdomen, the hot compress is also applied to the thigh area. 4) Medicinal herbs, roots and spices (jamu)
New mums are encouraged to eat medicinal herbs as well as roots and spices such as ginger, and abstain from "cold" foods such as certain fruits and vegetables. Another no-no is oily foods and staying away from them will help the new mum return to her pre-pregnancy weight. New mums are also discouraged from drinking iced water or too much water as it is believed excess water will keep the tummy swollen and harder to shrink. Traditional midwives would also encourage eating turmeric as a side dish or juice as it is nutritious and believed to be effective in helping the womb shrink.
Jamu is also said to: • boost energy levels; • keep the body warm; • expel excess fat and toxins; • regulate bladder movement; These will, in turn, shrink all the organs, muscles and veins, remove excess water, dispel wind and slim down the tummy. According to Datin Sharifah Anisah, once the toxins are released, body odours will disappear and your body will start shedding pounds. Eating jamu for 44 days will ensure that all impurities and toxins are expelled from the body. Jamu is usually sold in a complete set that lasts for the 44 days of postpartum. Usually, the bidan kampung or village midwives who perform the traditional massage and help the new mother through the postpartum will usually formulate the jamu. You can also buy jamu from traditional Malay wellness shops. Popular brands include Nona Roguy, Leesa Formula, Bidan Ratu, Mak Dara, Afiat and some selections from Indonesia. Hajar, 34, observed the 44-day postpartum period and found the practice effective in helping her regain her figure and her energy levels. "When I returned to work after my maternity leave, my colleagues could not believe I was back in shape already. They even commented that I looked radiant." Linda and Nuri also report that their colleagues, men and women, all commented that they looked beautiful, graceful and slim. And they credit jamu for it. 5) Herbal Baths During the postpartum period, new mums are encouraged to bathe in a brew of herbs, roots and spices. It is believed to help her regain energy, dispel wind, get rid of odours from lochia and discharge, and treat sore veins.
6) Other Postpartum Practices
Traditional feminine washes are used to cleanse and remove germs, as well as heal and tighten the vagina. There is also a kind of genital soak that is said to help the stitches heal.
Other than that, traditional oil is applied to the abdomen, legs and other parts of the body that feel sore and tired. This is also believed to dispel wind, alleviate pain and smoothen the skin. The lulur treatment - body exfoliation using a paste made from sandalwood, turmeric, groundnuts and other ingredients - is also done to smoothen, soften and lighten the skin. Pantang is essentially an all-encompassing process that aims to preserve the health and femininity of Malay women. According to Datin Sharifah Anisah, postpartum practices stem from the belief that the womb is a woman's life force and affects her overall health. Thus, a healthy womb ensures women stay radiant and attractive. Small wonder then Malay women still keep up with traditional postpartum practices. - written by BabyCenter Malaysia.
To order, click here: Postpartum Belly Wrap (Bengkung) |
