A postpartum belly warming paste is traditionally used on the belly before applying a postpartum belly bind. This is a beautiful tradition from the Malay culture.

A note on sharing wisdom and rituals from other cultures: Any Bengkung training I receive is paid for and comes directly from Malaysian and Javanese birthworkers who are generous with their knowledge. I will provide some resources and links below.

The recipe below can be adapted to suit you. For example you may wish to use another oil like avocado or macadamia. You can also try different adding some different ingredients like keffir lime leaves.

POSTPARTUM BELLY WARMING PASTE:

1. Combine equal quantities of cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and clove.

2. Add small amounts of coconut oil at a time until you get a nice thick paste which will spread easily (think peanut butter).

3. Prepare your area, it can be a little messy. Stand or lie on a towel. Have other children occupied so they aren’t tempted to finger paint. Older children may like to help which is a beautiful bonding experience for both of you.

4. Spread the paste over the belly and womb area gently.

5. Either leave as is for the day or, wrap the belly with a flat scarf/rebozo or a postpartum belly bind.

   HOT TIP: I like to keep a jar of the dry ingredients and scoop out what I need for that day rather than mix it all up at once.

RESOURCES:

• Ibu Doula, Houston Texas https://www.ibudoula.com/

• My Gentle Beginnings, Malaysia https://mygentlebeginnings.com/

• Ivadhatul Risma, Indonesia https://amanibirth.com/ivadhatul-risma/

• Nashville Doula Services, https://nashvilledoulaservices.com/blog/the-benefits-of-belly-binding

• Traditional Bengkung belly bind

• Velcro Belly Bind