themalaydoula@gmail.com 647.920.7042
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much is an in-person session?
A: My in-person session is $120. I require a $40 non-refundable deposit to secure a spot in my calendar, which can be paid via e-transfer. The remaining $80 can be paid after the session.
Q: How does scheduling the appointment work?
A: After sending over the $40 deposit, I will save a spot for you in my calendar. Once you have delivered the baby, please reach out to me and we will schedule the session on day/time that works for you and me. Depending on your delivery, we will plan accordingly. If you have a natural birth, we can start binding 3-5 days after. If you have a c-section, we will have to wait at least 4-6 weeks for the incision to heal before you can start binding.
Q: Can you please come on a weekday?
A: At the moment, due to my personal commitments, I am only scheduling clients on the weekend.
Q: I've decided I don't want to belly-bind. Can you please refund me my deposit?
A: I'm afraid the deposit is non-refundable.
Q: When can I start binding?
A: If you have a natural birth, you can start binding 3-5 days after. If you have a c-section, you will have to wait at least 4-6 weeks for the incision to heal before you can start binding.
Q: How long do I have to wear it for?
A: I encourage my clients to wear it for at least the first 3 months postpartum.
Q. I have diastasis recti. Can I benefit from bengkung-belly-binding?
A: Certainly! However, bengkung belly-binding only provides support from the outside. Diastasis recti requires exercise and physical therapy advice from a pelvic floor specialist. Bengkung belly-binding will not be able to replace or be a substitute. Please ensure you are getting proper treatment from a specialist.
Q: What do I need to prepare for the session?
A: Nothing! I will come over with the bengkung and teach you everything you need to know. Don't worry about taking notes, I will email everything from the session to you after that.
Q: How long is the belly-binding session?
A: It takes about 45 mins to an hour.
Q: What if I need to feed my baby in between our session?
A: Don't worry! I understand that babies have their own schedule. We will pause in between to feed or change the diaper if necessary and continue after. I'm a trained postpartum doula as well so I can certainly help if you need : )
Q: How many sessions do I need to book you for the bengkung belly-binding session?
A: My service is a one-off session, where I will teach you how to tie the bengkung, have you practice it, and ensure that you are confident enough to tie it on your own.
Q. Can I book you for more than 1 session, so you can tie the bengkung for me in each session?
A: No, I will teach you how to tie it, so you can learn how to tie it on your own. You can always reach out to me for further questions, or if you need feedback on your bengkung.
Q: I bought my own bengkung online / from another seller. Can you please come and teach me to tie it?
A: I'm afraid my service is rendered only for the bengkung purchased from me.
Q: Does my partner or someone else need to be there to help me tie the bengkung?
A: No, I aspire to teach my clients to be independent and able to tie the bengkung on their own. Your partner or parents (or anyone else) can stay and watch during the session if they want. No problem!
Q: How long is the massage session?
A: I am not a registered massage therapist. There's no massage involved in the session. I will however, teach you how to do basic massages to prepare you abdominal area prior to wearing the bengkung.
Q: What is the difference between the bengkung and other belly-wraps I can purchase online?
A: The bengkung is highly customizable (you can tie it as loosely or as tightly as you'd like), and is comfortable when worn for long periods of time. Other belly-wraps have wires and velcros in them which might not be comfortable when worn throughout the day. It's really up to you.
Q: Is your service covered by OHIP or can I claim it under my healthcare benefits?
A: No, I do not provide receipts for the service to be claimed. It is also not covered by OHIP.
Q: Do you accept credit cards / paypal / wire transfer?
A: No, I only accept cash and interac e-transfer at the moment.
Q: Can I reschedule our appointment?
A: Yes! I try to be flexible and I understand that life happens. Please give me at least 48hrs advance notice so I can re-arrange my schedule.
Q: Why are you not able to take me on?
A: Your location is probably outside my catchment area. I'm currently only taking on clients in downtown Toronto. Please email me your nearest intersection to confirm!
Q: Can I come to you for the session if you are unable to take me on because I fall outside your catchment area?
A: I'm afraid for insurance and liability reasons, I am unable to have you come to me for the in-person session.
Q: I can pay for your uber rides to my place and back! Can you please come to my place?
A: I'm afraid if you fall outside my catchment area, buying the bengkung is your best option. I am unable to come to you, even if you order an uber for me both ways.
Q: Can we do it at my relative's place?
A: Yes we can, as long as your relative's place is within my catchment area. Please send me the nearest intersection as well to confirm.
Q: How can I benefit from bengkung belly-binding if you are not able to take me on?
A: Fret not! I am working towards making bengkung belly-binding accessible for everyone. If I am unable to take you on, my bengkungs can be purchased for $70 + $20 shipping. I will send over a youtube tutorial so that you can learn how to tie it. The tutorial also contains all the tips and notes from me, so it'll be like having a virtual in-person session.
Q: Do you have any reviews I can look at?
A: No, I don't collect reviews. My clients usually find me through words of mouth. IYKYK :)
Q: Do you have sale / discounts?
A: No. My price is firm, please don't negotiate.
Q. What professional qualifications do you have to be a bengkung-belly binding practitioner?
A: Bengkung belly-binding is not a regulated industry, and it is a cultural practice. I grew up in Singapore, and learned belly-binding from my aunts and relatives. It does not require any professional qualification, but I will teach you as much as I know. It's an intangible cultural knowledge passed down through generations. Bengkung belly-binding is highly popular amongst the Malay communities in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. I am a Malay person from Singapore. It doesn't get any more authentic than this :)
If you have further questions that are not answered in here already, please send me an email: themalaydoula@gmail.com.