What you Need to Know about the ”Bigkis” and Pusod

The bigkis has been around for centuries, not only in our country, but around the world as well. It is known as the belly binder in the US, and a designer label which specializes in baby binders (jujuband.com) has in fact already come out with its version.  

The purpose of the bigkis, according to our elders, is varied. It is said that baby’s tummy will be flat and sexy as she grows up if the bigkis is wrapped around the abdomen tightly. It could also be in the same concept as the traditional Kayan neck rings to make the neck appear elongated, or the tiny shoes of the Chinese, to maintain small feet.  However, in our case, we do know that the size of a person’s midsection is determined by diet and exercise (or the lack of it).

It has also been said that wrapping a bigkis around baby’s belly will help baby achieve a perfect “innie” pusod, as opposed to the “outie” appearance, where the navel is protruding.  In some cases, a coin is also placed on the navel before the bigkis is wrapped around the waist in the belief that it will “hold the abdominal contents in”.  There is, actually, a medical explanation for this.  It is common for a newborn to have weak abdominal muscles, as well as abdominal muscles that are not fused in the center (the umbilical region), hence the abdominal or umbilical hernia. These muscles normally grow in strength and size in 3 to 4 years, allowing the muscle to fuse, and the hernia or the hole to close. If you are concerned about your baby having an umbilical hernia, consult your pediatrician. As for the “innie” or “outie” pusod, you only need to look at your own.  Most likely, your baby’s pusod will look the same, too.

Elders have also said that the bigkis will help prevent kabag, also known as colic. Still, others will say that the abdominal binder will keep baby’s tummy warm. While it is common practice to rub something warm like aceite de manzanilla on baby’s abdomen, or placing warm water bags, supposedly to prevent kabag, keep in mind that some of these things might cause allergies, or even burns. It is also not necessary to keep baby’s tummy warm to prevent kabag. The simplest and most sure-fire way is to burp baby between and after feedings.

 

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On the matter of hygiene, it has been said that the bigkis will help prevent infections in the abdominal area, especially the pusod. While some studies may claim the efficacy of such, it is still in the recommendations of both the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to regularly clean the umbilical cord and allow it to air-dry, as this is the fastest, safest and easiest way for the umbilical stump to fall off without any complications. In fact, covering the umbilical area keeps in moisture, which is a perfect environment for bacterial growth. Also, keeping it covered may prevent you from noticing a starting infection.

Here are a few tips on keeping baby’s pusod clean and infection-free:

• If the umbilical stump is still attached, wash your hands with soap and water first before handling the pusod.  If there is poop or urine on the cord, wash it with soap and water as well. Don’t worry about water going inside your baby’s abdomen; it won’t.
• Lightly dab the area dry with a towel and allow to air-dry. 
• It is recommended to stick to sponge baths until the cord falls off, usually between 7-10 days. There should be no pus, no foul odor, no redness, no swelling around the umbilical area when the stump has fallen off. 
• Though not recommended anymore, it is still common practice to use 70% ethyl alcohol on a cotton bud to clean the area. 
• Refrain from applying different herbs onto your baby’s pusod, like garlic or banana or bayabas leaves. Also, if you suspect an infection, avoid sprinkling it with antibiotics; instead, consult your pediatrician for the best way to treat it.  
• If the umbilical stump has fallen off, you might notice some drops of dried blood on the area. Simply wipe it off with a clean cloth or wash with soap and water during a full tub bath. Keep the area clean using soap and water as necessary, and dry at all times.  

Remember that the abdomen is an accessory muscle for breathing, and putting the bigkis on too tightly may constrict baby’s airway. If you wish to use one on your infant, wrap the bigkis on loosely so as not to impinge or hamper the breathing pattern.

Most likely, your mother or grandmother will still advise you to use the bigkis on your baby. If you can, try to convince her against it for the reasons stated above and based on improvements in modern medicine. However, if an argument is inevitable, put it on anyway, but very loosely. Maybe there’s no harm after all if we heed our elders’ advice. Just be wise and well informed, and when in doubt, ask your pediatrician.

 

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You may also want to read:

What you Need to Know about Coiled Umbilical Cords
Baby's Umbilical Cord Wound Care

 

Sources:
•    AAP Textbook of Pediatric Care
•    Nelson’s Textbook of Pediatrics, 18th ed.
•    August 14, 2009. Remy Bumanlag. “The Controversial ‘Bigkis’” pediamoms.ph
•    “Umbilical cord care: Do’s and don’ts for parents” mayoclinic.com
•    “Bigkis?! Yes or No." pinoyexchange.com



Photo by ilya via flickr creative commons