What Is Binat? Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips After Miscarriage or Childbirth

 
Woman resting by window watercolor illustration symbolizing healing

Yes, I experienced it. That was December last year.

In Filipino culture, this experience, called “binat,” is consistently described as a relapse or sudden weakness, typically occurring when your body hasn’t fully recovered. It often follows childbirth or miscarriage.

If someone tells you, 'Huwag magpagod, baka mabinat ka,' then listen. This post will help you understand its meaning and how to take care of yourself.

What do you mean by Binat?

Binat is a Filipino term that describes a woman who undergoes a relapse or physical weakness after an illness, upon giving birth, or after a miscarriage. It happens when:
  • If a woman returns to physical activity too soon.
  • Your body still needs healing.
  • You push yourself despite feeling tired.

Some say, It's okay, kaya ko pa naman. Yes, you can do it, but don't overdo it. Like pushing yourself hard to do the things you usually do. Do it slowly. Who knows? Think of yourself first and your baby.

My Experience with Binat
I didn’t know how long I should rest after a miscarriage. I didn't know I was having binat back then. Usually, a health professional recommends resting for at least two weeks after a miscarriage before returning to normal activities, but it can take longer depending on your body and how you feel. Some women may need more time, especially if they’re still feeling weak or emotional. Listen to your doctor and your own body can guide how long you may need.

After a week of rest, I resumed doing household chores and errands. Our clothes piled up for laundry, and I couldn’t wait to get things done. I washed clothes, then hung them outside in the heat. Then, I sat down and felt tired to the extreme. I feel no pain and no headache. Only extreme exhaustion or fatigue.

My partner wants me to rest so I can regain my strength. He is worried that I may get weak or have binat. So I listened. I slept the whole day, woke up only to eat, and rested for three more days. At first, it felt like I was being lazy. But deep inside, I knew my body needed it.

I want to share something. If you want to eat, ask for a soup. A Boiled Native Chicken Soup. This is the advice from our oldies because it restores our energy. It gives high protein and iron. I needed to regain my strength, not for myself, but for my son.

Common Signs of Binat
You might be experiencing binat if you feel:

  • Extreme tiredness
  • Sudden weakness
  • Body heaviness
  • Lack of energy to do small tasks

Others experience lightheadedness.

When Should You Rest After Miscarriage or Childbirth?
In recovering your strength, there is no exact time. Each woman’s body differs. It is not the same. Some may feel better after three days, a week, or a few more days. While others need more time to heal their body and emotions. Yes, it includes emotions from crying and overwhelming events.

If you’ve gone through a miscarriage or childbirth, it’s important to give your body enough time to rest. Avoid heavy tasks and ask for help when you need it.

To the woman who suffers from binat, recovery is not only physical, but emotional. Taking things gradually can help you regain your strength.

How to Recover and Prevent Binat
Here are simple reminders. Rest when your body needs it. Avoid doing heavy chores too soon. Eat nourishing food. Don’t rush your recovery and always listen to your body.

A Quick Note
To all moms, let me remind you that healing is not to make you a lazy person. Let’s drop the chores because it is our body that needs strength. After a miscarriage or giving birth, our body goes a lot when we were having miscarriage or giving birth. You don’t have to rush.

Rest is part of recovery.

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