Why You Should Consider Wearing a Postpartum Belly Wrap

If you have recently given birth, you may be wondering how to get your body back to its pre-pregnancy shape and feel more comfortable in your skin.

While there is no magic solution to losing the baby weight or healing from a C-section, there is one thing that can help you feel more supported and confident during this time: a postpartum belly wrap.

A postpartum belly wrap, also known as a belly band, a postpartum girdle, or an abdominal binder, is a garment that wraps around your abdomen to provide compression and support to your muscles, organs, and incision (if you had a C-section). Many women use a postpartum belly wrap after having a baby for various reasons, such as:

• Relieving pain and discomfort
• Improving posture and mobility
• Increasing blood flow and healing
• Reducing swelling and inflammation
• Supporting the pelvic floor and diastasis recti
• Boosting self-confidence and body image

We will explore the benefits of wearing a postpartum belly wrap, how to choose the right one for you, and how to use it safely and effectively.

Benefits of Wearing a Postpartum Belly Wrap

Postpartum belly wraps have been used for a long time by doctors and patients for various purposes, such as back pain, tummy tucks, and abdominal surgery.

In obstetrics, these wraps can help women recovering from a vaginal delivery or a C-section with their posture, abdominal support, and self-confidence.

Some of the specific benefits of wearing a postpartum belly wrap are:

Helps relieve pain: A postpartum belly wrap can provide gentle compression and support to your lower back, pelvis, hips, and abdomen, which can help ease the pain and discomfort caused by pregnancy and childbirth. This can also help you get moving more easily and comfortably, which can speed up your recovery.

Helps increase blood flow: A postpartum belly wrap can stimulate blood circulation in your abdominal area, which can promote healing and reduce swelling and inflammation. This can also help prevent blood clots and infections, especially if you had a C-section.

Helps muscles and incision heal: A postpartum belly wrap can hold your muscles and organs in place as they move back to their normal position after pregnancy. This can help prevent them from sagging or shifting, which can cause pain and complications. If you had a C-section, a postpartum belly wrap can also protect your incision from rubbing or pulling, which can improve wound healing and scar appearance.

Helps with posture: A postpartum belly wrap can help you maintain good posture by supporting your spine and core muscles. This can help prevent back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other problems caused by poor posture. It can also help you breathe better and deeper, which can improve your oxygen intake and energy levels.

Supports your pelvic floor: A postpartum belly wrap can offer some compression to gently hold your pelvic floor muscles in place as they recover from pregnancy and childbirth. This can help prevent urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and other issues related to pelvic floor weakness.

Supports diastasis recti: A postpartum belly wrap can also help with diastasis recti, which is the separation of the abdominal muscles that occurs during pregnancy. This condition can cause a bulge or gap in your stomach area that may not go away on its own. A postpartum belly wrap can compress and support your muscles as they move back together, which can improve your core strength and stability.

Boosts self-confidence: A postpartum belly wrap can help you feel more secure and confident in your body after giving birth. It can smooth out your silhouette, flatten your tummy, lift your bust, and enhance your curves. It can also help you fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes sooner, which can boost your mood and self-esteem.

How to Choose the Right Postpartum Belly Wrap for You

There are many types of postpartum belly wraps available on the market today, ranging from simple elastic bands to complex corsets with multiple clasps. The best one for you depends on your personal preference, budget, body type, comfort level, and recovery goals.

Some of the factors to consider when choosing a postpartum belly wrap are:

Size: A postpartum belly wrap should fit snugly but not too tightly around your abdomen. It should not cause any pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing. You may need to measure your waist and hips before buying a wrap or follow the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. You may also need to adjust the size as you lose weight and heal.

Material: A postpartum belly wrap should be made of a breathable, soft, and stretchy fabric that can conform to your body shape and movements. It should not irritate your skin, cause allergies, or trap heat or moisture. Some wraps may have special features, such as charcoal-infused fabric that can absorb odors and bacteria, or bamboo fabric that can regulate temperature and moisture.

Style: A postpartum belly wrap should suit your style and wardrobe. It should not show under your clothes unless you want it to. It should also be easy to put on and take off, and not interfere with your daily activities or nursing. Some wraps may have different designs, such as tank tops, girdles, corsets, or belts. Some may also have different colors, patterns, or prints to match your personality.

Support: A postpartum belly wrap should provide adequate support to your muscles, organs, and incision without restricting your blood flow or movement. It should also be adjustable to fit your changing needs and preferences. Some wraps may have different levels of compression, such as light, medium, or high. Some may also have different features, such as boning, Velcro, hooks, zippers, or straps.

How to Use a Postpartum Belly Wrap Safely and Effectively

A postpartum belly wrap can be a helpful tool for your recovery after giving birth, but it is not a substitute for proper diet, exercise, and medical care. To use a postpartum belly wrap safely and effectively, you should follow these tips:

Consult your doctor: Before using a postpartum belly wrap, you should consult your doctor to make sure it is safe and suitable for you. Your doctor can advise you on when to start wearing it, how long to wear it, and how tight to wear it. Your doctor can also monitor your healing progress and alert you of any potential risks or complications.

Start gradually: You should not wear a postpartum belly wrap immediately after giving birth, as your body needs some time to adjust and heal naturally. You should wait at least a few days or weeks before wearing it, depending on your delivery method and recovery status. You should also start with a low level of compression and increase it gradually as you feel more comfortable.

Wear it correctly: You should wear a postpartum belly wrap according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You should make sure it fits properly and covers your entire abdomen from below your breasts to above your hips. You should also make sure it does not roll up or down, bunch up or wrinkle, or dig into your skin or incision.

Limit the duration: You should not wear a postpartum belly wrap for too long at a time, as this can cause muscle weakness, skin irritation, nerve damage, blood clots, infections, or other problems. You should limit the duration to two to three hours per day1, or as recommended by your doctor. You should also take breaks throughout the day to let your skin breathe and relax your muscles.

Combine it with other methods: You should not rely on a postpartum belly wrap alone to achieve your recovery goals. You should also combine it with other methods, such as eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough rest, doing gentle exercises (with your doctor’s approval), massaging your abdomen (with your doctor’s guidance), wearing supportive underwear and bras, and seeking emotional support.

Conclusion:

A postpartum belly wrap can be a useful accessory for new moms who want to feel more supported and confident in their bodies after giving birth. It can offer various benefits, such as relieving pain, improving posture, increasing blood flow, supporting the pelvic floor and diastasis recti, and boosting self-confidence.

However, a postpartum belly wrap is not a magic solution to losing weight or healing from a C-section. It is important to choose the right one for you, use it safely and effectively, and consult your doctor before and during using it.

If you are interested in trying a postpartum belly wrap, here are some of the best ones we recommend:

https://www.bellefit.com/collections/bellefit-girdles