Many new mothers may not hear about postpartum belly wraps until after they have their baby. Sometimes your healthcare provider may supply you with an abdominal binder after delivery, but this is not the case for all new moms. This leaves a lot of mothers asking is it too late to wear a postpartum girdle?
This post will tell you everything you need to know such as why you might even need a girdle, benefits of wearing one, when is it too late to wear a postpartum girdle, best postpartum belly wraps, and more!
Why Should You Use a Belly Wrap
You may hear postpartum belly wraps go by a few different names such as postpartum girdle, postpartum wrap, belly bands, abdominal binder, or postpartum belt.
Regardless of the name, it is a compression garment to provide support for your abdominal muscles postpartum. These are not waist trainers and have more purpose than just aesthetic reasons to get back to your normal size.
A postpartum belly band aids in the healing process after a c section birth or vaginal birth, by providing a gentle compression to your core muscles. They are beneficial for both c section delivery and vaginal delivery.
This is because your hormone relaxin is released which is essential for a vaginal birth. It allows all of the ligaments to soften, but stays within the new moms postpartum body for up to five months and possibly even longer if breastfeeding.
A postpartum girdle can be really beneficial after a cesarean section to help support the internal organs that have just been moved around during surgery. And also to provide gentle pressure to the c-section incision helping cause less pain.
Some other benefits of wearing belly wraps to aid in postpartum recovery include:
- relieving lower back pain
- helps with good posture
- improved blood circulation
- providing core support for daily activities
- providing core stability to help with diastasis recti
Your abdominal muscles may have separated while supporting your growing baby. The belly binder will help support those muscles in the early postpartum period while you still experience muscle weakness.
Risks of Using a Belly Wrap
Nothing is ever without risk, but the good news is as long as you wear the bands properly you will be safe. If you wear your postpartum wrap too tightly, you risk putting extra pressure on your pelvic floor and causing more pain.
Postpartum belly wraps are not meant to be used as waist trainers or to magically shrink you back to your normal size or pre-pregnancy body. While they can aid in helping your core muscles return to place, they are meant to provide support and comfort in your recovery process.
When to Use a Belly Wrap
With approval from your doctor, you can wear a postpartum girdle right after the delivery of your baby. You will get the best results from the wraps support from immediately after the birth of your baby up to eight weeks postpartum.
If the wrap still provides you support and comfort after the eight weeks, you can wear it up to four months postpartum. But after four months postpartum the benefits lessen.
When is it Too Late to Wear a Belly Wrap
If you are past four months postpartum, there is not much benefit to wearing a postpartum girdle. This doesn’t mean you can’t wear the wraps past four months and it is never technically too late. But if you haven’t purchased one by this time then it would probably be best to save your money as the benefits will be decreased.
At this point it would be more beneficial to focus on exercises to repair your pelvic floor and core. If you’re still experiencing a large separation between your abdominal muscles, I would recommend seeing your healthcare provider and a physical therapist.
Belly Band Recommendations
The proper way to wear a belly wrap is starting with the wrap at the hips and wrapping up. This will help avoid putting extra compression on the pelvic floor and causing a prolapse. Wear the wrap for short periods of time and ensure you’re taking breaks. Make sure the bottom of the wrap is not rubbing on your c-section incision.
I’ve included some of the best postpartum belly wraps that are commonly loved by other moms. Be sure to check the size guides before purchasing because a lot of wraps have different sizes depending upon your body type.
Belly Bandit Original Post-Pregnancy Belly Wrap
This belly wrap is adjustable so as your belly shrinks down, you can tighten the wrap to have gentle compression. This is the wrap I wore after my first pregnancy. It provided a lot of support but after a few weeks started to roll up at the bottom. It wasn’t a huge bother but something to be aware of.
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset
This postpartum corset offers a more structured flexible fit, with adjustable closures in the front. It also has released tension at the bottom of the corset for more comfort while sitting.
Belly Bandit Luxe Belly Wrap
Designed as a tall wrap for complete belly coverage. May be a better fit for people with long torsos. Includes Stayput Technology and is adjustable to pull tighter as your postpartum swelling and uterus goes down.
BLANQI Everyday Underbust Postpartum + Nursing Support Tank
This tank provides medium compression and has easy nursing access. This may be a nice option if you plan to go out in public and want support but don’t want to wear your girdle.
ChongErfei 3-in-1 Postpartum Girdle
This one comes from Amazon and has almost 40,000 raving reviews. It’s also one of the most affordable options at less than $30.
Bellefit Girdle with Side Zipper
This postpartum girdle provides triple-layered support and features a side zipper as well as an adjustable groin flap for easy use of the bathroom and to fit postpartum pads. This would also be a great option after c-section since there is nothing that could rub on the incision.
Belly Bandit Maternity 2-in-1 Band
This maternity support belt can be worn throughout pregnancy to lift and support your growing belly. But it’s not just for pregnancy. It can also be used post pregnancy to stabilize your hips and pelvic area. It provides great back and hip support.
Postpartum belly wraps can be beneficial to your recovery process, but don’t worry if you didn’t find out about them until months into your postpartum period. Pelvic floor and core exercises will provide you with the most optimal results to get your abdominal muscles restrengthened again.
I hope this post helped answer your question “is it too late to wear a postpartum girdle?” and that you found a belly band recommendation you liked!
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