The 5 Best Support Wraps For Postpartum Recovery
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No matter what shape you were in prior to getting pregnant, your midsection will literally feel like Jell-O after you deliver your baby, and it has to heal before you can do any core-strengthening exercises—especially if you’ve had a c-section.
As your baby grows and your uterus stretches, your abdominal muscles separate down the middle and get pushed aside due to the expansion. And unfortunately, they don’t just spring back to normal like a rubber band—it takes about 8 weeks for them to return to their original position.
In the meantime, your core will feel really weak, and your mobility will be slightly impaired. That’s why it’s recommended that new moms wear postpartum compression wraps (or belly binders) to reduce swelling, support the weakened abdominal muscles, and speed up recovery time.
What Are The Benefits Of Wearing Postpartum Belly Wraps?
Postpartum belly wraps have a ton of benefits other than helping conceal the postnatal belly pouch, and some of them are really impressive:
- Postpartum belly wraps provide abdominal support and help muscles (and organs) shift back into place.
- Postpartum belly wraps provide back support, improve posture and help new mamas move around with less pain.
- Postpartum belly wraps help support the pelvic floor and reduces bladder leakage.
- Postpartum belly wraps help incisions heal, and make wearing leggings or pants more tolerable after a c-section.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Wearing Postpartum Belly Wraps?
Postpartum belly wraps are not suitable for everyone, and may cause the following complications if they aren’t worn correctly or worn for too long:
- Acid Reflux
- Heartburn & Indigestion
- Difficulty breathing
- Pelvic Floor Prolapse
- Organ Damage
What Are The Different Types Of Postpartum Belly Wraps?
It can be somewhat intimidating shopping for a postpartum belly wrap because they are so diverse and come in so many different variations:
- Shapewear (consisting of briefs, shorts, tanks and full body suits)
- Postpartum girdles
- Postpartum corsets
- Elastic wraps
- Support Belts
With that said, choosing a belly wrap that’s right for you depends on which one of these designs you will feel most comfortable wearing.
For seamless support, many new moms opt for postpartum shapewear. For back support, new moms often choose postpartum girdles, and for c-section recovery, many women choose the simpler elastic wraps.
What Should I look For When Shopping For A Postpartum Belly Wrap?
When shopping for a postpartum belly wrap, choose fabric that’s breathable and moisture-wicking. This is especially important if you are healing from a c-section—you don’t want your incision to become infected from built up moisture.
You should also make sure that the belly band you want to purchase is flexible and allows you to move freely without restricting your breathing. If you feel like it’s cutting off circulation, exchange it for a size up to prevent medical complications such as fainting, pelvic prolapse and organ damage.
Now that you’re a little more familiar with the different postnatal belly bands and how they work, take a look below at some top-rated recommendations.
These 5 Belly Binders Offer Core Support, Reduce Swelling, And Help You Feel Confident!
Best 3-In-1 Belly Wrap
1. 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Recovery Belly Wrap Shapewear
Brand | Pregnancy Pillow Co
Size Options | One Size Fits Most
This 3-In-1 belly wrap by the Pregnancy Pillow Co is breathable, comfortable, and easy to adjust. This trio consists of a belly belt, waist belt and hip belt. Many new moms love that there are three separate pieces because they’re able to mix and match and basically customize how much support they need during each phase of their postpartum healing journey.
Specs: Belly Belt fits stomach 66cm-95cm; Waist Belt fits waist 66cm-99cm; Pelvis Belt fits hip 83cm-106cm.
Best 2-In-1 Belly Wrap
2. LODAY 2 in 1 Postpartum Belly Band Wrap
Brand | LODAY
Size Range | S—XXL
The Loday 2-In-1 belly binder is budget friendly, adjustable, and contains 5 plastic “bones” on the back for ultimate back support. These bones also keep the binder from rolling up when you sit—which occurs with many postpartum girdles. Many new moms with short torsos really like this design because it doesn’t invade the breast area and can be easily adjusted.
Best For C-Section Recovery
3. Leonisa Postpartum Tummy Control Belly Band Underwear
Brand | Leonisa
Size Options | S—XL
Not everyone is a fan of thick girdles, so if you still want compression and belly support minus all the thick wraps, the Leonisa postpartum control belly band underwear is a great alternative. The front panel has adjustable velcro sides for a snug fit, and it gives your belly a slimmer appearance while shielding your c-section incisions. The only downside is that you will need several pairs because they are, after-all, panties.
Best Adjustable Belly Wrap
4. Mamaway Bamboo Postpartum Belly Band
Brand | Mamaway
Size Range | S—XL
The Mamaway postpartum belly band contains two adjustable velcro belts that let you control the level of compression. It’s also made from a bamboo charcoal material and mesh weave structure to help you stay cool. Bamboo is also incredibly hypoallergenic and does a fabulous job at wicking away moisture—which is also a great feature if you are healing from a c-section and need to keep your incisions dry.
Best Basic Support Belly Wrap
5. Belly Bandit B.F.F Belly Wrap
Brand | Belly Bandit
Size Options | XS—XL
The BellyBandit B.F.F. is a popular choice amongst many new moms due to its design and comfort. This belly band contains a latex-free Power Compress Core, 6 support panels, and 2 compression panels with 2 tabs to customize compression level and fit. It’s also covered in silky-soft viscose from Bamboo, which, as mentioned above, is hypoallergenic, keeps you cool, and wicks away moisture.
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