But do postpartum belly wraps also deliver on all their promises for restoring midsections to their pre-baby state? So you can decide what's right for your body, we asked experts for insight on belly wraps and what they can help with, plus we found a selection of bands that parents swear by. Postpartum belly wraps have been around for generations, ever since people started wrapping sheets around their midsections after giving birth, explains board-certified OB-GYN Heather Bartos, M.
And while there isn't a ton of data about their use during pregnancy or postpartum, there are some studies to suggest at least some benefits. For one, most experts agree that light support postpartum—when tissues and organs start moving back into place—can help you feel better, which was the case for Ashleigh M. Light compression from abdominal wraps can support your natural transverse abdominal when you can't contract it yet, explains Michelle Guido, D.
Belly wraps more or less "splint" the muscles that have separated during pregnancy something that happens in all pregnancies, BTW, to make room for a growing uterus , adds Dr. This could help you be more conscious of using your abs, which is step one in getting them back to full strength, notes Guido. They could also help with spinal alignment, encouraging, in turn, organs, the uterus, and all the muscles around them get back to business as usual, she explains.
Additional potential perks? There's some research to suggest that binding can help improve body image, and—with exercise—trunk flexion how well you can bend forward, basically. Of course, your abdominal muscles do make their way back together on their own in time, and Mary Jane Minkin, M.
They also won't help accelerate the healing of an abdominal separation, says Guido. Other potential benefits of a wrap include alleviating pain related to a C-section. Other research suggests that a binder could help with pain, with no significant difference in bleeding, allowing new parents to focus more on feeding and bonding and less on being distracted by pain. Bartos notes that wraps could also help with pain from gas from an exposed abdomen which traps gas and can be super painful.
A study of people recovering from a cesarean delivery found that those who used binding abdominal wraps experienced less pain in the postpartum period.
A systematic review of previous research found some evidence that abdominal wraps could reduce pain and improve quality of life, but many of the reviewed studies were small. Some studies included in the review found no evidence that these wraps help. Read more about the uses and benefits of belly wraps and bands here.
A person should speak to their healthcare provider before using postpartum wraps or compression devices, especially if they experienced complications during pregnancy or after delivery.
Postpartum wraps are not corsets or waist trainers, and a person should not use them as such. It is important not to wrap the material so tightly that it dramatically changes the shape of the torso.
These tips can also help protect against injury:. Always speak to a doctor or medical professional about any concerns regarding the safety of using a postpartum belly wrap or compression device.
Please note that no one at Medical News Today, including the writer, has tried the products below. The information is purely research-based. The highly stretchable elastic adapts as the body changes, and the leggings are opaque, making them ideal for wearing outside of the house. Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Leggings are available for purchase online. The ProCare elastic binder uses adjustable velcro, which means that it can fit many different body sizes.
Reviewers say that it provides targeted, adjustable compression without irritating the skin or riding up. As it includes several elastic panels, it compresses evenly and consistently rather than digging into the skin. For plus size people who struggle to find options that fit, the BraceAbility binder offers comfortable binding in larger sizes. Plus, this model is easy to use thanks to the simple and straightforward Velcro belts.
This style comes in a size M and L. But the Ursexyly Maternity Support Belt helps to eliminate that frustration thanks to the built-in shoulder straps. While it does rely on hook and eye closures, the adjustable shoulder straps help to improve posture. With sizes that range from S to 4XL, this is ideal for those who wear plus sizes. Some women noted ordering two sizes bigger than their natural size helped them find the right fit.
This simple one-strap, four-panel postpartum girdle is designed for easy wear and measures 12 inches long to fully cover your midsection. The breathable elastic material also makes it comfortable for extended wear. The Gepoetry Postpartum Recovery Belly Wrap features a 3-in-1 belt set for your waist, belly, and pelvis.
This complete support helps to improve posture, strengthen your core, and support your pelvic floor. It comes in two colors — nude and black — and is made from stretchy, breathable material.
Note that only the nude color offers the 3-in-1 belt set. The black has a waist and pelvic belt combination. This girdle has the classic Velcro fasteners that make getting in and out of it easy and allows you to adjust the compression to meet your needs. This postpartum girdle is rated for use with c-section and vaginal birth recovery.
Another concern was that the fabric was scratchy, making it impractical for use directly on your skin.
It focuses on your core midsection thanks to gentle compression and features an easy to adjust and remove Velcro closure. Waist trainers are modern-day corsets that are worn over the midsection and rely on hook and eye closures or ties to help create the illusion of a sculpted hourglass figure. They can actually damage your internal organs, reduce your lung capacity, and lead to other health problems. In contrast, a postpartum girdle is designed with support as the primary goal.
These garments are worn around the belly and upper hip to provide support for your core and pelvic floor. At least one medical study from showed that using postpartum girdles can help you safely strengthen your core over time, especially when used in combination with physical therapy. In the case of diastasis recti , when your abdominal muscles split apart in the midline during pregnancy, abdominal binders will help relieve the pulling and discomfort but will not reverse the problem. Many binders claim that they help heal diastasis, but there is no evidence supporting this claim.
Related: Why do I still look pregnant? Using a medical belly binder is generally accepted as safe for postpartum use. However, some of the other related products, like waist trainers and corsets, have much more compression than belly binders and may have some negative side effects like breathing, digestion, and skin problems. Depending on what it is, there might be a better way. The effect of abdominal support on functional outcomes in patients following major abdominal surgery: A randomized controlled trial.
Physiother Can. Gustafson, J. Kansas journal of medicine, 11 2 , 1— MamaMend is the only digital health companion app for new moms that provides personalized, evidence-based answers and curated connections to expert practitioners.
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