Want to know the best way to wrap belly postpartum? Here is a look at all things postpartum wraps, corsets, girdles, and binders and the top-rated options for you.
New moms who are looking for ways to tighten their abdominal muscles need to read this. A belly binder can help with core muscles during the postpartum period. If you’re looking for options to get your postpartum body back, you need the following to help with some belly support.
Find out the best postpartum belly bands and the best postpartum belly wraps that can give that much-needed support.
Postpartum Belly Wraps, Corsets, and Binders
We all loved “Malcolm in the Middle”, right? That was one of those golden shows that was hilarious and easy to watch with the whole family.
Jane Kaczmarek, the actress who played Malcolm’s mom in the show “Malcolm in the Middle”, once said:
“Look, you can get yourself cut and stitched, or you can get a good girdle. The day before my first Emmy show, I went to Sears and bought a really good girdle. And I’ve worn that thing to every single awards show since.”
So, what does a girdle really do for us as women? What is their function, thier purpose?
Well, back in the day they were used to shape, reinforce, and strengthen the body and were generally seen as both respectable and modest.
In fact, girdles were an essential part of womens’ wear from the 1920s to the 1960s. Today girdles still exist but have evolved.
Many women today would tell you they would never even consider wearing an old-fashioned girdle, or (heaven forbid!) a corset!
Postpartum Girdles
But modern girdles, wraps, and binders can really come in handy after giving birth!
The website MomTricks talks about the benefits of using a postpartum girdle:
- Helps post-delivery recovery. (Note: this is not scientifically proven.)
- Helps with posture & lower back pain.
- Helps with confidence & self-esteem.
- Helps with comfort.
Now, I’ve worn my fair share of Spanx, but I can honestly say I’ve never tried any postpartum wraps, girdles, or binders.
However, after looking into them and finding out more about them, I’m kind of thinking I need one after my next baby.
I usually feel very frustrated for a few months after giving birth, wishing my tummy would shrink quicker and my non-maternity clothes would look better on me.
How to Use Postpartum Girdles and Binders
Most women use postpartum wraps, girdles, or binders for about 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth.
Of course, you can use them for longer than that if you want to, (if you’ve got a fancy award show to attend!) but it’s totally up to you and how you’re feeling about your body.
Some women wear them just in the daytime, and others wear them all day and all night. Most come with clasps (similar to bra hooks), Velcro, or other adhesive material.
Let me clear something up: You DO NOT use them during pregnancy like you do with a Bellyband. That would be super uncomfortable and bad for you and baby.
Which Postpartum Wrap, Girdle or Binder is Right for Me?
Mom Loves Best shared some things you need to think about before you buy that girdle:
- How it looks under clothes: You don’t want to make it obvious to everyone around you that your waist is being bound. This means you need to make sure it isn’t too thick so it bulges out, the clasps aren’t so obvious, the boning doesn’t bunch after a while, and the color blends in with your skin tone or what you are wearing.
- How hard it is to put on: These things are meant to be TIGHT but it shouldn’t be impossible to put on or leave you sweaty and breathless afterward.
- How well it stays in place: Again, if you don’t want people knowing you’re wearing a postpartum binder, find one that fits just right and doesn’t need to be pulled or tugged or slid this way or that all day long! It’s super annoying!
- How it feels: Obviously, it shouldn’t be too tight, too itchy, or too hot (temperature-wise). You should still be able to breathe and carry on your normal activities while wearing it without cursing it under your breath.
- How budget-friendly it is: Babies are expensive. Looking fabulous after having one shouldn’t be. There are some great and affordable postpartum wraps and postpartum girdles!
- If the fabric is breathable: Sweat is not your friend. Find one that breathes somewhat!
The Top-Rated Postpartum Wraps, Girdles or Binders
After doing some reading and searching online of various reviews, I found seven postpartum girdles that were consistently recommended as great options.
TiRain 3-In-1 Postpartum Support – Recovery Belly/Waist/Pelvis Belt Shapewear
If you’re looking for something super affordable, the TiRain 3-in-1 is a great option.
This girdle comes in three separate pieces that can be easily adjusted so you can target specific parts of your body (your belly, waist, and pelvis).
This comes in one size for women under 190 lbs, and a plus size for women who weigh more than that.
Most reviewers rave about how comfortable it is, and it’s nice that you can pick and choose which pieces you want to wear, depending on your problem areas.
It comes in nude only, and it’s free to return it if it doesn’t work out for you.
ChongErfei 3 in 1 Postpartum Support Recovery Belly Wrap Waist/Pelvis Belt Body Shaper Postnatal Shapewear
The ChongErfei 3-in-1 is a really similar product that basically does the same thing, but I just had to include it because of all the great reviews.
It gives you back supports as well as embraces all of your torso in a very comfortable way.
It’s also similarly priced to the above one at around $20 and has free returns if you buy through Amazon.
Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Corset Shapewear
Yes, the Mother Tucker is a play on words, but despite the bad name, a lot of women love it!
This is basically a corset designed to stay invisible under your clothing. A lot of people love the extra back support it provides and are happy with how well it stays in place all day.
It’s a little expensive at around $90, but if you plan on wearing it after several pregnancies, or for non-postpartum recovery as well, it’s worth the investment.
It comes in nude and black colors, and it’s made of 70% Nylon, 30% Spandex. It comes in 3 different sizes, Small (0-4), Medium (6-10), and Large (12-16).
Most reviewers said it does run small, and suggested ordering a size up. It’s connected with 6-hooks and no Velcro.
You can buy it directly from Belly Bandit’s website or from Amazon.
Squeem “Perfect Waist” Firm Compression Waist Trainer
The Squeem is a slightly cheaper postpartum binder (around $60) that many people “squeem” about. ??
It stays hidden under clothing, which is a huge plus and many say it really helps their overall posture too.
You do have to hand-wash it, which is kind of a pain, but since it’s 75% natural rubber, you really can’t ignore the care tag on this one.
Some moms say that it was uncomfortable to nurse in, so definitely try it out first and see how it feels for you.
Reviewers also suggested ordering a size up on this one.
The Original Belly Bandit
The Belly Bandit original postpartum belly wrap is made out of 75% Polyester, 25% Lycra. It’s designed to help tighten and shrink your belly, waist & hips post-pregnancy.
It’s around $50+ on Amazon, and comes in black or nude.
Women do complain that the seam is really thick where the Velcro attaches, and that it tends to fold up or down in day-to-day wear.
This is a wrap you would wear around the house and under loose clothing, but probably not one to wear underneath a fancy dress or tight shirt.
Bellefit Postpartum Corset
The Bellefit is a medical-grade corset that is really great for moms who have had C-sections or who deal with diastasis recti.
The material is microporous, which means it doesn’t hold odors or sweat!
The Bellefit is well designed. We all know after childbirth things can get pretty rough down there, so the Bellefit has a Flap with Hooks that supports your pelvic floor yet makes it easy to use the restroom.
The size you get should probably be one or two sizes larger than your normal underwear size.
The Bellefit is really pricey at around $108, they often have clickable coupons for it on Amazon. Get a Bellefit here.
UpSpring Shrinkx Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap
Shrinkx Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap uses triple-point compression to help move excess fluid out of the tissues, resulting in less swelling and bloating and more weight loss around your middle.
When worn as directed, it can help your uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size. As an added bonus, the built-in boning also provides extra support and helps you maintain proper posture for breastfeeding.
It looks super comfortable to wear around the house, but probably a little bulky underneath clothing. It’s around $40 and comes in black or nude.
This wrap comes in two different sizes (Small/Medium and Large/X-Large). Here’s how you pick which is right for you:
Before you delivery, measure the circumference of your belly. Subtract 3 to 5 inches from this measurement to determine Shrinkx Belly sizing.
After delivery use your current belly measurements to determine the right size for you.
- S/M: fits belly measuring 25 – 44”
- L/XL: fits belly measuring 45 – 52”
If in doubt, order the Small/Medium.
Do Postpartum Wraps, Girdles or Binders Help You Lose Weight?
There’s so much debate on this topic!
A postpartum girdle cannot physically shed the pounds for you, but a lot of people say the way they strengthen your back and stomach muscles motivates you to work out faster than you would without it.
You are not going to get an abdominal six-pack just by wearing a girdle if you didn’t have one before getting pregnant.
You also do not need a postpartum binder for your stomach muscles to recover. They will do that on their own… eventually. A postpartum wrap just helps that process along a little quicker.
Do Postpartum Wraps, Girdles or Binders Help Heal Diastasis Recti?
This is a common question that a lot of women have. From Baby Center:
“If you still look pregnant months after giving birth, you may have diastasis recti. That’s what they call it when the rectus abdominis muscles in your abdomen separate during pregnancy, leaving a gap that allows your belly to pooch out.”
Both the Belly Bandit and the Shrinkx Belly Postpartum Belly Wrap claim they can assist in the recovery of women who suffer from diastasis recti after giving birth.
While they claim this, there is no scientific data to back it up.
I would say that if you suffer from this condition, ask your medical professional to recommend a qualified physical therapist to help you get your core back.
Wearing one of these two postpartum belly wraps is certainly not going to hurt in your recovery, but don’t expect it to heal your condition completely by itself. You will still need to do other core exercises and avoid certain movements, for example.
As women, we go through so much to have a child.
The nausea, the fatigue, the swollen feet, the childbirth.
And it’s true that no matter how much you compress, wrap, or bind, your hips and stomach may never look exactly like they did the day you got married.
But that’s ok!
I think it’s amazing that there are this many different products out there that can help speed along the healing process and help our body look great at the same time.
I say, the products are out there, so why not try them out?
Do I need a post-pregnancy belly wrap?
The good news is that they can help with the recovery process. Belly wrapping is something that has been done by many and so many have also noticed a huge difference. The stretchy wrap and give you core support and help your abdominal wall heal faster. While every body type is different, my top picks are listed above and any are a good option.
It’s a good idea to find a support belt, as all postpartum women know. There are so many benefits of belly wrapping and it’s an important thing to do use during your recovery period. Use it to help you recover during your postpartum time. It’s easy to wear during your daily activities and physical changes!
Let me know if you have in the comments below!
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