6 Best Postpartum Belly Wraps and Belly Bands To Try

After a long nine months of pregnancy during which your body has taken on a new role and shape, you’re probably eager to get back to your pre-pregnancy size. Not only that, your abdominal region might need some extra support and stability. It takes time for your body to get to its pre-pregnancy size. As part of your transition wardrobe, a postpartum belly wrap can help slim as that process happens naturally – and it helps provides support and comfort post-pregnancy. Also known as belly bands or abdominal binders, belly wraps  have become wildly popular the last few years, and many women swear by their experiences and results. We help explain what’s available, and what you should look for when shopping for a postpartum belly band.

What is a Postpartum Belly Wrap? 

Postpartum wraps are a new mom’s savior when it comes to recovery from childbirth. Whether you have a c-section or vaginal delivery, a belly wrap can offer compression and support for the abdomen and lower back, while also improving circulation and breathing.  

A postpartum belly wrap is a garment/device designed to fit snugly around your waist and hips to provide support for your postpartum abdominals. They come in different shapes, sizes, elasticities, and bindings, with different features for every type of woman’s body and needs.  

C-Section Belly Wraps

After a c-section, belly wraps can aid tremendously in healing the wound and scar. They are often recommended and prescribed by physicians to keep pressure on the incision and prevent swelling, and provide a little protection and comfort.

Vaginal Delivery Belly Wraps

For vaginal delivery, the belly wrap applies compression to the abdomen, providing comfort and support during recovery. The wraps support your abdominal muscles that can’t fully support themselves yet, due to having been stretched during pregnancy. 

Benefits of a Postpartum Belly Wrap

• Helps to align the spine
• Encourages organs, uterus and abdominal muscles to get back to normal quicker
• Supports abdominal muscles
• Has a smoothing effect so you can fit into pre-pregnancy clothes sooner
• Helps with lower back or postpartum pelvic/hip pain
• Reduces swelling in your abdominal region and at the incision (for c-section)
• Keeps c-section incision in place and compressed for faster healing
• Can ease back pain
• Inspires good posture

An adjustable belt band can be made looser or tighter as your body changes.

What to Look for in a Postpartum Belly Wrap 

There are a lot of postpartum belly wraps on the market, and it can be confusing to understand what you need. But they can become as essential as any other key piece in your maternity wardrobe. Keep the following tips in mind when looking for one that suits you best. 

• Be sure to use correct sizing. If the belly wrap is too tight, the increased compression could put more strain on the already weakened pelvic floor. This is important because you don’t want to cause any additional leaking, prolapse, or constricting blood flow to the uterus. Most companies have a size chart on their website you can check out, and often have a XS to XL sizing scale. 
• Look for adjustability. This will help you change the wrap size as your body changes, so you don’t have to get more than one. 
• Choose a soft, comfortable material. Avoid stiffer materials that can be uncomfortable. You’ll be spending a lot of time wearing this belly wrap. Consider the time of year you’ll be wearing it.
• Check with your insurance. You may be able to get a postpartum belly wrap covered under your insurance, especially if you have a doctor’s prescription. If not, many postpartum belly wraps will be eligible for tax savings by using a health savings account. Be sure to check which ones are covered before purchasing. 

Best Postpartum Belly Wraps and Bands

With the various types of belly wraps out there, you may find it difficult to narrow down what would be the best for you. I’ve rounded up the best types below.

Adjustable band

An adjustable band typically has several support panels that help it to be made looser or tighter as your body changes. The Belly Bandit BFF Belly wrap has six support panels, which includes two that offer customizable compressions. There is plenty of extra adjustable fabric to change the tightness, whether you’re home lounging on the couch or staying active outdoors.

Multiple adjustable bands

Another type of postpartum belly wrap is a completely adjustable band with several parts. The TiRain 3-In-1 has 3 bands that use velcro straps to be adjusted to your fit. Each panel is adjusted separately and you can even wear one, two or all three at once. They each sit on different parts of your abdomen, waist and hips. This belly wrap is a little more bulky and doesn’t create as sleek of a look under clothing as others, but for compression it can’t be beat.

Belts

Since your pelvis also gets stretched during labor, you’ll need something to support it as it moves back into place. A belt will sit around the hips to keep them in line and supported after childbirth. A pelvic belt doesn’t offer as much support for the whole abdomen, so this is often used in addition to a belly band.

Belly band

A belly band is strikingly similar to a tube top, but sits around your waist instead of your chest. Belly bands are typically made of nylon and spandex to hug your body while offering some support. They provide a smoothing appearance to your tummy under garments, however, they don’t typically offer as much compression because they are not adjustable. The fabric simply isn’t as tight as other belly wraps, so these are perfect for light support.

Girdle or corset

A corset belly wrap typically offers maximum compression with boning on the back and sides and adjustable hook closures. Corsets can be a pull on garment or one long wrap around and are typically a lightweight material. They can be stiff and some are uncomfortable, so make sure that you try it on before purchasing.

Underbust support tank

A postpartum girdle alternative, the Blanqi support tank serves as an undergarment that offers the same midsection compression and muscle engagement that you’d get with a standard postpartum belly wrap. It’s not to be used as a tank alone, since the garment ends right under the bust but has straps. It’s perfect under other clothing, especially when you need an undergarment for breastfeeding.

After all the body changes that come with pregnancy, a postpartum belly wrap is a must-have. You will look and feel better more rapidly, while giving your body a chance to get back to business as usual.