The Benefits of Postpartum Belly Binding

During pregnancy, your body changes to make room for your growing baby. After birth, your muscles and organs start to shift back into place. Many women look for ways to help their bodies recover, and abdominal binding, or using "belly bands," is often suggested as a solution. This practice of wrapping the abdomen right after birth has been used in cultures around the world for a long time. Today, modern products and programs have made it more popular. With growing research indicating that pretty much every woman will have some degrees of diastasis recti during or after pregnancy, belly binding can help promote healing and pull the abdominal muscles back together in the postpartum period.  

How does Belly Binding work?

Postpartum abdominal binders and wraps work like compression socks for your abdomen and pelvic floor, providing the right amount of physical support to wrap around your belly and help reduce swelling as your body heals and returns to its natural state. Wearing a binder or wrap regularly in the early postpartum period can help change the shape of the abdomen and size of an abdominal separation, BUT it does not actively train the abdominals and pelvic floor muscles for proper core function. 

There are several different binders and wraps on the market - some are made of an elastic/stretchy material and some are non-elastic. Whichever device you choose, be sure to choose a light breathable fabric that is comfortable and allows you to keep good posture rather than restrict you. It can also be helpful to consider supportive shapewear as an alternative to bands/wraps. Just be sure you still have easy access for changings pads/underwear.

Benefits

• Alleviates back, hip and pelvic pain 

• Allows organs to slowly return to their pre-pregnancy position, promoting healing and recovery 

• Helps to heal abdominal separation 

• Decreases local swelling to abdomen and pelvis 

• Improves posture and physical support during child care and feeding activities 

What NOT to do

While abdominal binders can be a huge help after birth, they’re not a cure-all for the postpartum experience. Binders should not be used:

• Too tightly. If an abdominal binder is too tight, it can cause pressure on your pelvic floor and create further injury. 

• All of the time. Give yourself breaks throughout the day. Wearing a wrap for too long won’t give your muscles the practice they need to heal and strengthen on their own.

• Wrapped downward. If using an elastic wrap, be sure to wrap up, not down. Wrapping in the wrong direction can create downward pressure on the pelvic floor and may cause additional weakness. 

Common Questions

• When do I start?

  • After a vaginal delivery, you can start belly binding 4-7 days postpartum. Following a C-section, belly binding should only be performed after the incision has healed which can take 4-6 weeks. If you’re unsure of the progress of your incision please consult your doctor. 

• How long should I wear the binding/wrap?

  • At first, try wearing the binder/wrap for 4-6 hours daily. This will allow your body time to adjust to wearing the binder and getting used to how it feels. After a few days, you can slowly increase the time frame to work your way up to 8-10 hours a day. Binders should be used for a total of 4-6 weeks. 

• Is belly binding the same as waist training?

  • It depends on who you ask, but our answer is no. Using an extremely tight compression corset in the days, weeks, or even months following childbirth doesn’t allow for your body to heal naturally and comfortably. Postpartum belly binding is a gentle wrapping technique only designated as a supportive device.

• Can I still belly bind if I’ve had a C-section?

  • Yes! You will have to wait until the incision is fully healed, usually around the 4-6 week mark for most people. 

• Where do I look for binders/wraps?

  • A few brands we love include the Frida Mom belly binder, Bao Bei support bands, Mamaway postpartum binder and the UpSpring postpartum underwear. 

More Questions?

If you’re interested in learning more or have questions about the best postpartum recovery for you, you can book a free introductory phone consultation with one of our therapists. We are here to help and answer any questions and help YOU feel your best.