There are many reasons you may wear an abdominal binder, but one of the most common ones is after giving birth or having a c-section.
A postpartum belly band is a must-have for new mothers. A cesarean delivery is major abdominal surgery. Postpartum wraps can give extra support to your abdominal region to help you have less pain and help your uterus shrink down to it’s pre-pregnancy size.
Some people choose to wear a postpartum binder after a vaginal birth as well. Those suffering from diastasis recti, or separation of the abdominal muscles, have had other abdominal surgeries or weak core muscles may find comfort wearing a belly band in the first weeks postpartum.
When should someone wear an abdominal binder?
Your healthcare team can let you know if a postpartum binder would be helpful to you. If you feel you would like extra abdominal support, as your care team if there is one that they recommend.
A binder comes in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different body types. It’s made of elastic material and is adjustable via Velcro straps.
Those who have had c-sections have abdominal incisions that need to heal properly. Recovering from a c-section can take 4-6 weeks, and some patients claim that their discomfort lasts for months. You may experience greater comfort, mobility, and relief with the help of a postpartum girdle.
There are many cultures that have done belly wraps for centuries to help with the recovery process of birth – whether by cesarean section or a vaginal delivery. The additional back support and gentle compression can help with postpartum lower back pain, water weight loss, and postoperative pain.
Related: Bleeding After Cesarean: What’s Normal?
When do you wear a belly binder after a c-section?
Your care team may place an abdominal binder on immediately after your cesarean section. While you can technically wear the binder 24/7, it’s recommended that you take it off for sleep and wear it only when you are up and moving around.
The first day of wearing your binder may feel uncomfortable – especially because of the postpartum uterine contractions that happen after both a vaginal birth and c-section deliveries. However, use of abdominal binders may help your postpartum recovery. Movement helps healing process. Being able to get up and move around is great for your healing, preventing blood clots, and for being able to care for your newborn.
If you don’t notice a significant difference after wearing a belly wrap, you may not need one.
Do You Need A Belly Binder After A C-Section?
Not everyone indeed needs to use a binder after a c-section. Each person has different needs and healing processes, so what works for one may not work for the other.
Binders can provide light compression, comfort, and mild pain relief, which could help your healing. Not everyone needs to use a binder after c-section surgery. Each person has different needs and healing processes, so what works for one may not work for the other. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort while using a binder, speak to healthcare provider about your pain and discomfort.
In addition to using a postpartum belly wrap, you may benefit from additional therapies to help heal your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor muscles. Consulting a physical therapist or other medical professional that deals with postpartum moms is never a bad idea. C-section belly bands or other compression garment can only help so much.
Related: What’s A “Natural” C-Section?
Best postpartum belly wraps
The best postpartum belly wrap is one that fits comfortably, provides support during your postpartum period, and adjusts with your body changes. You want to find one that will fit through your first week and through the first months postpartum.
A belly wrap should:
- Cover the entire abdominal area, from under the belly button to your ribcage
- Feel comfortable enough for normal wear
- Easily adjust to be smaller or bigger as your body changes
To find your correct size, check with the manufacturer. Each company has a different way of measuring the fit for their compression devices, though most will have you measure from your original size, not your pregnancy body.
Original Belly Bandit
The original Belly Bandit is made of a thick and stretchy material. It is totally adjustable with velcro fasteners and very easy to clean in cold water. It is made with a breathable fabric. According to the website, you should wear the belly support 24/7 for best results.
This is the best wrap as it adjusts easily to your changing body shape. It’s a great option for those that have had vaginal births or cesarean births.
Best postpartum girdle
This postpartum girdle uses velcro closure and belly wraps to adjust to your body. You can adjust each strap individually for pain management and support. This is style is the best girdle for promoting good posture and is totally adjustable.
The Gepoetry wrap comes from Amazon and comes in 2 different colors.
Do postpartum belly wraps help you lose weight after baby?
The best way to lose weight after having a baby is to follow a healthy diet and exercise. It’s a good idea to give yourself time to heal when you have a new baby.
Depending on the type of garment, the gentle compression can help with swelling and losing water weight.
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