What is the purpose of a postpartum belt?

Pregnancy changes your body, and even after delivery, it can take quite some time for your body to recover. Every new mom adapts to their postpartum body differently. For some moms, they may feel their best in lightweight and loose-fitting clothing while their body transitions back to “normal.” However, other women may feel more comfortable in a post-pregnancy belt or wrap for added support. So is one option better than the other, or does it all come down to preference? Well, it might be a little of both. Although preference does play a significant role, there are actually many benefits to wearing supportive clothing such as pregnancy belts after delivery.

What is a Post Pregnancy Belt?

Many people think that postpartum wraps or belts are designed to simply help the new mom fit into her pre-pregnancy clothes, but this is not the case. Sure, a post pregnancy wrap or belt may help a new mom to feel confident or even fit in her clothes from nine months ago, but this is not the sole purpose or benefit of this supportive wear. In the next section, we will dive into the main benefits of a post pregnancy belt.

What Types of Pregnancy Belts Are There?

Although they share the same name, there are many types of pregnancy belts available for new moms. Most of them work to accomplish the same thing, but there are certain types of materials that may be preferred over others.

Elastic wraps
Elastic wraps are nice because they are gentle and flexible enough that you can breathe and move easily. It should be long enough to wrap around your hips and your abdomen comfortably. Elastic wraps are also more affordable or even free if you make one yourself using a long piece of soft fabric or cloth. 

Pregnancy belt
You can find support belts available online that come in various sizes, but the key is to make sure it’s adjustable. A pregnancy belt may be helpful for your hips and back to support good posture and sore muscles, both of which can help strengthen your pelvic floor. 

Shapewear
Shapewear, in general, has grown in popularity over the last few decades, but some shapewear companies design shapewear exclusively for pregnancy and postpartum. The styles may vary and include things like shapewear tanks, shorts, or even bodysuits but remember to choose something that is practical for wearing and changing pads during your postpartum period. Shapewear may be a better option for mothers who are a few months postpartum, as they can sometimes be too tight. 

Benefits of a Postpartum Belt

A postpartum belly wrap or belt can help with pain and even healing (especially if the baby was delivered via C-section). They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after having a baby.

During pregnancy, the walls of the abdomen stretch to accommodate the growing uterus and baby. Not to mention, there is also a considerable amount of fat cells that accumulate in the abdominal region and because these over-stretched muscles don’t contract immediately after delivery, it leaves skin looking and feeling flabby and loose around the abdomen. Wrapping your belly with a cloth or a postpartum belt is believed to help tighten and strengthen these muscles.

So is this a new practice or trend that just came around? No, the practice of wrapping or binding the stomach after delivery has been around for centuries! So just think of it as a new name for an old concept.

It must be noted that pregnancy belts on their own will not help the new moms to shed any excess weight, but can help mothers comfortably incorporate physical activity into their lives, once it’s safe to do so (always check with your doctor!)

Here are the many benefits of using a pregnancy wrap after your baby is delivered:

• Helps get you moving

• Increases blood flow 

• Helps to relieve/reduce pain

• Can help with swelling (after c-section)

• Helps with posture 

• Supports pelvic floor muscles

Support for your changing body is essential, and a post pregnancy belt could help you feel more like yourself after birth. The most important thing to do is wait for your body to heal on its own and then can get the go-ahead from your doctor or medical professional.

Growing a baby and giving birth is no small feat. Your body stretched and rearranged itself to make way for a new life — it's a big deal, and it's no surprise that your postpartum body needs time to heal. 

If you're experiencing pain and discomfort going about your day, you might be wondering how to nurture your postpartum body through recovery. 

We're here to tell you that you don't have to work it out alone.

Between the chaos and bliss of getting to know your little one and tending to their every need, it's crucial to have non-fuss tools in your kit to carry you through, which is why women have been belly binding for centuries.

There's an overwhelming amount of information to take in during these early days, so let's unpack it together.

What are postpartum belly bands?

Postpartum belly wraps have been used by cultures from around the globe for a good reason — and we're not here to reinvent the wheel. During pregnancy, abdominal muscles work hard to create space for your bub by stretching and, in some cases overstretching.

The separation of abdominal muscles is known as diastasis recti and occurs in 60 per cent of people postpartum. Not to worry, though, because it will usually resolve within eight weeks of delivery — but If you notice worsening pain and discomfort, make sure you take a trip to see your GP to get the appropriate support you need.

Those wonderful pregnancy hormones also cause your pelvic floor muscles to relax, which can lead to some uncomfortable leaks.

In a nutshell, your core muscles are pretty important. They provide support for your back and good posture; now that you have a bub on your hip, you need that extra TLC more than ever. 

Our bodies do an amazing job of recovering from childbirth, but it's essential we don't do it alone. Many women also experience chronic back pain if the healing process isn't supported to run its course.

This is precisely why you deserve plenty of rest, gentle movement and support from your loved ones — it takes a village, right? When you feel it's time to tackle some cleaning and errands, abdominal wraps are there to give you one less thing to think about.

Simply put, belly bands wrap around your abdomen and hips to lend a hand to your abdominal muscles, especially during those early days and the first few weeks postpartum when they'll be particularly tender, and they fit snug under or over the top of your clothes.

Kin's Belly Band allows you to customise the compression to suit your body, thanks to the two-layer wrap design which is made from elastic velcro bands, and has a discreet design. The fit helps new mums feel supported as your core muscles tend to shift a lot during pregnancy, while also helping to shrink the uterus back down to size. 

For those who have had a C-section, The Belly Band also helps reduce post-surgery pain and promotes incision healing. 

Do postpartum belly bands work?

The short answer is yes — belly binding works by giving your core a great big hug. 

Postpartum belly bands gently hold your weakened tummy and pelvic floor muscles in place. The extra compression provides you with the stability and comfort needed to maintain posture while you settle into life with your baby.

Peer-reviewed studies show that postpartum abdominal binders are just what you need while your post-pregnancy body heals.

To get the most out of your belly wrap, adjustable compression is essential — let's be clear this is no waist trainer, and you shouldn't experience additional pain due to wearing one.

Benefits of belly binding

Okay, so now you want to know everything belly wraps can do to aid your postpartum recovery.

We hear you, and we come bearing gifts — whether you've had a vaginal delivery or caesarean delivery.

Here's what an abdominal binder can do:

• Improve blood flow which helps to promote healing
• Shrink your uterus down to size, which reduces pain and discomfort
• Alleviate swelling
• Help your muscles heal
• Aid with back support
• Support diastasis recti recovery
• Strengthen pelvic floor muscles when worn correctly
• Make exercise easier

Kin's Belly Essentials includes both The Belly Band, to achieve the above benefits, as well as The Nourishing Cream, which is designed to firm postpartum skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, making it the perfect postpartum duo. '

Belly band for C-section recovery

If you've had a C-section, you'll know all too well that postpartum pain can make life extra tough as your body heals.

As always, you know your body best and running postpartum care past your GP is a must. If you're given the go-ahead, a postpartum belly band can be a god-sent in getting you up and moving around.

A randomised controlled trial showed that wearing a belly band post-C-section can:

• Provide extra support to help you walk for more extended periods of time
• Reduce pain and discomfort (especially during the first 48 hours)
• Aid healing caesarean incision wounds
• Reduce bleeding

We need to stress again just how important it is for your belly band to provide light compression.

Wrapping yourself up too tight put a bit too much pressure on your pelvic floor muscles (they've been through enough) which is something you want to avoid at all costs as it can create more problems than it solves.

How soon after birth can you wear a belly band?

Chatting with your doctor about any post-pregnancy treatments is a wise thing. Every pregnancy, body and delivery is unique. You and your doctor are in the best position to make these decisions. If you're given the green light, try out your belly wrap one to two days after vaginal delivery is recommended.

If you've had a C-section, you must wait three to four weeks, or until your health provider approves.

Can you wear a postpartum belt while sleeping?

Wearing a belly band is most useful during the day when you're on your feet to ensure your comfort in your postpartum months. Allowing your body the time and space to rest and recover naturally is essential.

Sleep is precious right now, and you need every ounce of it, so the last thing you need is a belly band waking you up as you move around during the night. So take it from us, slip into your best pyjamas, stay comfy and enjoy your slumber.

How long should I wear a postpartum belt?

Postpartum belly wraps are your sidekick, especially during those first few weeks.

It's recommended that belly bands are worn between two to 12 weeks postpartum for the best possible results. Check in with your body and take its cues to guide how long you wear your belly band in those first few months.

Can you wear a postpartum belt two months after birth?

If you've just arrived at the belly band party and are two months post-delivery, it's not too late to enjoy its benefits.

Yes, wearing your band is most effective during the first six weeks after vaginal delivery, but your body is still recovering two months after birth, so some gentle compression can still do you good.  

You also might find yourself returning to a regular routine after two months, and a belly band can be there for you during the most active parts of your day.

Can I wear a postpartum belt after two years post-birth?

Many women use belly bands up to four months postpartum. At this stage, there isn't enough research available to comment on how belly bands can assist after the two-year mark.

A postpartum belly wrap doesn't take the place of natural repair, so allowing your body to do its thing is worth mentioning once more.

At this stage in your journey, it could be helpful to consider a postpartum exercise routine to build up your core strength. Setting aside some time at home for yourself or finding a supportive trainer could be a nice way to squeeze in some "me time".

If you're experiencing discomfort at this stage in your postpartum journey, we suggest having a chat with your GP to explore it further.

How many hours a day should you wear a belly band?

Your comfort during the postpartum period is precious and should be protected at all costs. Deciding what times of the day you'll need the support of a belly band most is worth reflecting on.

Two to three hours a day is recommended, so it might be helpful to wrap up when you're most active during the day. Whether it's while you're pottering around the house or venturing out, a belly wrap can slot into your day nicely.

Remember that your body is working hard to repair itself, which is exactly what you want. Overwearing a belly band can cause your muscles and ligaments to become overdependent.

When should you stop wearing your postpartum binder?

Once you're heading towards the four-month mark post-delivery, it's a good time to start thinking of how you can support your recovery. There are many ways to approach this next stage, and consulting with a trusted health professional is an excellent place to start if it feels a little daunting.

Don't forget the incredible job you've done bringing your baby into the world. Trusting your natural recovery process can be overwhelming for some, especially if you've come to bond with your postpartum belly band.

Pencilling in some time to discuss your recovery with a GP can provide you with the tools to continue healing.