Postpartum belly wraps are typically worn between 2 days to 6 weeks after giving birth to promote healing of the abs muscles.
But When Is It Too Late To Wear A Postpartum Belly Wrap?
Usually, when you reach 4 months postpartum, the added benefit of compression may not outweigh the cost, and you may want to pursue a postpartum workout instead.
If you’re considering buying a post-pregnancy belly wrap, this article will answer all your questions regarding how postpartum belly wraps work and what you should consider before buying your very first one.
What Are Postpartum Belly Wraps?
Postpartum belly wraps are a type of garment that is worn around the waist to support the abdominal muscles after childbirth. They are often made of stretchy fabric and can help heal the abs and improve self-esteem. Belly wraps come in different designs and sizes.
How Do Belly Wraps Work?
Belly wraps work by decreasing the size of the uterus, speeding up abs muscles healing, and reducing back and joint pain. They can also keep maternity jeans and leggings in place.
It is yet unclear whether belly wraps provide all of the benefits they claim to. Still, some data suggest that postpartum belly wraps can also help with varicose vein reduction, blood circulation improvement, cellulite reduction, and skin tone improvement.
Am I Too Late to Belly Bind?
Belly binding is most effective during the first 6 weeks postpartum when the body is still recovering from childbirth. However, you can still do belly binding until the fourth month after delivery. Any later than that might not provide the benefits you are seeking.
In fact, if it’s been more than 5 months since you gave birth, it’s best to engage in a postpartum workout that focuses on your core muscles.
Here is a short video that shows the type of workout you can do:
How Soon Can You Wear A Belly Wrap After Birth?
Most women can begin wearing postpartum belly wraps within a few days after vaginal delivery. The recommendation for women who have had cesareans, on the other hand, is to wait until the wound is fully healed.
Always contact your doctor before using a postpartum belly wrap, especially if you’ve had a cesarean.
Is Postpartum Belly Binding Effective After 6 Weeks?
It is best to do belly binding during the first six weeks after delivery when the body is still in the process of healing.
You can, however, start belly binding up until the fourth month following childbirth, but any benefits may take longer to notice.
How Long To Wear Postpartum Belly Wrap?
It is generally recommended to wear a postpartum belly wrap for 2-3 months following childbirth. This is because Relaxin, a hormone that allows muscles to loosen after birth, is still present at high levels in new moms’ bodies up to five months after delivery.
When you first wear the wrap, we suggest you do so for 12-24 hours. Afterwards, it should be worn 6-12 hours a day for 1-2 weeks following the first binding, and then as often and for however long is desired after that point.
Is It Safe To Wear A Postpartum Belly Wrap?
It is safe to wear a postpartum belly wrap as long as it is used correctly. This means following the instructions carefully and not wearing the belly wrap for too long. Wrapping the postpartum belly wrap around your waist incorrectly can be dangerous, so it is essential to consult your doctor first.
If you are not careful, you could be putting too much downward pressure on your pelvic floor, which would lead to prolapse.
In addition, you should not use trainers, corsets, or cinchers as a replacement for postpartum belly wraps. These items are made from hard and tight materials that can cause problems such as restricted breathing and reduced blood flow.
Can You Sleep In An Abdominal Binder After C-section?
There are a few reasons why you might not want to sleep in an abdominal binder after having a c-section. For one, binders can be incredibly uncomfortable. They often make it difficult to breathe, and they can also interfere with blood flow when worn too tightly.
Additionally, many women find that wearing a binder makes them feel extremely constricted and restricted. As such, it is usually best to avoid sleeping in a binder if possible.
In addition, wearing the abdominal binder during the day while you are most active is more beneficial than wearing it at night.
Do Postpartum Wraps Help You Lose Weight?
Postpartum wraps are often marketed as a way for new moms to lose weight after giving birth. However, there is no scientific evidence that they work.
Is A Belly Band The Same As A Waist Trainer?
A postpartum belly wrap is a garment that is worn after giving birth to help support the abdominal muscles and reduce swelling. It is not the same as a waist trainer, which is a type of corset-like garment that reduces waist size by constraining the torso.
Waist trainers prevent movement and compress internal organs since they are usually made of hard material and can be quite uncomfortable to wear. They can also cause problems such as breathing difficulties and skin irritation.
Postpartum belly wraps, on the other hand, offer gentle compression to the abdominal region and are not meant to change your body shape. Rather, they are meant to help your body heal naturally after giving birth.
They are mostly used after C section or cesarean section births, as the gentle compression can help you heal faster and feel supported.
How Do I Strengthen The Transverse Abdominis?
One way to help strengthen the transverse abdominis is by doing exercises that focus on drawing your belly button in towards your spine.
These exercises can be done at home, but should only be performed if you are cleared by a doctor to do so.
Watch the video below to see exactly how to do it:
Conclusion: When Is It Too Late To Wear A Postpartum Belly Wrap?
Postpartum belly wraps are a helpful tool for supporting your uterus and abdominal muscles after giving birth and can be worn up to four months after delivery. Belly bands provide compression to the abdomen, which helps with blood flow during recovery, as well as providing support that can help with healing. However, make sure you speak to your doctor first to avoid any undesired complications!
