Top 12 Best Postpartum Belly Wraps and Girdles of 2023
The 12 best postpartum belly wraps revealed in this 2022 review for pregnant and new moms who just had a baby and want to support their core during postpartum recovery.
If you are looking for the best postpartum belly wrap option for your body type and lifestyle and an overall better understanding of what these products do, then you will have more clarity after reading this review.
There are a lot of products to choose from and not a lot of information to help make the decision on postpartum girdles.
After reading this, you will have a better understanding of what a postpartum belly wrap is, know what the top 12 postpartum belly wraps and girdles are to choose from, the main features of each and ultimately be able to make a decision on which product is best for you.
Why Wear A Postpartum Belly Wrap?
Before going into the different products, let’s get a better understanding as to why women should wear a postpartum belly wrap early after delivery.
During pregnancy your muscles and other connective tissue stretch and they need a bit of assistance to come back together.
Of course, women are capable of bouncing back to their pre-pregnancy shape and size naturally without the assistance of a belly wrap; but belly wraps and girdles can definitely help speed up the process if used correctly.
There are many other side benefits to wearing one as well.
Related: 6 Tips and Benefits of Wearing A Postpartum Belly Wrap
What Do Postpartum Belly Wraps Do?
Besides for the main reason of wanting to slim down your waist and get rid of the postpartum pooch, there are many other reasons for wearing a postpartum belly wrap after just having a baby.
1. Provide Comfort And Support Of The Low Back Initially After Pregnancy
If your muscles are weak and fatigued after experiencing childbirth, the postpartum belly wrap can help give you support temporarily while taking care of your newborn baby – especially during breastfeeding and sitting up for a prolonged period while holding your baby.
Your back easily gets fatigued, and a postpartum belly wrap can help in the early stages of postpartum.
2. Relieve Low Back Pain Temporarily
If you have already had episodes of low back pain from pregnancy and it continues to linger on into postpartum, the girdle can help with compression which is known to ease back pain.
This is not the main way to treat back pain but a way to help initially in the early stages of postpartum.
Ultimately, physical therapy and an appropriate exercise routine are the best ways to treat back pain.
3. Prevent Worsening Of Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti is a common problem during pregnancy and postpartum.
If you have Diastasis Recti, then a postpartum belly wrap can help prevent it from getting worse during times of straining. The girdle can help support the separation between the right and left side of your abdominal muscles. The muscles are given an opportunity to heal in the proper location.
They assist in the speeding up of the shrinking process of the uterus and help internal organs return back to their normal shape.
Also, the uterus is going through a period of shrinking during postpartum, and the wrap can assist with compression.
4. Decreases Swelling
Did you know that a pregnant woman maintains a blood volume of one and a half times her normal levels? I certainly felt the effects of the increased blood volume as my veins in my legs always felt like they were about to burst.
Maybe you developed cankles (swelling in the calves and ankles). It’s a common pregnancy side effect.
Well, if you have residual swelling from pregnancy or during childbirth because the nurses pumped you with a bunch of fluid through your IV, compression is a great way to reduce this added swelling.
When putting anything on your body for the first time, you want to do it gradually and not all at once. Make sure you gradually increase the amount of wear time for a postpartum girdle.
If it’s your first day wearing it, don’t wear it from 8am to 8pm but instead wear it for 1 hour the first day and gradually increase by 1 hour each day. You can learn more about how long you should properly wear a postpartum belly wrap in this post.
Postpartum Belly Wraps And Girdles Are Not For Weight Loss
You probably noticed that I didn’t say anything about the girdle helping to lose weight because there is absolutely no research to state that a girdle of any kind helps with weight loss.
The best way to loose weight is through proper diet and exericse. It’s a lifestyle change, not an undergarment change!
When Should You Start Wearing A Postpartum Belly Wrap?
I highly recommend the sooner the better. As early as 2 days postpartum is safe to start wearing the postpartum belly wrap. Your uterus is going through rapid changes and is shrinking at a quick rate.
The postpartum belly wrap can only speed up the process. During breastfeeding, the uterus is contracting and the girdle will help your uterus contract even more.
Continue to wear it daily. The more you wear it, the more benefits you will get from it. Use it primarily during the day when you are up and moving about. The added support will help cue and remind your muscles to tighten and activate during everyday movements.
But also wear it during times of rest, or while nursing your baby. During nursing, your uterus contracts – so wearing the girdle will only help and add further benefit.
I recommend wearing it for 8 weeks postpartum (2 months) and as long as 10 weeks (2.5 months) This is when the hormone, relaxin, is completely out of your system and by this time you should have started a postpartum workout routine.
The girdle is not a long term crutch. You want to rely on your own muscle strength to work as the corset to you midsection. Relying on a girdle long term can start having some negative side effects (such as muscle weakness and possibly new onset of back pain).
The longest length of time I recommend wearing the wrap is 4 months postpartum.
How Long Should You Wear A Postpartum Belly Wrap Each Day?
You can wear it up to 10 to 12 hours each day. That’s a general rule of thumb but less or more is completely ok to do. There’s no real set number, but generally 10 to 12 hours is tolerable for most women. I recommend gradually easing into it initially for the first week and as your body gets more comfortable wearing it, increase the amount of time you have it on.
Something important to note is that I do not recommend sleeping in it because it is best to let your skin get some air to breathe for a portion of the day.
It is quite alright to wear it in blocks of time throughout the day. Possibly for 3 hours in the morning, 3 hours during the middle of the day and 3 hours at night. Take it off at various times during the day during early postpartum (like when you take a quick nap, if you are blessed to have the opportunity).
Postpartum Girdles, Postpartum Wrap, Belly Binding, Belly Bands and More!
There are many names to postpartum belly wraps, and it can be a bit confusing when doing a Google search for the product that you are looking for.
Some of the most common names are:
Postpartum Belly Wrap
Post Pregnancy Girdles
Postpartum Girdle
Postpartum Belly Band
Bellefit Corset
Postpartum Belly Bind
Postnatal Corset
Post Pregnancy Girdles
Belly Bandit
Belly Binding
These are the most commonly searched postpartum options of wrapping your belly. But this is quite a list to sort through. How do you choose between all these options without actually seeing it in person. Keep reading and you’ll find out.
What Features To Look For When Buying A Postpartum Belly Wrap
There are various factors that go into deciding which postpartum belly wrap is best for you. Make sure you consider the following before purchasing your postpartum belly wrap:
Cost: Postpartum belly wraps have a wide range of costs, so depending on your budget, there will be certain options that are better choices for you.
Type, Style and Shape: There are various types of girdles, wraps and binders. Some are full body and some are only around your belly and lower pelvis.
Ease of use: Be sure to think about your lifestyle and when you will be wearing it. Some are harder to put on than others. Some take time and others are really quick and can be put on in a matter of seconds.
Appearance under clothing: There are some options that are seamless, and is difficult for another person to even tell if you are wearing one under a tighter fitting outfit, when other options are bulky and can only be covered up by a baggy shirt or sweatshirt.
Comfortability: Some can do the job well with little to no discomfort when wearing it while others are quite bulky and uncomfortable to wear, especially when sitting down.
Adjustable (Sizing Options or One Size Fits All): The more expensive ones offer sizes that are more customizable to your shape and figure while the less expensive options are a one size fits all (but clearly those never fit just the way you would like them to fit).
Top 12 Postpartum Belly Wraps and Girdles of 2022
I want to give you some options to choose from. When searching the internet and amazon for postpartum belly wraps, a lot of no-named brand products come up at the top of the search.
Be careful when making your purchase. The following are the top 12 postpartum belly wraps and girdles of 2022.
I highly recommend these continuously to new moms who are interested in using a postpartum belly wrap during their postpartum recovery.
These are in no particular order, but definitely hang tight for a new post coming out soon where I rank and score each product based off of different metrics. But for now, here is the list and description of the 12 best postpartum belly wraps of 2022.
Chongerfei 3 in 1 Wrap
Price: Low $
This is by far the most popular choice amongst new moms who are looking for something that works and is affordable by almost everyone. It’s the best bang for the buck. I had this for two of my pregnancies, and I saw amazing results. (You can read more about the 3-in-1 Postpartum Belly Wrap here) It’s very versatile. I also did a full review of this product on YouTube. Check out the video below.
Chongerfei's Postpartum Belly Wrap Support - White
Price: Low $
Although this is very similar to the one above, this option is made of a softer material and is more comfortable to wear. Instead of 3 pieces it’s only one piece. It’s shaped and designed well to fit women of all sizes and is easy to adjust and put on.
Belly Bandit
Price: Medium $$
This is by far a fan favorite for those who are looking for a seamless look underneath your outfit. It’s very supportive and quickly works to shape your postpartum belly. It is easily adjustable with one wrap around and a velcro attachment. It’s moderately priced but well worth the price.
I wore this with my first pregnancy (you can read more about it here), and I was shocked at how quickly my stomach appeared flat while wearing it underneath a form fitting dress I wore to church a couple weeks after giving birth. People couldn’t even tell I was wearing it.
Procore Premium Elastic Binder
Price: Low $
If you are looking for the most inexpensive option, this is your pick! It’s cheaper than your Starbucks budget for the month!
It has 3 panels in one sleek wrap with mild compression when compared to other wraps. It’s a gentle way to get started during postpartum recovery. And best of all, there are 3 sizes to choose from so you can get exactly the right size for you.
Bellefit Postpartum Corset
Price: High $$$
This is top of the line and is priced accordingly. Great material, great design and great results.
I ended up not spending the money to purchase this one when I was pregnant. But if money wasn’t a factor, I definitely would have invested in the Bellefit had I planned more when I got pregnant the first time.
And if you plan to have multiple kids and you want to invest in a good product, this is by far the best choice. It has custom sizes and is beautifully hidden under anything you may wear (especially form fitting outfits).
And don’t worry, there is a strap in the crotch region to allow for easy bathroom access. (Bellefit has a great website and a video of the product)
Marena Recovery Knee-Length Compression Girdle with High-Back
Price: High $$$
If you are looking for a sleeker and slimmer look in the midsection, back and the thighs, a knee length girdle will work really well for you.
These slip on quickly and give you all around compression in the areas that need a bit more support. No zipper and open access for potty breaks. This is even a great option for evening wear 2-3 years postpartum!
Movwin Postpartum Belly Wrap
Price: Medium $$
Design is very comparable to the Bellefit with the price range close to the belly bandit.
The design is a zipper and hook combo and is made out of breathable mesh material.
There are a variety of sizes to choose from so that you can get the best fit postpartum. Medical grade compression is provided with added memory steel bone specifically placed on the back side to prevent the girdle from rolling.
Diane and Geordi 2396 Mid Thigh Powernet Shapewear for Women
Price: Medium $$
This is a great mid thigh option for those looking for compression and support in the core and the thighs. This body shaper is not only great for postpartum but for any woman looking to shape their body under tight fitting outfits.
It’s known to emphasize the natural curves of a woman’s body with added tummy control. And there are a large variety of size options to fit almost every body type. It has a double closure with zipper and hook system and is moderately priced.
Wink Your Little Secret C-section and Post Pregnancy Belly Wrap
Price: High $$$
With the name being C-section, this girdle is specifically designed with moms who had a C-section in mind. And the side closure allows for comfortable healing of your incision. Where most wraps and girdles have front closures that may irritate your c-section incision, this does not.
There is no need to take it off and on throughout the day which would definitely irritate your incision and prevent the healing process from occurring. Instead, there is an easy crotch opening for quick and simple bathroom breaks. Moderately priced and size options are available.
BraceAbility 2XL Plus Size Bariatric Abdominal Stomach Binder
Price: Low $
If you are concerned about the other options being too small for your body type, then I would recommend this as a great inexpensive option to try.
This is described as a medical grade abdominal binder that provides adequate compression post surgical, such as a c-section. It’s comfortable and relatively form fitting and seamless.
Mama Strut Postpartum Belly Wrap Pelvic Binder System
Price: High $$$
The best feature this wrap has is the pelvic floor support straps that are attached.
And, this is more than just a postpartum girdle, it’s a highly adjustable postpartum waist trainer & C Section recovery system. This is great for after labor & delivery and helps to shrink your postpartum belly. It fits comfortably and discreetly under your clothing.
Bengkung Belly Binding
Price: Low $
Bengkung belly binding is a special art that involves wrapping of a women’s postpartum belly and hips for physical support to assist with the recovery process after childbirth.
This specific technique, belly binding, uses a long strip of cloth to wrap around the abdomen from the hips to the rib cage.
So, there is a lot of fabric. Plus this technique uses a lot of tight knots specifically placed along the center of your abdomen to give a binding effect.
“Binds should be made from 100% prewashed soft cotton fabrics that can go directly over the skin without causing any discomfort. Bengkung Belly Binds are at least 15 yards long and about 8 to 9 inches wide when finished. “ –Carolyn Butler
Here’s a video of belly binding which will help you to understand what it is, how to do it and how it looks.
This is new to me, and I’m noticing it’s becoming more popular.
And I do want to experiment with it more so I can give you my full review.
Tell me something…have you ever tried using one before? Comment below to tell me what you think?
How long did it take you to learn how to put it on, and was it worth the time?
If you are wondering how long you should be wearing these postpartum belly wraps and girdles, be sure to read all about the specific wear time schedule in this post: How Long Should You Wear A Postpartum Belly Wrap.
Keep Smiling,
Dr. Jena Bradley, DPT
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here.
About Dr. Jena Bradley
Jena is a mom of 4 darling little girls, a physical therapist and founder of Live Core Strong, a blog focusing on motivating moms to live a life that incorporates fitness and fun throughout their motherhood journey. She aims to be the friend you always wanted to have who could guide you through the “fog” when faced with an “I don’t know what to do” mommy moment. At the most inconvenient time of her life, she embarked on a journey of sharing her story and expertise to inspire the next generation of healthy moms. You can learn more about Jena by visitng her ABOUT page.
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-Jena
8 Comments
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Hi! I just want to know if it’s okay to wear the binder during exercise?
Hi Emma, I usually don’t recommend it because you want your skin to breathe, there’s a lot of sweat build up with the wrap on and also I like the freedom of movement without wearing the wrap. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Hi, I definitely want to try this with my next pregnancy and I’m sad I didn’t with my first.
Is it safe to start wearing a binder two days after a c section birth?
Great question, Joanna. I recommend starting 2 days after a C-section birth if your doctor approves it. Always get their approval first.
Hi Jenna, I am 9 weeks postpartum. I read that you mentioned that the hormone relaxin is typically out of the body at 10 weeks postpartum, but still recommend to wear a belly wrap until 4 months after pregnancy, so do you still recommend me to use one? Also, at this point does it still help with diastasis recti?
Maria, I have found that new moms find the benefit in wearing the postpartum belly wrap up until 4 months because of the tactile cues and the relief new moms get due to core weakness. I recommend doing ab exercises as early as 6 weeks postpartum and if your core is strong enough, you don’t have to wear the postpartum belly wrap up until 4 months but it can be removed sooner. It can help prevent DR from getting worse. I recommend doing DR exercises to help close the gap. Great questions.
Will this work if I use it after c-section adhesions we’re removed and hysterectomy? Starting to get a pooch that I didn’t have before 😞
Vicky, Yes, definitely use the wraps for this as well. Let us know what kind of results you get.