For the past nine months, your body experienced substantial physical and emotional miraculous changes. Then, finally, you give birth after nine months and you notice your body does not bounce back right away. Sometimes we are unprepared for what will happen to our bodies after birth because your postpartum body is often untalked about. Your postpartum body will work hard to heal during the next six weeks after child birth. You are not alone if you are unsure what is best to help your body heal. Let's discuss what postpartum shapewear is and why you may need it as a new mom.
What is postpartum shapewear?
Shapewear is your best friend during the first six weeks of postpartum after birth. Shapewear is often viewed in today's society as a garment used to slim and shape your abdomen and lower back. However, shapewear is not just used to slim your silhouette. In fact, shapewear for post pregnancy has many benefits that may help you after birth. Postpartum shapewear provides the support your body needs after birth.
Shapewear is a compression garment designed to support your weakened abdominal muscles and ligaments as they heal from birth. Shapewear is often made with nylon or spandex. Many garments are adjustable and offer different lengths to fit your torso height.
What is the purpose of shapewear for new moms?
For nine months of pregnancy, your body goes through many changes physically to accommodate a growing baby. For example, some women's stomach muscles may weaken and may separate during pregnancy. Shapewear provides light compression to support your weakened muscles while they move back to their original place after pregnancy. In addition, because shapewear covers your abdomen, it allows for discrete nursing while in public. Finally, if you have a c-section, shapewear may help protect your incision and decrease swelling.
Top 10 Reasons New Moms Should Wear Postpartum Shapewear
- Helps Prevent Diastasis Recti
Diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy, can be a common concern for new moms. Postpartum shapewear provides light, targeted compression that helps guide these muscles back together, promoting faster recovery and preventing long-term issues.
- Supports Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles
During pregnancy, the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, stretched, and relaxed to accommodate your growing baby. Postpartum shapewear offers much-needed support to these muscles after delivery, which may help reduce the risk of prolapses or hernias by stabilizing and lifting the pelvic floor.
- Promotes Correct Posture
Pregnancy often causes a shift in posture, which can lead to back pain and core weakness. Postpartum shapewear helps support the spine and encourages better posture as your body heals. This is especially important for breastfeeding mothers, as proper posture can reduce strain on the back and neck while nursing.
- Reduces Swelling
After childbirth, it’s normal to experience some swelling in the abdominal area due to fluid retention. The gentle compression provided by postpartum shapewear helps reduce swelling by promoting circulation, allowing your body to shed excess fluids and ease into recovery more quickly.
- Boosts Confidence with a Seamless Silhouette
Adjusting to your post-pregnancy body can be a challenge. Postpartum shapewear smooths and sculpts your body, giving you a seamless silhouette that helps you feel more confident in your clothes. This added boost of confidence can be especially uplifting during the postpartum period when body changes are significant.
- Provides Core and Back Support for Daily Activities
New moms are often lifting, carrying, and bending while caring for their newborn. Postpartum shapewear provides core and back support, reducing the feeling of weakness and discomfort during these daily activities. The extra stability allows moms to move more comfortably and confidently as they adjust to their new routines.
- Eases Transition to Pre-Pregnancy Size
Postpartum shapewear supports the body’s natural healing process and can help guide your body back to its pre-pregnancy size by gently holding the muscles and tissues in place. While it’s important to allow your body time to heal, shapewear can help you feel more comfortable during this transition.
- Promotes Mobility and Faster Recovery
The compression and support offered by postpartum shapewear can help you stay mobile and active without feeling overly fatigued. By providing support to the weakened core muscles, shapewear may reduce discomfort and allow for easier movement, which is key to a healthy recovery process.
- Relieves Lower Back Pain
Many new moms experience lower back pain due to the physical strain of pregnancy and the demands of caring for a newborn. Postpartum shapewear provides extra lumbar support, which can help alleviate back pain and reduce discomfort during everyday tasks, such as lifting and holding your baby.
- May Be Covered by Insurance
Some insurance plans recognize the health benefits of postpartum shapewear and may cover the cost. This makes it more accessible to new moms looking for extra support during recovery, so it's always a good idea to check with your provider to see if this coverage is available.
What are the different types of postpartum shapewear?
Here are the different types of postpartum shapewear and reasons why users might choose each one:
1. Postpartum Belly Wraps
- Why Choose It: Postpartum belly wraps are designed to provide targeted compression to the belly, waist, and hips after childbirth. They help support weakened core muscles, promote posture, and assist in reducing swelling. Belly wraps are ideal for new moms recovering from a C-section or looking to encourage the natural realignment of abdominal muscles.
- Best For: Core support, post-c-section recovery, reducing swelling.
2. Postpartum Corsets
- Why Choose It: Postpartum corsets offer firm compression and a structured fit to provide maximum support to the waist, belly, and hips. They may help new moms feel more secure while promoting quicker muscle recovery. Many corsets have adjustable closures for a custom fit as your body changes post-pregnancy.
- Best For: Stronger compression, shaping the waist, targeted abdominal support.
3. Postpartum Compression Leggings
- Why Choose It: These postpartum compression leggings provide full coverage for the tummy, thighs, and hips while offering light to moderate compression. They’re great for new moms who want shapewear that can be worn as everyday clothing, providing both support and a sleek look. Compression leggings also help alleviate discomfort in the legs and promote circulation.
- Best For: Everyday wear, smoothing and shaping the legs, reducing postpartum swelling in the legs and abdomen.
4. Postpartum Recovery Shorts
- Why Choose It: Postpartum shorts provide compression and support for the hips, belly, and thighs while offering a more breathable, shorter fit. They are ideal for warmer climates or moms who prefer shorts to full leggings. They help with pelvic stability and abdominal support, making it easier to engage in light physical activities during recovery.
- Best For: Lightweight support, pelvic stabilization, postpartum exercise.
5. Postpartum Shapewear Briefs
- Why Choose It: Postpartum shapewear briefs are perfect for moms looking for discreet compression under everyday clothing. These briefs offer support to the lower belly and hips while being comfortable enough for all-day wear. Some styles also offer support for C-section recovery by protecting the incision area.
- Best For: Discreet under-clothing support, C-section recovery, everyday wear.
6. Postpartum Sculpting Girdle
- Why Choose It: Postpartum shaping girdles offer firm compression for those seeking more intense support around the waist, hips, and lower back. They provide excellent shaping effects and are great for moms who want to accelerate their recovery by stabilizing their core and back muscles. Girdles are designed to smooth the silhouette and reduce visible postpartum bulges.
- Best For: Maximum compression, waist shaping, back support.
7. Postpartum Nursing Tanks with Compression
- Why Choose It: Nursing tanks that include built-in compression combine the convenience of breastfeeding access with light shaping. They provide gentle compression to the belly and help moms feel supported while nursing. These tanks are often seamless and can be worn under other clothing for added support and comfort.
- Best For: Breastfeeding moms, light compression, multitasking as shapewear and nursing apparel.
Postpartum Shapewear vs Postpartum Compression
Both postpartum shapewear and postpartum compression garments offer essential support to the core, helping weakened muscles recover and improving posture. They both provide light to moderate compression, which can reduce swelling and promote better circulation, aiding in the postpartum healing process. Both also help new moms feel more comfortable and supported as they adjust to their postpartum bodies.
Differences Between Postpartum Shapewear and Postpartum Compression
- Purpose:
- Shapewear is primarily designed for aesthetic purposes, smoothing and shaping the body to enhance confidence.
- Compression garments are more focused on medical benefits, providing targeted support to promote healing after childbirth, especially for C-sections or diastasis recti.
- Compression Level:
- Shapewear offers light to moderate compression, suitable for daily wear and comfort.
- Compression garments typically offer firmer, more therapeutic compression designed for specific recovery needs.
- Focus:
- Shapewear aims to enhance appearance under clothing while providing some support.
- Compression garments focus on healing, reducing swelling, and supporting recovery.
Reasons to Choose One Over the Other
- Postpartum Shapewear: Ideal for moms looking to smooth their silhouette and feel confident in their postpartum bodies. It's perfect for everyday wear and provides a more polished look under clothes.
- Postpartum Compression: Best for moms recovering from C-sections or abdominal separation (diastasis recti), offering more targeted compression and support for faster healing and improved muscle stability.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your recovery goals—whether you’re seeking aesthetic enhancement or medical-grade support during your postpartum recovery.
Here are some tips for choosing postpartum shapewear.
Best shapewear products for new moms
The Postpartum Luxe Belly Wrap offers six support body contouring panels for core and back support. In addition, the belly wrap is designed with two different height sizes for a customized fit. Finally, there are two layers of fabric for firm compression and stayput® technology; this wrap will stay in place throughout the day. For the new mom who wants a discrete fit, maximum coverage while nursing, and performance with comfort, this Postpartum Luxe Belly Wrap has everything for postpartum shapewear.
Mother Tucker® Postpartum Compression Leggings
The Mother Tucker Postpartum compression leggings utilize Belly Bandits world famous compression technology. The compression technology provides just the right amount of compression and coverage to keep you feeling secure throughout the day. The targeted compression zones offer a smoothing shape to the tummy, tush, and thighs. In addition, the ultra-high waistband allows for discreet nursing without exposing your midsection while in public. These leggings are a perfect addition to your hospital bag. Leave the hospital feeling confident and secure with these leggings.
Recovering from a c-section may be overwhelming, especially when you juggle a newborn while healing from major surgery. C- Section recovery shorts will provide targeted abdominal compression which may help reduce swelling and promote blood circulation. In addition, the silver-infused fibers in the shorts' front panel may help minimize odor and bacteria growth. Lastly, these shorts allow easy access when using the restroom with an opening at the crotch region.
The B.F.F. Belly wrap is your best friend during postpartum. This garment is designed to help boost your confidence after you give birth. Belly Bandit took age-old traditions of belly wrapping to create a modern postpartum belly binder loved by doctors and new moms all over the United States.
The B.F.F. Belly Wrap uses Power Compression Core™ to provide targeted compression to your abdomen which may help reduce swelling and help support weakened core muscles after birth. This belly wrap is also great for c-section moms to offer comfort after surgery.
Closing Thoughts
Often when today's society mentions the word "shapewear," many assume it is a garment to slim your abdomen and boost your confidence. However, shapewear can do more than provide a slender appearance. Over a decade, Belly Bandit worked hard to design a one-of-a-kind shapewear line specifically for postpartum. Shapewear supports weakened muscles and relaxed ligaments as they heal from birth. In addition, shapewear may be the best-kept secret to decrease the risk of developing a hernia or diastasis recti. Be sure to check with your doctor before wearing postpartum shapewear to determine if it is right for you.
