Top FAQs
Do belly bands really work?
Yes! Postpartum belly binding has been done for centuries worldwide. Belly Bandit modernized this practice for today's moms. Our belly wraps are specifically designed to aid in postpartum support and recovery.
How do I wear a belly band?
The ideal fit is a snug one, with constant pressure on the belly - but without any impact on breathing or circulation. (If discomfort occurs, remove the wrap and consult your healthcare provider.)
When should I start wearing a belly band?
We recommend wearing your wrap post-delivery for a minimum of 6-10 weeks. However, many women find belly wrapping to be effective long after this initial period. If you're breastfeeding, the hormone relaxin may stay in your system longer, giving you even more time to benefit from postpartum compression.
Are postpartum belly bands worth it ?
We certainly think so! And our Belly Wraps aren't just for use after vaginal deliveries. You can wear them post-C-section as well. The International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics has found that “abdominal binders can be an effective, simple, non‐pharmacological option for relieving pain.”
Can you sleep in a belly band?
You can sleep in your band as long as you're comfortable and your breathing is not impacted.
What size Belly Wrap should I get?
Yes, sizing for your wrap can be tricky! Keep in mind that you want the wrap to barely fit when you first put it on, so you get maximum compression time. Too small is better than too large, and you can always add the Extender if it doesn't fit right away.
Here's the link to our sizing estimator so you can get started,
https://bellybandit.com/pages/belly-wrap-size-guide.
Are belly bands safe?
Yes, postpartum belly bands are a safe and effective way to help with recovery after a vaginal or C-section delivery. However, you do want to be careful not to cinch them too tightly so that you're uncomfortable or that you're breathing is impacted.
Is it too late to wear a postpartum wrap?
We recommend wearing the Belly Wrap right after you deliver for a minimum of 6-10 weeks. This is a great question, and we can't answer it for you as it is not an exact science and each woman's body is slightly different in how it reacts to the product and how long the hormone relaxin stays in the body. If you have any concerns about being "too late" for a postpartum belly wrap, we'd recommend you check out our Mother Tucker Shapewear line of compression tanks, leggings & corsets!
What are maternity belly bands?
Belly bands are flexible belts that wrap around the abdomen to help support the lower back, pelvis, hips, and abdomen during pregnancy. Belly belts typically sit on top of clothing, although some people may wear them underneath.
What is a belly band used for?
Belly bands are designed to support the lower back and abdomen during pregnancy. These flexible support garments may provide many benefits to active women who are pregnant, especially during the second and third trimesters. Belly bands provide mild compression and offer the hips and lower back an element of support.
Back and joint pain during pregnancy can be frustrating and make it difficult to participate in everyday activities. 71 percent of women report low back pain, and 65 percent report pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Wearing a belly band during pregnancy may help support your lower back and baby bump during activities, which can result in decreased pain overall.
SI joint pain also frequently occurs during pregnancy as a result of the increase of relaxin, an appropriately named hormone that causes the hip joints to become loose and less stable.
It’s a sharp and sometimes excruciating pain in the lower back adjacent to the tailbone. Belly bands and braces that support this region help stabilize the joint, which may prevent pain during activities.
What are the different types of maternity support bands?
Maternity belts and bands are designed to carry the majority of your belly weight and provide belly support during pregnancy. Maternity wraps offer compression to create a supportive, smoother profile for a healing postpartum body.
Can maternity belly bands be adjustable?
Yes! Maternity belly bands are adjustable. No pregnancy is the same, and neither is the accompanying discomfort. Belly Bandit bands have the ability to adjust to offer you the support and pain relief you need and different points of your pregnancy.
Which belly wrap should I use postpartum?
Some women use a postpartum belly wrap after having a baby to help their muscles. Studies show that wraps or binders might help with pain and healing after a Cesarean section. They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after having a baby.
Decreased core strength is common in the weeks following birth. Muscles and ligaments that were stretched and strained during pregnancy require time to heal. Weakness combined with the demanding job of caring for a newborn can be challenging and lead to injuries. Many women find that wearing a belly band postpartum provides additional support to the abdomen and lower back, decreasing discomfort. A belly band can be beneficial to women who have experienced a separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) by physically bringing the abdominal muscles back together. Combined with specific exercises, this may assist in closing the gap between the abdominal muscles. Women who experience a C-Section may need extra support from a belly band in particular. Belly Bandit has several postpartum belly wraps to choose from, including our Original Postpartum Belly Wrap, and B.F.F. Belly Wrap.
Can I exercise while wearing a pregnancy belly band?
Exercise during pregnancy has many positive health benefits. Exercise increases muscle tone and endurance and decreases the incidence of hypertension, depression, and diabetes. Many women are unable to exercise or continue working during pregnancy due to pain and discomfort. Wearing a belly band can help decrease discomfort and allow participation in daily activities, resulting in physical and financial benefits.
The gentle compression of a belly band can help support the uterus and reduce discomfort from movement during physical activity. However, too much compression on the abdomen can impair circulation, and it can cause negative effects on blood pressure, and can also contribute to heartburn and indigestion. Adjust your belly band as needed during exercise to ensure there’s just enough compression to offer support, without restriction.
Is a belly wrap necessary after exercise?
It is not necessary, but can be helpful to offer support to loose joints and shifting organs during pregnancy, and healing abdominal muscles postpartum.
About Postpartum Belly Wraps & Belly Bands
Benefits of Belly Bandit Belly Wraps
Our postpartum Belly Wraps are designed to apply targeted compression, which may help:
- Slim and support your belly, waist, and hips
- Strengthen core muscles weakened during pregnancy (especially helpful if you have an abdominal separation, also called diastasis recti)
- Promote mobility, helping you get back to your daily activities more quickly
- Ease back pain
- Provide comfort after C-section
- Encourage better posture, especially important during breastfeeding
- Provide support while exercising
Features of Belly Bandit Belly Wraps
Belly Bandit® offers four different postpartum Belly Wraps. The Original, Viscose from Bamboo, B.F.F. (Body Formulated Fit), and Luxe. The Original shares the same construction as the Viscose from Bamboo. The difference is in the material. The Original is uncovered, while the Viscose from Bamboo is covered in viscose material made from bamboo. The B.F.F. differs in construction from the Original and Bamboo. B.F.F. stands for 'Body Formulated Fit' achieved with the patented design of six support panels and two compression panels. A soft viscose from bamboo fabric covers the B.F.F., which is also slightly shorter in height than the other Belly Wraps. We recommend the B.F.F. for petite women and those with a shorter torso.
The Original, Viscose from Bamboo, and the B.F.F. all feature our Power Compress Core™ Technology which provides maximum targeted compression to the recovering tummy, waist, and hips.
The Luxe is our newest postpartum Belly Wrap. It features our SecureStretch™ Technology, so it molds to your body for a strong and secure fit and five levels of targeted compression for the perfect cinch. It also features our Stayput ™ Technology so that it stays securely in place without rolling or digging. The Luxe is our tallest wrap for complete belly coverage.