The Ultimate Guide to Postpartum Support Bands: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Recovery

Postpartum support bands have been used for a long time, in many cultures, and are a popular postpartum essential for mums to help their core recover from pregnancy and labour. With many options available, choosing the right abdominal binder is crucial to your recovery, comfort, and circumstances.

Benefits of Postpartum Support Bands

Postpartum support bands are known for helping women heal from childbirth and regain some of their pre-pregnancy bodies. Wearing a maternity support belt will by no means allow you to “bounce back,” but it is designed to support your lower back and posture in aid of your recovery.

Mums reviewed our postpartum belly wrap and highlighted their favourite features:

“This band has been a lifesaver! Second time round my inner muscles are much weaker, but somehow this has held me together running around after a toddler & a now 10-month-old.” — Kelsey

“The band wraps about your body giving you better posture. It’s basically a big hug for your body. I've seen a major improvement in my posture which has eased the pain in my back and tummy when feeding, and even my tummy feels tighter and firmer already!” — Steph, mum of six

Others noted how it had helped them to comfortably go about their daily activities, including exercise, and supported their pelvic floor recovery. A postpartum support band is also a great tool for mums who are recovering from a c-section, to protect the incision whilst it heals and aids mobility. 

“I've tried some post-C-section belly bands but this core restore support band is the best that I've tried yet. I love that it is super soft and super-elastic that perfectly sits over the abdominal area.” — Ruchi

Types of Postpartum Support Bands

Abdominal binder, maternity belt, girdle, support bands - they have so many names! But what are the differences? Here’s an outline to guide you:

Support Bands (like the Lola&Lykke Postpartum Belly Wrap)

Postpartum support bands are typically made from elastic materials and designed to wrap around the abdomen to provide gentle compression. They aim to support weakened core muscles, relieve back pain, and stabilize the pelvic region during daily activities and exercise.

Pros:

• Flexible fabric that gently compresses the tummy and back.

• Designed to provide stability in the core postpartum.

• Most are suitable for both vaginal and cesarean births (always check if the band you are purchasing matches your needs).

Cons:

• Quality and effectiveness can vary between brands.

Elastic Bands

Elastic bands are simple, stretchable bands that can be used to wrap around the abdomen. They provide mild compression and are often used for general support.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and widely available.​

• Flexible and easy to adjust.

Cons:

• May not offer sufficient support for postpartum recovery.

• Lack of features like adjustable fastenings, which can affect fit and comfort.​

Be mindful that some elastic belly wraps, are one piece of material that you step into and pull up over your tummy. This could be trickier for some women depending on mobility in the early days following childbirth.

Postpartum Girdles

Postpartum girdles are structured garments that provide firm compression, targeted support and shaping to the abdominal and pelvic areas. They are typically made from non-stretch materials and offer comprehensive coverage, often extending from the waist to the hips.​

A girdle is slightly different to other belly wraps because it will have a structure to the support band. It may also have multiple straps as they are longer in the body, to give you firm compressions from your ribs down to your hips.

Pros:

• Structured support with firmer compressions

• Provide pelvic stability, which can be beneficial if you experienced pelvic discomfort during pregnancy.

Cons:

• Can be more constrictive, potentially leading to discomfort if worn too tightly.

• May be less breathable, which could cause overheating.

Shapewear

Shapewear garments are designed to smooth and shape the body, providing compression to create a slimming effect. Some postpartum shapewear options are available, but their primary focus is on aesthetics rather than medical support.

Pros:

• Enhances appearance under clothing by creating a smoother silhouette.​

• Generally comfortable for extended wear.

Cons:

• Some postpartum designs are not practical for changing sanitary products.
  

• Compressions can be too tight or too loose resulting in inadequate support for postpartum recovery needs, check the style and size carefully.
  

• Typically not designed with medical-grade compression in mind.

Not to be confused with a waist trainer, shapewear “holds it all in”. It literally shapes your body using elasticated materials which are worn under your clothing. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Postpartum Support Band

Best Maternity Belt Fit for Your Body Shape and Size

Support bands either come in one size that you adjust or they are purchased in set sizes (e.g. S, M, L, XL). The measurements for these will come with a size guide and are based on your waist and hip measurements. 

For a comfy bespoke fit, lean towards support bands that have high elasticity and more than one strap to fasten with. The postpartum belly wrap then has ample customisation to get a secure fit without compromising your comfort.

Consider soft, breathable materials with secure fastenings to keep the maternity belt in place. Support bands that roll up or twist around your body will become frustrating to wear and lack the support you need.

Type Of Delivery in Childbirth

Whether you have a vaginal birth or a c-section, the type of support bands you will consider may differ. For a c-section recovery, the abdomen is tender, especially around the incision, so you’ll want to consider the placement and softer materials in a maternity belt. Support bands can help you recover from a C-section as they stabilise your core, allowing you to move more easily as you heal from the surgery.

For a vaginal delivery, your recovery will look much different. You may be moving around sooner but need the extra support whilst your muscles are still weakened from pregnancy and labour. Support bands can strengthen your core and even support your pelvic floor as you return to gentle exercise and daily activities. 

Support bands also need to be easy to wear, either on top or under your clothing. If it isn’t simple to put on or uncomfortable to wear, you won’t use it.

How firm should my support band be?

Postpartum support bands offer varying degrees of compression, however these should be gentle and non-restrictive of breathing and mobility. Depending on your pregnancy and labour, you may need a firmer abdominal binder to assist the healing process. Women with diastasis recti or pelvic girdle pain after pregnancy will require a support band that is firmer to give more support to these core areas. 

Support Bands for Your Lifestyle

A postpartum belly wrap isn’t just for severe core muscle healing following pregnancy and childbirth. Support bands can also be used solely for light exercise and aiding mobility for daily activities. Wear a postpartum support band on a walk, to an exercise class, or even whilst hoovering! 

Even if your pregnancy and labour went smoothly, your body is still weakened by the hormone relaxin. Wearing a postpartum support band can aid your muscles when you’re exercising so you don’t cause yourself any unnecessary injury.

How to Use Postpartum Support Bands Safely

Support bands are designed to do exactly that - support. A postpartum belly band will serve you best when you are using recommended wearing techniques to maximise the benefits and prevent discomfort. 

Postpartum support bands can be used during the day to support your core muscles and posture. Belly bands for postpartum are not safe to wear when sleeping and it is advised that the support belt is not worn for more than 12 hours a day. 

Support bands for postpartum come in varying sizes, and styles, and feature different fastenings such as velcro and hook and eye loops. Some styles have one strap and other designs have multiple straps. When choosing a belly wrap for your body, consider your body’s needs and get advice from your midwife for their recommendations. Your midwife can also advise you how to wear the support band and say whether or not it is suitable for your circumstances.

What To Look Out for When Wearing a Postpartum Belt

Support bands should be an aid, it takes the pressure off your back, hips, and pelvis so you can feel more comfortable when recovering from pregnancy and labour. Signs of over-tightening will be more of a hindrance to your recovery than a help.

• Compressions are too firm

• Your movement and/or belly breathing feels restricted

• It feels uncomfortable to wear

• The material causes skin sensitivity

• It does not support the right areas of your body

Corsets, trainers, and cinchers are not suitable to use postpartum. They use hard, rigid materials that constrict your core which are not safe to use so soon after pregnancy.

Conclusion

Every woman’s pregnancy and birth experience is different which is why there are different types of postpartum support bands available. It’s crucial to choose the correct maternity support belt for your body to get optimal results and restore the strength in your core muscles. A consultation with your midwife or doctor can help you to determine the best option based on your individual needs.