Does postpartum belly binding work? What does it do? What kind of product should I buy? Is it harmful? How long should I do it? Is it safe after a c-section?
I get these questions all the time. I hope to give you some info that feels helpful as you navigate your postpartum body and all the do’s and don’ts you’ve likely been reading up on!
Some people will feel mentally, emotionally and physically better to know they will have some belly and pelvis support early postpartum. And in the following cases, I’d say go for it!
episiotomy, perineal or cesarean scar tissue that needs support
pelvic organ prolapse or feeling of heaviness/pressure into the pelvis
pelvic pain, like at your SIJ or pubic bone (SPD)
large diastsis recti (not technically diagnosed until 12 weeks postpartum)
Reduced confidence in your ability to move around and care for baby
But how does it work? Right now, those floor and core muscles are at a disadvantage given the whole growing a human for 9 months and the labor & delivery thing you’ve just experienced. Wrapping and compression works by basically replacing the job your muscles would normally be doing by providing support for your spine, your organs (belly and pelvic), and supports those ligaments and tendons (the things that connect bones to other bones and muscles to bones). Here are some further considerations:
It is OK (with provider clearance, especially if you’ve had a cesarean birth) to bind for a few days up to a few weeks postpartum. Anything longer than that is not necessary AND might cause your floor and core to kinda forget it needs to do some work!
I would caution against ‘waist’ only binders. This puts undue downward pressure on your pelvic organs and pelvic floor muscles which have already been through a lot during pregnancy, labor and delivery
I like wraps that start at the hips/pelvis and wrap all the way to the top of the core, which is the diaphragm and lives at the base of the ribs.
You might also consider compression or recovery shorts, which come in a longer version or even pants! (Affiliate Link above. Use code JESSICADUFAULTPT for a 20% discount!)
All women’s bodies are unique. If you would like to know more about how the above relates to your specific condition, email me here. Please also follow us on Instagram or join our private Facebook Group for a ton of free support on common women’s health concerns.