8 Best Postpartum Belly Wraps for Recovery, According to New Moms
Plenty of celebrities have touted using a postpartum belly wrap to help them recover after having a baby, but postpartum belly binding isn’t just a fad for A-listers. In fact, the practice dates back centuries: Malaysian culture refers to these postpartum belly bands as bengkung, Latin Americans use a wrap known as the faja and Japanese mothers turn to a sarashi after birth.
But what exactly is a postpartum belly wrap and should you try one? A postpartum belly wrap—also known as a belly band or girdle—is a flexible fabric band that provides gentle compression to your tummy and back. Curious to learn more? You’re in luck. We’ve consulted an ob-gyn on the benefits and potential disadvantages of belly wraps and recruited new moms to test and review highly-rated options. Read on to learn what a good belly binder can do for you, discover how to choose the right one for your needs and find our picks for the best postpartum belly wraps on the market right now, including this year’s Best of The Bump winner.
The technical term for a postpartum belly band is an abdominal binder—and these products do just that. They offer compression and support for the abdomen and lower back, and may also improve circulation and breathing. Such binders have been prescribed by doctors for years following abdominal surgeries—including c-sections—but over the past decade, belly wraps designed specifically for postpartum women have flooded the market. They come in several styles (postpartum girdles, belts, pull-ons and more) and with different closures (Velcro, zippers and hook and eye, among others), but the primary benefits of postpartum belly wraps remain the same across the board. According to Radhika Sharma, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn, postpartum belly wraps work to:
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Provide support. A postpartum belly wrap’s greatest benefit is providing support for new mothers as their bodies adjust to a new normal following birth. “For example, if a new mom is suffering from diastasis recti,” a condition in which the vertical abdominal muscles remain separated at an abnormally wide distance following pregnancy, “a belly band can take the pressure off of the abdomen,” explains Sharma. Moreover, c-section belly bands are also helpful in taking pressure off the site while you breastfeed (if that’s the feeding journey you’re planning for). “If a new mom is breastfeeding, she may feel uterine contractions as the uterus works to become smaller in size,” Sharma explains. Cramps and surgical pain are no picnic, but a postpartum belly wrap can offer some physical relief as cushioning from the wrap can protect the site from damage or strain.
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Alleviate pain. Labor and delivery, be it a vaginal or cesarean birth, puts your body through the ringer—and that’s after an already demanding nine+ months of pregnancy. Just as an athlete needs to recover and tend to any aches, pains, soreness or swelling after a big game, so do new moms. “Postpartum belly wraps can help support the lower back and pelvic floor, assisting with any discomfort and pressure you may feel after having a baby,” Sharma says. The pelvic floor is the collection of muscles, ligaments and tissues that span the area between the pubic bone at the front of the pelvis and the coccyx (tailbone) at the back, and support pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus and rectum; it stretches during pregnancy and the birth process, and can become weak as a result of acute and prolonged strain. “Hip pain is very common as the pelvic floor realigns with the postpartum body, and wraps can be extremely helpful with this as well,” offering stability to the pelvis and lower spine to aid in posture, balance and overall movement, explains Sharma.
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Reduce swelling. In the first two weeks postpartum, Sharma says that your body “is working to get rid of the extra fluid that it retained during pregnancy.” At the same time, the uterus gradually contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size in a process called involution. The compression a postpartum belly wraps provides can prevent the accumulation of excess fluid and promote better overall circulation.The snug fit of a postpartum belly band can also provide support and gentle pressure that can help take the edge off of pain and cramping, and alleviate the uncomfortable sensations associated with the uterus shrinking.
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Aid in healing. C-sections are a major surgery, and postprocedure, new moms can experience a number of symptoms caused by the disruption of tissues in the abdominal area. Sharma said postpartum belly wraps can be helpful during cesarean recovery because they offer “lower back and abdominal wall support, especially for the first 30 to 60 days as the abdominal incision is healing.” Maintaining proper alignment and posture supports optimal healing of the incision site, as does gentle compression.
One thing postpartum belly wraps and bands won’t do? Magically scale your waist down to its pre-pregnancy size. That happens gradually, through diet, exercise and time—though a belly wrap may help provide a smoother appearance under clothes, similar to what happens with shapewear. Sharma encourages every postpartum mom to remember that “your journey will be different from everyone else; even though a lot of wraps focus on ‘aesthetics’ and the idea of bouncing back, you want your wrap to be what works best for you, not necessarily what will 'get your body back.’”
It’s important to use an abdominal binder properly. When worn too tightly or for longer than needed, postpartum belly binding can result in pain, skin irritation, too much pressure and more serious medical conditions.
As an overall rule, Sharma warns that if a wrap is “causing increased pain or difficulty with breathing, that is a concern, and I would recommend discontinuation.”
However, when used appropriately not only are postpartum belly wraps safe, but barring any delivery complications—and after receiving the go-ahead from your doctor, especially if you’ve had a c-section—they can be worn immediately after giving birth. Most belly wrap manufacturers suggest wearing one for around 10 to 12 hours each day, for up to six to eight weeks postpartum, to receive the full benefits. But again it’s important to consult with your care provider to determine how long you should wear it for.
Of course, every person is different but Sharma can attest to the effectiveness of these products: “I used a postpartum belly wrap myself and do recommend it to my patients, especially if they’re concerned with back and pelvic discomfort after giving birth.” While she didn’t want to play favorites, she did say that “finding one that has breathable fabric, is comfortable under clothes, that can be worn throughout the day and can be relatively easily washed” is supremely important. Remember, belly wraps that are too tight may do more harm than good. To avoid adverse effects, Sharma stresses the importance of selecting “one that works best for your body type.”
Finding the best postpartum belly wrap for you comes down to your unique needs. Even the most popular product on the market isn’t a hit or lifestyle fit for everyone. That being said, there are a few important features you can consider as you shop for a postpartum belly wrap that will work for you:
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Comfort. When it comes to finding an effective belly binder, compression is kind of the whole point. That said, you should seek support, not a suffocating “waist trainer” or constrictive corset. (The goal is to alleviate pain, not cause it!) Look for adjustable, stretchy and breathable styles that can adapt to your specific body, and consult your doctor to find the best option for you and your unique recovery.
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Ease of use. If your post-pregnancy belly wrap is a pain to put on, you simply won’t use it. The same is true if it’s a struggle to wear while you’re completing your day-to-day tasks. Settle on a postpartum belly wrap that doesn’t disrupt your life with difficult closures or annoying, hard-to-adjust bands. Only you know what you’ll find frustrating, so consider your tolerance for complicated design.
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Discreetness. Some postpartum belly bands are more seamless than others (think: sleeve-like bands versus multi-fastener girdles). If you like to wear fitted clothes, keep that in mind. You can also search for skin-toned styles for more of a no-show look. Many products come in a variety of neutral and versatile colors.
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Targeted support. Approaching postpartum belly wrap therapy as a one-size-fits-all solution has its limitations. Consider your own pregnancy and any prior birth experiences to hone in on the specific type of support you’ll likely need. “For example, if you are having a repeat cesarean section, finding a belly band that offers more abdominal wall support and lower back support may be more important,” Sharma says. Alternatively, if you’ve had a vaginal delivery previously, “your pelvic floor may be even more weak and you may suffer from more pelvic floor laxity” this time around. She tells us that in this case, having a band with a particular and targeted focus on the pelvic floor can prove more useful.
To figure out which are truly the best postpartum belly wraps out there, we enlisted 10 new moms who had just given birth to thoroughly test the leading options on the market. We carefully matched wraps to testers across a range of body types, in order to get an accurate assessment of each product. Based on our tester’s reviews of product support, comfort, ease of use, quality, style and value, as well as our own extensive research, we’ve rounded up the postpartum belly wraps that are best suited to particular needs. Although we tested a range of postpartum belly wraps, only eight made the final cut.
For more than 10 years, The Bump has been recognizing the absolute best baby and pregnancy products on the market. Curious to see which postpartum belly wrap was named the Best of The Bump award winner this year? Keep scrolling for the overall top pick, plus a list of carefully vetted postpartum belly wraps. Whether you’re grappling with a c-section incision, in need of back and hip support or just looking for the best budget-friendly option on the market, you’ll find a belly wrap designed to meet your specific needs.
Overall best postpartum belly wrap
We’ve sung the praises of KeaBabies before (the brand makes so many products for moms and babies), so when we read the sterling feedback on this postpartum belly wrap from our product tester, we’d be lying if we said we were surprised! This 3-in-1 Postpartum Recovery Support Belt received 5 out of 5 ratings across areas such as support, effectiveness, quality and style, making it a shoe-in for this year’s Best of The Bump Award. (Head here to see all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners).
So what makes KeaBabies’ post-baby belly belt so great? First and foremost, the support that this multipurpose wrap offers your stomach, waist and pelvis is truly unmatched. The three included belts can be worn in a variety of ways to provide targeted support throughout your postpartum recovery. “This gave me great support,” she told us. “It also helped tighten/flatten my stomach and made it look nice under clothes.” (Not the primary purpose, but we’ll take it!)
The brand uses breathable, elastic mesh to contour the natural curves of your body and surround your core with maximum comfort and flexibility—and it’s clear this thoughtfulness makes a difference. Our reviewer shared that the “material isn’t uncomfortable like most bands. The stretch and adjustability is nice and makes it fit your body.” And since the belt is available in seven neutral colorways that come in sizes M/L through 2XL, it’s a great buy for a new mom to treat herself after delivery—or, as our product tester suggests, a “perfect gift idea for a soon-to-be mama.”
Sizes: M/L to 2XL | Material: Polyester | Washing instructions: Machine wash and tumble dry
“Very supportive! Best postpartum belly band I’ve tried. …The quality is great. It’s very durable and seems like it will be long lasting.”
- Adjustable closure system
- Doesn’t shrink or roll up after washes
- Doubles as a body shaper
- Can appear bulky under clothes
- Not expressly designed for c-section moms
Best postpartum belly wrap for c-section recovery
Most postpartum belly bands are promoted as a supportive aid for recovery following any delivery (vaginal or cesarean), but only a few belly wraps really focus their efforts on c-section mamas. Enter: Bodily’s classic Postpartum Belly Band, designed with intention and special consideration for the pain points commonly felt by moms who had cesarean births, including abdominal swelling, pain, pressure or soreness around the incision site.
Two layers of Velcro elastic provide targeted support and adjustable compression to the places you need it most, be it your abdomen or your lower back—both of which are especially sensitive post-cesarean (don’t forget that your epidural or spinal block site can be quite sore once the anesthesia has worn off). And when you’re recovering from a c-section, a secure binder like the Belly Band that hugs the abdomen, keeps the incision site protected from damage or irritation with a high-waisted design and even braces you against the jolts caused by coughs and sneezes is undeniably helpful. You won’t want to take it off. As our product tester attests, it’s nice and secure anyway—she gave it a 5 out of 5 for comfort, telling us, “The material doesn’t feel rough and it doesn’t move out of place.”
But the comfort wasn’t the only thing that impressed our product tester—she also gave this c-section belly band 5 out of 5 for ease of use, value and quality. “It’s very easy to wear… /[it’s] adjustable, so you’re able to get the maximum support,” she says.
Sizes: One size | Material: 71% nylon/22% polyester/5% spandex/2% rubber (contains latex) | Washing instructions: Hand wash in cold water and hang to dry
“Very strong. Doesn’t disappoint. Doesn’t feel cheap!”
- Adjustable fit
- Targeted support for c-section incision
- Boning-free band is soft yet structured
- One-size only
- Full-coverage design is best suited for longer torsos
- Slightly more expensive
Best plus-size postpartum belly wrap
Postpartum recovery support is something that should be afforded to every mom, but unfortunately not every brand makes belly wraps in extended sizing. The Bellefit Postpartum Abdominal Binder, which features a pull-on design and hook and eye closures, offers sizing up to 3XL. It’s especially loved by c-section moms (and recommended by healthcare professionals far and wide) for its high-waisted coverage and support for the entire abdominal area, extending above the waistline, covering the belly and providing additional buttressing to the back and hips. Many fans also applaud the design for addressing post-delivery concerns like extra loose skin and diastasis recti.
Bellefit’s corset features multiple adjustable closures so you can tailor the compression to meet your level of comfort. And once on, the silhouette is very effective in “giving support to the midsection,” our product tester told us. She also appreciated the look as well as feel of this belly binder. “For a nude corset, it’s stylish… it almost looks like lingerie,” she said.
We also like this band for moms with sensitive skin. Not only is it made from high-quality, hypoallergenic materials that are gentle and soft to the touch, it’s made from a breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and promotes airflow. Our tester definitely felt it, giving the Bellefit 5 out of 5 for quality. “The quality is very nice,” she said. “You can tell that it’s very well made and will last for many wears.”
Sizes: XS to 3XL | Material: 81% polyamide/19% spandex | Washing instructions: Machine wash and tumble dry
“The corset is definitely effective at what it says it will do—that is, to give support to the midsection and compression. It definitely makes you appear slimmer by holding in your postpartum belly.”
- Boning prevents fabric from bunching or rolling
- Reinforced abdominal panel
- Easy-access crotch opening
- Corset-style closures can be difficult to fasten
- High price point
Best postpartum belly wrap for back and hip support
When a product gets exceptional 5 out of 5 scores in categories ranging from support and comfort to effectiveness and quality, it piques our interest. And we can say, with confidence, that the Belly Bandit Postpartum Luxe Belly Wrap is a true all-star. The belly wrap-meets-corset design offers targeted compression to the abdomen, hips and lower back, providing essential support to these pregnancy and childbirth-affected areas. A snug yet comfortable fit helps stabilize and align the hips while simultaneously relieving pressure on the lower back and improving posture. To wear it is to love it, according to our product tester, who tells us she wore hers for very long periods of time and often forgot it was even on. “Once I used the band everything was nice and snug and held together, but in a comforting way,” she says.
Sharma recommends finding a wrap that will work with your body, and the Luxe Belly Wrap features adjustable Velcro closures to customize the compression level to your unique needs. If a gentle squeeze is what you’re after, you got it; if you’re looking for a firmer hold, you can have that too. Easy adjusting ensures you have the perfect fit and finely tuned support wherever it’s called for. Our tester never felt challenged when putting the belly wrap on, and once it was in position, “it held me in but was not uncomfortable or loose!”
If you’ve discovered your posture changing following childbirth, or if you’ve been experiencing swelling in your hip and back areas (you just delivered a baby, remember!), don’t fret: Belly Bandit’s intelligent design fosters an upright position that reduces strain on your back muscles and supports your core while everything realigns inside. And the special body contouring panels offer compression that boosts your circulation and minimizes fluid retention. Or as our product tester puts it, “It did everything a belly band is supposed to do and is at a good price point!”
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 65% nylon/35% spandex | Material (contrast fabric): 79% nylon/21% spandex | Washing instructions: Hand wash cold and lay flat to dry
“Absolutely worth the money. You get a band that really does work and is of quality and feels good! A lot of bands feel flimsy but this one was very sturdy.”
- Great for diastasis recti
- Wrap stays securely in place
- Eligible for insurance reimbursement
- High price point
- Petite band is only available on the Belly Bandit website
Best postpartum belly wrap with adjustable compression
Every new mom needs a BFF to help them through that fourth trimester. And the Belly Bandit B.F.F. Premier Post-Pregnancy Belly Wrap understands the assignment. The postpartum wrap features two adjustable panels in a latex-free, antibacterial fabric, allowing you to personalize the level of compression to match your comfort and needs. Our product tester couldn’t believe the level of support her B.F.F. wrap provided, not to mention how extremely impressed she was with the adjustment bands. “You can put it REALLY tight, depending on your body,” she tells us, awarding the B.F.F. Belly Wrap 5 out of 5 scores for support and effectiveness.
If you’re struggling with muscle recovery, diastasis recti or abdominal muscle re-engagement, the B.F.F.’s unique construction lends itself to tightening and toning those vulnerable areas. And since it’s crafted from soft, lightweight and breathable materials that wick moisture away during extended use, comfort is one of its major draws.
Our favorite part of this well-rounded wrap, though, is how easily it can be put on (without extra help from your partner). “Super easy to adjust the two Velcro waistbands by yourself without anyone’s help, and the Velcro stays and doesn’t undo itself like other waistbands I’ve tried,” our tester said. “The quality is amazing!”
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 57% model/38% tencel/5% spandex | Material (cover): Viscose from bamboo | Washing instructions: Hand wash and dry flat
“This band is probably the best for postpartum recovery results!”
- Dual compression panels
- Six panels to support back, legs and core muscles
- Moisture-wicking bamboo material
- Less than 8″ wide
- Some moms say it rides up and scrunches at the sides
Best seamless postpartum belly wrap
Bumpsuit’s Support Waist Trainer gets our seal of approval for the best postpartum belly wrap with a seamless design because it can be worn discreetly under clothing and used to create a smoother, slimmer waistline. That’s a secondary goal of postpartum support wear, of course, but if it helps keep a new mom in good spirits—by increasing their confidence and boosting their self-image throughout the taxing fourth trimester—then we say hooray!
The Support Waist Trainer’s soft, seamless elastic fabric offers gentle support and compression to the abdominal area, stabilizing the core and taking the edge off any postpartum discomfort—all while letting Mom feel light and empowered. Our tester gave the wrap perfect 5 out of 5 scores for support, comfort and effectiveness, adding that the support was probably even more than she needed. “The quality of the material is excellent,” She told us. “Very well made and stitched well,” which goes a long way for newly minted mamas with exceedingly sensitive postpartum skin. Clean, seamless construction guarantees a flawless fit beneath clothes, but having zero irritating stitches, tags or closures chafing up against the skin? That’s postpartum gold.
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 92% nylon/8% spandex | Washing instructions: Hand wash
“It’s a good price, and worth the money. Perfect for postpartum.”
- Stretchy fabric
- Doesn’t lose effectiveness over time
- Seamless silhouette
- Pull-on style without fasteners
- Hand-wash only
Best stay-in-place postpartum belly wrap
Sharma recommends belly bands that come in multiple sizes, because “some wraps can also be complicated to put on or require fussing with throughout the day. These are generally not best for everyone.” We totally agree with her sentiment, especially since the therapeutic benefits of postpartum support wear—to strengthen core muscles, support good posture and ease back pain—only work if you wear them correctly and as much as possible. The Belly Bandit Original Postpartum Belly Wrap looks and feels great, so you don’t want to take it off—plus, it’s unmatched in its capacity to stay put, according to our tester.
Awarding the wrap 5 out of 5 ratings for support, effectiveness, quality and style, our product tester mentioned multiple times how comfortably the Original Postpartum Belly Wrap hugged her body and wouldn’t let go (in the best way). “It sucked me in as much as it possibly can, which I liked,” she shared, and it “stayed in place under clothes all day.” (One point to note is that several moms, including our tester, said the wrap should be more flexible.) And with easy, straightforward instructions to put it on, she felt confident making it a part of her postpartum routine. “I can tell the material is high quality,” she said. “And the Velcro is too, because it sticks together so well and stays put throughout the day without budging at all.”
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 80% polyester/20% latex-free spandex | Washing instructions: Hand wash cold and dry flat
“This makes me feel super good one week postpartum. My boyfriend always compliments me when I wear this, and he doesn’t even know I’m wearing it!”
- Firm compression
- Easy-to-use Velcro fastener
- Available in a range of sizes
- Wide band may not suit petite moms
- Band isn’t as flexible as we would like
- Belly Wrap Extender sold separately
Best budget-friendly postpartum belly wrap
There are so many expenses when you bring a little one into the world. That’s why we’re always thrilled to discover a brand like ChongErfei, whose 3-in-1 recovery belt offers a “high-quality belly band” that’s “super easy to use,” according to our product tester, at a price that won’t break the bank.
This belly wrap covers a lot of surface area (from low on the hips to high on the ribs), meaning you get support for your pelvis, abdominal muscles and low-to-mid back. (It also means you can avoid any “muffin top” squeezing out of the band; the look is smooth and seamless.) Supportive, shape-defining and affordable? We’ll consider that a postpartum triple threat, just like the 30,000 other just-made mamas who gave it a five-star review on Amazon.
The three-piece support set includes a belly, waist and pelvic band that can be worn together for maximum support, or separately for more targeted therapy, which our product tester called “perfect for support in all areas,” awarding the 3-in-1 Postpartum Support 5 out of 5 ratings for support, quality and ease of use. And if all that wasn’t enough, it even comes in a plus-size model—because women of all body types deserve a bargain!
Sizes: One size, plus size | Material: Not listed | Washing instructions: Not shared
“I would definitely recommend it! This is a postpartum band but can be used for multiple reasons. You could even use it after postpartum!”
- Affordable price point
- It won’t roll down or bunch up
- Built-in boning supports lower back
- Bulky design is visible underneath clothing
- Longline silhouette
To help you find the best postpartum belly wraps on the market today, The Bump editors did extensive research to identify the best-selling, most supportive, comfortable and all-around best products out there. We combed through user reviews, leveraging our familiarity with leading maternity and postpartum brands and also relied on our own experiences as new and expectant parents. And then we put the postpartum supportwear—be it belts, bands or binders—to the test. We enlisted the help of new parents (just like you!) who tried out these postpartum wraps in the days and weeks after their delivery, and then carefully evaluated each for support, comfort, effectiveness, ease of use, quality, style and value for money.
Pairing this rigorous testing protocol with our own expertise and insights from a board-certified ob-gyn, we bestowed the prestigious Best of The Bump award to the overall best postpartum belly wrap. And then we went a step further, using the testing results to target other standout options that are particularly good for specific needs, whether you’re recovering from a c-section, looking to engage your core again or trying to get back to a sense of normalcy now that you’re not growing a new human. All this, to ensure that you find a quality product with plenty of bang for your buck.
Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.
About the writer:
Danielle Halibey is a contributing writer for The Bump, where she pens e-commerce content focused on baby and toddler gear, pregnancy and postpartum must-haves, and thoughtful gifts for everyone in the family. Over the last seven+ years, she’s become a trusted voice for new and expectant parents as they navigate the beautiful yet sometimes chaotic journey of raising little ones. No matter which publication she’s writing for (from Babe by HATCH to Cubby at Home), she delivers carefully curated product roundups that highlight the latest trends, safety considerations and value for money—all to help parents make informed purchasing decisions.
Interested in becoming a product tester for The Bump? Head here to apply.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, More From The Bump:
Radhika Sharma, MD, FACOG, is a board-certified ob-gyn, certified life coach, women's health advocate and mom of two girls. Through her platform BusyOBees, she provides support and information on women's health and wellness, while her life coaching practice helps individuals navigate life transitions with a focus on work-life integration. Sharma is also a public speaker and co-author and has spoken at numerous prestigious events hosted by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, advocating for women's health and wellness. You can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
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