6 Best Postpartum Belly Wraps for Recovery, Tested by New Moms
In a nutshell:
Based on feedback from our team of new mom testers who’d recently given birth and advice from a board-certified ob-gyn, we chose the upSpring Shrinkx Charcoal Postpartum Belly Wrap as the overall best postpartum belly wrap. This adjustable, user-friendly wrap stood out due to its superb support and flexible, comfortable material.
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. Plenty of celebrities have touted post-pregnancy belly wraps as key to helping 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. Radhika Sharma, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn, can also 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.”
Ready to learn more? You’re in luck. We’ve recruited brand new moms to test and review the leading options on the market, and asked Sharma to tell us about the benefits and considerations of using a belly wrap. Read on to find which best postpartum belly wraps are included in this year’s Best of The Bump winners and how to choose the right one for your fourth-trimester needs.
The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify 15 leading postpartum belly wraps on the market, and chose a shortlist of 12 standout products to test. From there:
- We enlisted the help of 12 independent product testers who tried out these postpartum wraps in the days and weeks after their delivery. They then carefully evaluated each for support, comfort, effectiveness, ease of use, quality, style and value for money.
- We interviewed an ob-gyn to learn about essential features and safety considerations you should keep in mind when shopping for and using a postpartum belly wrap.
- We researched what was being said about belly binders in The Bump community forums to learn what parents liked and disliked about specific styles and brands.
Because no two postpartum journeys are identical, we scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these postpartum girdles performed for parents across the country.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best postpartum belly wrap
- Our tester felt immediate relief
- Great lower back support
- Simple to adjust
- Bamboo charcoal fiber supports circulation
- Can be bulky under clothes
The upSpring Shrinkx Charcoal Postpartum Belly Wrap was an outstanding new addition to the wraps we tested this year. In fact, it performed so well that it earned standout scores in all categories, coming out on top as our Best of The Bump winner for overall best postpartum belly wrap. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.) Our product tester Bryanna tried out this wrap after the birth of her fourth baby. Right away, she was impressed by the support this option offered, thanks to its built-in lower back boning. “After having three other kids with epidurals, I’ve had major back issues. My back is very tense and tight so I could never find a good wrap that can support it,” she explained, so she was thrilled that “this one does it to the fullest!”
The upSpring Shrinkx Charcoal Postpartum Belly Wrap offers triple-point compression for a snug fit that hugs your core and lower back. Despite this powerful support, adapting it to your body’s changing needs will be a breeze. “It was very easy to adjust,” Bryana said, rating it a 10 out of 10 for ease of use. “I was able to sit normally, stand, jump, hop, all of the above.” To put it on, simply wrap it tightly around your waist, lift and pull the side straps, then secure these straps to customize the compression level.
Bryanna was enamored with the belly wrap’s design, which she rated a 10 out of 10 for comfort. “It was comfortable to the point where I forgot it was even on me,” she told us. The postpartum abdominal wrap is made with a bamboo charcoal fiber that’s not only said to support circulation, but is gentle against sensitive skin—which Bryanna loved, especially because it wasn’t itchy.
Overall, this belly band's effectiveness was a big hit with Bryanna. “It supported my body very well! I felt relieved wearing it even [when] first putting it on,” she shared.
Sizes: S/M to L/XL | Material: 40% polyester/24% rubber (from bamboo charcoal)/16% rayon/14% nylon/6% rayon | Care instructions: Hand wash, line dry or lay flat to dry
Our product tester says:
“I would recommend this belly wrap! It’s great for women who are going through postpartum or who [have] any major stomach or back problems. The quality is great!”
Best adjustable postpartum belly wrap
- Adjustable for three body areas
- Separates for different postpartum stages
- Doesn’t shrink or roll up after washes
- Good value
- Not ideal for long torsos
- Not ideal for C-section recovery
When it comes to choosing a postpartum belly wrap, adjustability is an important aspect to consider. Every postpartum body has unique needs that can even change daily, so using a wrap that provides adaptable support is essential. Enter: The KeaBabies Revive 3-in-1 Postpartum Recovery Support Belt, our Best of The Bump winner for best adjustable postpartum belly wrap.
This multipurpose wrap will offer stage-based support for your stomach, waist and pelvis, with different levels of compression across your postpartum recovery journey. In the first week you wear the stomach belt alone; for the next five weeks you wear the stomach belt alongside the waist belt, and after that you bring the pelvis belt in and wear all three. Our product tester Karina was a big fan of the belt’s highly adaptable design, scoring it a 10 out of 10 for effectiveness. “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!)
Comfort was another area where this belly binder stood out. The postpartum belly band 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. Karina shared that the “material isn’t uncomfortable like most bands.” 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 Karina suggests, a “perfect gift idea for a soon-to-be mama.”
Sizes: M/L to 2XL | Material: Polyester | Care instructions: Hand wash
Our product tester says:
“Very supportive! Best postpartum belly band I’ve tried. The quality is great. […] The stretch and adjustability is nice to make it fit your body. ”
Best postpartum belly wrap for C-sections
- Designed with C-section recovery in mind
- Adjustable three-strap support
- Fabric molds to your body
- Can pair with Frida’s incision protection band
- One size only
- May roll up
- Not ideal for petite moms
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. That’s why we’re big fans of the Frida Mom Postpartum Abdominal Support Binder, which thoroughly impressed our product tester Noura, who wore it after her second C-section. “It sort of molds to your body and I forgot I was wearing it,” she shared. “You can tell it was very strategically designed to keep C-section scars in mind.” Noura rated this Best of The Bump-winning post-baby belly wrap highly across all categories, including support, effectiveness and quality, to name a few.
The adjustable straps of this C-section belly band make it simple to customize the level of support needed. And since core support is a key component to successful post-op recovery, this is especially helpful to new moms who gave birth via C-section. In fact, Noura mentioned this in her feedback, noting that “the adjustable compression was probably my favorite feature” of the wrap. Your back and abdominal area can be particularly sensitive after undergoing a C-section, and the secure compression and high-waist placement of this postpartum abdominal wrap helps protect against irritation to the incision site.
Noura told us the Frida Abdominal Support Binder was “easy to use,” and she was pleased to find that this band was ideal for her post-op back issues. “When beginning to wear the wrap, I had a lot of lower back pain and pressure from holding baby. The wrap was very supportive on my back, and made me feel a lot of pressure relief,” she explained. What’s more, this belly wrap can be paired with the Frida C-Section Recovery Band, which further protects incisions and offers hot and cold therapy options for even more soothing relief.
After testing, Noura said she would highly recommend this binder to other new moms recovering from C-sections. “I didn’t wear a wrap the first time. This time I could definitely tell a difference in how much more quickly I recovered and could move around the house normally,” she gushed.
Sizes: OS | Material: 100% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash, hang dry
Our product tester says:
“I would definitely buy it for myself and fellow C-section mom friends! I think the way it is easily adjustable for different levels of compression is a major benefit for that lower belly sag, especially for C-section moms.”
Best postpartum belly wrap for pelvic support
- Targeted lower back and pelvic support
- Works for pregnancy and postpartum
- Discreet under clothes
- Some moms say it rolls up
- Velcro can be irritating
Whether you’ve been mindful of your pelvic floor from the start of your pregnancy or are just thinking about it now, a postpartum belly wrap can offer much-needed support. After all, the added weight of a pregnancy bump can cause a lot of strain on this area, and looser ligaments and joints right after birth may occasionally lead to pain or instability. Thankfully, the Belly Bandit 2-in-1 Hip Bandit, our Best of The Bump winner for best postpartum belly wrap for pelvic support, may be able to offer you relief.
Our product tester Genesis was impressed by the level of support this postpartum belly band offered, rating it a 10 out of 10 in this category. “While wearing the band, I experienced no lower back aches, which was a huge relief,” she shared. Unlike other belly binders that hug your waist, this style is low-rise and sits at your hips. When worn during pregnancy, it sits under your bump to reduce pressure. Then, after baby is born, the wrap can be adjusted with Velcro for targeted hip or dual hip and back support. As a result, the comfortable compression is positioned right against your pelvic floor area, which Genesis found to be particularly helpful. In fact, she told us that the pelvis support made her recovery process much easier.
Every mom knows the strain of walking around with a large bump, followed by the weight of carrying baby in the weeks following birth. Luckily, Genesis found that this postpartum belt helped mitigate some of that discomfort. “It provides significant relief for both hip and lower back pain, especially when standing for long periods,” praised Genesis. “I felt comfortable wearing it for two hours while doing house chores, […] to the point where I almost forgot I had it on.” She also appreciated the subtle design and told us she was pleasantly surprised by how stylish it was. “It's pretty discreet under clothing, making it easy to wear without drawing attention,” she said, adding, “I wouldn’t change anything about the design.”
Sizes: XS/M to L/XL | Material: 49% polyester/21% nylon/16% cotton/14% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash or machine wash cold, hang flat to dry
Our product tester says:
“It effectively supported my pelvis, making my recovery process much more comfortable.”
Best seamless postpartum belly wrap
- Ideal for wearing under clothing
- Can double as shapewear
- Great for petite moms
- Trickier to put on
- Non-adjustable
As helpful as postpartum belly wraps can be, they tend to be thick or bulky. This is understandable, given their function—they often involve a good deal of Velcro and sometimes several layers of fabric, which can pose a challenge when you’re wearing clothes over them. That’s why Bumpsuit’s Support Waist Trainer gets our seal of approval (and a Best of The Bump award) for the best postpartum belly wrap with a seamless design. The simple silhouette can be worn discreetly under clothing—and if something can help make new moms feel and look good during the taxing fourth trimester, then we say hooray!
The Support Waist Trainer’s soft elastic fabric offers gentle support and compression to the abdominal area. The postpartum girdle stabilizes the core and takes the edge off postpartum discomfort—all while letting Mom feel light and empowered. Our tester Katherine gave the band perfect 10 out of 10 scores for support, comfort, effectiveness and quality. According to Katherine, it was “very well made and stitched well,” which goes a long way for newly minted mamas with sensitive postpartum skin.
Due to its seamless design, this post-pregnancy belly wrap is essentially one piece of stretchy fabric—it doesn’t offer Velcro or hook-and-eye closure like other styles. As a result, you’ll have to step into this band and then pull it up over your waist to position it, which may be a downside to some. Katherine did mention that it “wasn’t the easiest to put on.” However, once it was in place, it did a great job of supporting and shaping while still being soft and flexible. Plus, she told us that it “stayed under clothes all day.” Clean, seamless construction that guarantees a flawless fit beneath clothes, but with zero irritating stitches, tags or closures chafing up against the skin? That’s postpartum gold.
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 92% nylon/8% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash
Our product tester says:
“The band was comfortable and so was the material. It was very flexible and supportive.”
Best machine-washable postpartum belly wrap
- Easy to clean
- Stays in place, according to our product tester
- Nine inches of adjustability
- Full-coverage support
- Moms say the material could be more flexible
Most postpartum belly wraps have to be washed by hand and then laid flat to dry, which isn’t always convenient for new moms who already have enough on their plates. That’s where the Belly Bandit Original Postpartum Belly Wrap outshines many of its competitors. Unlike others, it can be tossed into the washing machine at the end of the day, so you can have a fresh band with minimal effort.
While it’s super simple to clean, that alone wouldn’t be enough to earn it a Best of The Bump award. But the Belly Bandit Original Postpartum Belly Wrap also looks and feels great, and our product tester Julie gave it top marks for its level of support. She mentioned multiple times how comfortably it 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.” One small issue she encountered was that the wrap wasn’t “super easy to bend over in,” but nevertheless, it was “comfortable to wear all day,” thanks to the high-quality material. “/[The Velcro] sticks together so well and stays put throughout the day without budging at all.”
Better yet, the post-pregnancy belly wrap offers up to nine inches of adjustability as you secure it. And with straightforward instructions to put it on, she felt confident making it a part of her postpartum routine. You can customize the tightness for additional support or loosen it if it’s too rigid. This is especially useful in the early days of the fourth trimester when new moms experience belly shrinkage. Julie gushed about how this belly binder gave her a confidence boost. “My boyfriend always compliments me when I wear this, and he doesn’t even know I'm wearing it!” she shared. It’s safe to say that this machine-washable postpartum belly wrap truly checks all of the boxes on our list.
Sizes: XS to XL | Material: 80% polyester/20% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold
Our product tester says:
“I would recommend it to a friend. It does its job, and it makes me feel confident in my early postpartum days while still being comfortable.”
The technical term for a postpartum belly band is a postpartum 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 Sharma, postpartum belly wraps can offer new moms the following:
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, 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.
Pain relief
Labor and delivery, be it a vaginal or cesarean birth, puts your body through the wringer—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, 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,” explains Sharma. Belly binders offer stability to the pelvis and lower spine to aid in posture, balance and overall movement.
Swelling reduction
In the first two weeks postpartum, Sharma says your body “is working to get rid of the extra fluid that it retained during pregnancy.” Simultaneously, the uterus gradually contracts to return to its pre-pregnancy size in a process called involution. The compression a postpartum belly wrap provides can prevent the accumulation of excess fluid and promote better overall circulation. The snug fit can also offer support and gentle pressure to take the edge off of pain and cramping and alleviate the uncomfortable sensations associated with the uterus shrinking.
C-section healing
A C-section is a major surgery, and post-procedure 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.
When used appropriately, yes! 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.
Crucially, Sharma suggests “finding one that has breathable fabric, is comfortable under clothes, that can be worn throughout the day and can be relatively easily washed.” Belly wraps that are too tight, or worn for too long, may do more harm than good, resulting 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.” To avoid adverse effects, Sharma stresses the importance of selecting “one that works best for your body type.”
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. However, 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.’”
Finding the best postpartum belly wrap 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 band that will work for you:
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Comfort. Compression is the whole point when it comes to finding an effective postpartum abdominal wrap. 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’re 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 weaker 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.
About the writer:
Naomi Honova is a freelance writer and a parent to three young children. She’s written many articles on pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting for a wide variety of publications, including Expectful, Motherfigure, Today’s Parent, Kveller, Motherly and Truly Mama.
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.
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