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Postpartum Belly Binding

(written by Jessica Dufault PT, DPT)

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? 

You are not alone if you have questions about the safety and efficacy of postpartum belly binding! 

I hope to give you some helpful information as you navigate your postpartum body and all the do’s and don’ts you may have been reading about. And, unfortunately there is not a clear do or don’t on this one. 

Here is what I do know. Some people will feel mentally, emotionally and physically better to know they will have some belly and pelvic 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 a feeling of heaviness/pressure into the pelvis
  • pelvic pain, like at your SIJ or pubic bone (SPD)
  • large diastasis recti (not technically diagnosed until 12 weeks postpartum)
  • umbilical hernia
  • reduced confidence in your ability to move around and care for your baby 

But how does it work? 

Right now, your pelvic floor and core muscles are at a disadvantage after growing and birthing a small human!

Wrapping, binding and compression work by replacing the job your muscles would normally be doing which is to provide support to your spine, pelvis and organs. Here are some further considerations: 

It's OK (with provider clearance, especially if you’ve had a Cesarean birth) to get support 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 forget it needs to do the work!

I would caution against ‘waist’ and tight binders. This puts 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. 

Compression or recovery shorts can be nice because they cover more surface area (and provide perineal support too!). Choose from various styles, shorts to pants. I recommend the SRC compression shorts & leggings. You can use code: JESSICADUFAULTPT for a 10% discount!

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