The Best Postpartum Girdles For Moms: Do You Need One?

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You may be thinking, what are the best postpartum girdles?

Or maybe you’re asking, what is a postpartum girdle?

After you’ve given birth, your physique might not be as it was before and, this is totally normal. Most moms leave the hospital still looking around 5-6 months pregnant.

A postpartum girdle is something that can help bring the body shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size. It can compress the abdomen, hips, and backside. It also helps your tummy and hips shrink.

If you had a cesarean done, it also helps to hold in the incision so the stitches don’t come apart. There are different styles available and you can also fasten them either through Velcro, eye, and hooks, or zippers.

Benefits of wearing a postpartum girdle

Boosts self-confidence

New moms might feel not themselves because of the extra weight they have put on which is just a normal thing to be feeling. It will take time for your body to shed off the weight and your skin to be back to normal.

A postpartum girdle can help in getting mom’s body back to standard quicker and helps you feel more confident and boosts self-esteem.

Muscle recovery

After giving birth, your abdomen and muscles will be deflated and won’t be as flexible as normal. The postpartum girdle will help aid your muscles stay in place to its proper position and recover quicker.

Holds the midsection/abdomen in place

Your skin around the midsection could be loose and frequent movement can cause stretch marks and also damage skin elasticity. A postpartum girdle will help keep this area stable and prevent extra movement.

C section recovery

If you had a c section, you need those stitches to stay in place while you go about your daily activities. A postpartum girdle will help prevent unnecessary movement and prevents the reopening of stitches.

You will then be on your way to faster healing and recovery. Not to mention, a postpartum girdle can also help with the pressure and pain from the surgical wound.

Fitting into old clothing

Because the postpartum girdle can help make your figure smaller, you can wear your old clothes over it and feel more confident.

I remember how good it felt to slip into some of my pre-pregnancy shirts (looser ones, but still!) a week postpartum. Using a postpartum support girdle held everything in place so I could actually button my shirt.

Back support/ back pain

Especially after pregnancy, your back may be achy and weak from all of the pregnancy-related strain. If you also have issues like scoliosis, spinal curvature, and radiculitis, it might even be worse for you.

Wearing a postpartum girdle is beneficial to help support your back and lessen any back pains.

After childbirth, back pains are normal and it can be painful for moms, especially if you will be doing chores and other things that moms do.

A postpartum girdle can help with alleviating some of this back pain to make your recovery and healing more bearable.

Reduce swelling

Compression will usually improve your blood flow and help to minimize swelling.

Reduce uterus size

A postpartum girdle will help in speeding up the recovery time to reduce your uterus size after birth.

Posture

After the past nine months, your posture could be greatly affected by pregnancy and so wearing a postpartum girdle can give you the extra help in making sure you getting your posture back to normal. It will help support your back muscles and straighten up your spine.

When to start using a postpartum girdle

If you went through a natural delivery, you can generally start wearing a postpartum girdle right away, however, it is best to consult your doctor about wearing a postpartum girdle (when you can start, what kind etc.) no matter if you had a vaginal delivery or a c section.

How long to wear a postpartum girdle

On the average, postpartum support girdles are worn for around four to eight weeks. Every woman is different – you might heal quicker or slower than others. It is more beneficial to wear the girdle continuously for the first week.

After the first week, you may only use it during the day and take it off at night. For women who had a c-section, stitches usually take around 4 weeks to heal and you can wear the postpartum during this period.

I wore mine religiously for the first month and it made a huge difference in getting back to my pre-pregnancy size.

Kinds of postpartum girdles:

Zipper style

This kind of postpartum support girdle can have a zipper either on the front or side. Zipper styles are the best postpartum girdles if you had a c-section since you don’t have to pull it on over your incision.

Corset style

There are snap and boning enclosures involved and provides great support for your back and lower abdomen.

Pull-up style

This girdle is like underwear with a very high waist. They are very easy to use. Are more suitable for moms who had a natural delivery.

Consult your doctor before using this kind especially if you had a cesarean since you might wait around 2 weeks after birth before you can start using it. It helps with your posture and eases back pain.

Wrap style

It has frontal flaps that wrap around your stomach and fastens at the back. It is adjustable using Velcro or hooks which means as you are losing weight, you can still use it.

In my experience, I felt the wrap styles were the best postpartum girdles because it could adjust as my size shrunk down.

Factors to consider before buying a postpartum girdle

Comfort

Your girdle should not be too tight. Also, avoid itchy fabrics since it will only be uncomfortable for you. It shouldn’t feel like they are digging marks or tearing on your skin.

Ease of Use

You shouldn’t be struggling to put on your postpartum girdle especially during this time when you are extra sensitive. The best postpartum girdle is one that is easy to get into.

Stays In Place

Your postpartum girdle should not be moving around or sliding and shifting. Make sure you buy one that will stay in place or is the correct size for you.

Breathable fabric

A breathable fabric is beneficial especially if you will be wearing your postpartum girdle a lot in order to keep you from feeling sticky and sweaty.

How it looks under clothes

The best postpartum girdles aren’t so thick and obvious that you can easily seem them under your clothes. Look for ones that are more discreet.

Budget-friendly

There are a lot of affordable options out there and whatever your budget is, try to stick to it.

Durability

If you invest in a good quality postpartum girdle, it can last you a long time and you can use it through multiple pregnancies.

Effective

The best postpartum girdles will provide the right support and will help keep your posture straight.

The Best Postpartum Girdles

3 in 1 wrap

[amazon box=”B01EVGLMM8″]

Gives support for your belly, waist, and pelvis.

Pros: has boning in it that will provide support

easy to put in because of the Velcro closures (unlike hook and eye closures)
easy to clean
breathable fabric and comfortable to wear

Cons: will only fit women around under 190 pounds

can be noticeable under thin clothes

Check out the 3 in 1 wrap here

Foumech Women’s Waist Trainer

[amazon box=”B071PD1ZKD”]

This postpartum girdle is great especially for those moms who just had a c section.

Pros: gives the support needed to hold your stitches and incisions in

the Velcro makes it easier to fasten and unfasten
Breathable fabric that will give your skin some circulation and prevent irritations from being sweaty
Built-in boning can help support lower back
Will give you a thinner appearance
Comfortable on skin

Cons: can only be hand-washed

needs to be washed the first time before using it

Check out the Waist Trainer here.

Hip Mall 3 in 1 girdle

[amazon box=”B01M1E83HN”]

Gives you full support in your midsection as well as your hips. It has 3 separate bands to provide you support wherever you need it. You can use it in the first week after delivery.

Pros: the material is breathable and lightweight and isn’t itchy on the skin

Velcro bands make it easier for you to strap it on and adjust
Easy on your wallet
Only 1 size so you don’t need to take measurements.
Relieves back pain
Invisible under clothing

Cons: requires you to wash it before using

only fits sizes 6 to 12 US

Check out the Hip Mall 3 in 1 girdle here.

TiRain 3 in 1

[amazon box=”B00T2WBJJ8″]

Has 3 different belts. One for your belly area, a thicker one for your waist area, and another one to support your pelvis.

Pros: comes in a larger size for plus size moms

breathable and stretchy fabric that allows you to wear it even during summertime
Easy to put on yourself
You can adjust the size without taking it off
Helps with back pain
Can suit moms who had a c-section.
Affordable

Cons: will roll up a bit underneath your clothes