Some women use a postpartum belly wrap after having a baby to help their muscles. Studies show that wraps or binders might help with pain and healing after a Cesarean section. They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after having a baby. The way that belly wraps work is pretty simple. They all go around your abdominal area, typically from the top of your hips to right underneath your breasts. They are designed to compress around that area in order to give you core support. Most also include the ability to wrap the band as loosely or as tightly as you need, but remember, not too tight!

Belly wraps can definitely be a major support after having a C-section. Some women use a postpartum belly wrap after having a C-section to help their muscles. This is because studies show that wraps or binders might help with pain and healing after a Cesarean section. They might also help support your organs and muscles as they move back into place after having a baby.

Experts agree that it could be completely fine to begin wearing a postpartum belly wrap right after birth. In fact, that is when it’s likely to provide the most needed support. However, it’s advisable to check with your doctor first. They may want you to wait days to maybe a week after a C-section before wearing a postpartum belly band to avoid irritating your healing incision. Just make sure that your healthcare provider examines your c-section incision before putting on a belly wrap. If you notice the area around your incision looks red, warm, or has drainage, you might be developing an infection. Avoid using a postpartum belly wrap as this can introduce more bacteria to that area, as it makes contact with the incision. Be careful when putting on and removing your belly band, too!

In the early postpartum, you should wear an abdominal binder for approximately 4-6 hours per day at first. This is to get a feel for it and help you move around comfortably. As the days go by, you can slowly increase the number of hours you wear the binder each day to 8-12 hours per day. The important thing is that the binder is comfortable and does not cause you any discomfort in your abdominal area. Avoid wearing the binder for more than 12 hours per day as you don’t want to become overly reliant on it, at all times.

You can technically wear your abdominal binder 24/7, but it’s not recommended sleeping with it after a C-section, especially if you are already wearing it for 8+ hours throughout the day.. The best time to use one is during the day to help you move around (which is super important for the recovery process).

All Belly Bandit postpartum belly wraps can work after a C-section, but the Luxe Belly Wrap is designed specifically for C-section recovery and support. You’ll want to make sure your belly wrap has targeted compression and offers a range in length to adjust to your changing body.