In the past few months I’ve been researching postpartum belly binding. The more I research the more I am sad I didn’t know about this after I had West. Belly Binding is one of those things that have been around for centuries, primarily used in Japan, Latin American and Europe. Though it seems like in the U.S. it is gaining ground very fast. I first heard about it on The Ellen Show via a product called the Belly Bandit.
At first I thought it seemed rather gimmicky… but the the benefits of this seem pretty solid.
- Speeds up weight loss
- Toning of the abdominal muscles & skin
- Gets organs back in place after the baby
- Brings pliable hips back together to post pregnancy width
- Closes the birth canal
- Speeds up getting rid of waste blood
- Promotes great posture
- Protects back, core and legs – think of weight lifters on this one (source)
I plan on doing this after the birth of my daughter in September. But currently I am at a loss for which product to buy. I have scoured the name brand sites and read endless blog and message board posts about what products people used and how effective they found them and have compiled a decent list of what is out there. I am now sharing what I’ve learned.
The Belly Bandit comes in 3 styles: The Original for $45.95, the Couture for $ 55.95 and the Bamboo for $65.95. There are reviews on the website and around the web. The gist of people like it and find it effective (you can google lots of before and after pics)… but people do complain that it rolls/buckles when seated and that it doesn’t size down as people shrink; leaving them feeling like they HAVE to buy a smaller size but irked about the price of buying two.
Tauts Belly by Baboosh ranging in price from $56.00-62.00. This is from actress Brooke Burke’s line of prenatal and postpartum wear. They claim wearing Tauts for at least the first 40 days is the most effective. I didn’t find a lot of reviews or before and after pics. But it seems fairly similar to the Belly Bandit.
Lot’s people use just regular waist shapers/cinchers that you can find in department stores. Prices range from $16.00 to $40. Some complaints about the waist shapers is that the boning can be uncomfortable, that sizing can be hard, and that they either go too high or too low depending on one’s torso. Oh that they are hard to fit the plus size mama. Here are some brands that have specifically mentioned as being effective: Ambrielle by JCPenny, and Bali Never Ending Shapewear. One that I’m am seriously considering buying is the Post Delivery Girdle Belt for $16.99 on Amazon. The name pretty much says it all and the reviews on Amazon are good.
Ezywrap Post-Op Abdominal Binders seem like a good and effective economical choice ranging in price from about $12.00 to $30.00. The reviews tend to be the same as some of the other products… they roll or bunch and some say they seem less effective after a few months. The nice thing about these is that they come in 8 in, 10 in and 12 in sizes, fitting a more diverse group. And for the price you can buy multiple sizes.
The Sweetness Postpartum Sash for $57.00. Looks wise this is my favorite. It can also be used in pregnancy for belly support– which is a bonus!! It seem to work similar to a ring sling design just position differently (I’m not saying you can use a ring sling for this purpose). The only things I see as a negative about this product is that is may not go up as high on the belly to fully “bind” properly, and all reviews and write-ups are at least two-years old… so it makes me wonder why more people aren’t talking about it (a lot of the links are broken or outdated on their press page too).
And just for fun the HipSlimmer currently on sale for $54.00. You only need to wear this a couple hours a day, or when you sleep and it works in conjunctions with your postpartum hormones to compress those hip back to a pregnancy size. The testimonials on the website are very convincing. I am seriously considering purchasing this one too.
Comments and other post partum belly binding product reccomendations welcome! And look for a part-two of this post after my baby is born.
** Update with new product Flex Support Postpartum Abdominal Binder $35… the before and after pics are good and the reviews are good as well.
Also it has been mentioned on other message boards that it is important to not use the products for too long without also doing abdominal strengthening exercises. Prolong use of these products can further weaken tummy muscles. And other people have mentioned that if you have a weak pelvic floor or any organ prolaspes it may be better to lie down on your back when putting on postpartum support belts. Please note that I am not a doctor and concerns on whether or not you should belly bind should be taken up with your doctor.
You’re right. Waist training (I suppose another term for belly binding) is not new.
I didn’t follow the links of the products you listed to see prices, but… wouldn’t a good corset or waist cincher do the same job, be adjustable as you change size, etc.?
I have done Victorian and ren-faire costuming, and I can tell you that a well-fitted corset doesn’t lead to the “boning pokes me” complaints or roll around. It can be comfortable enough for all day and give your curves a very nice shape.
That said, Fredericks of Hollywood is not good enough – I’ve tried a couple of their corsets, and they did roll, have boning issues…
A spring-steel boned corset from a quality maker like Dark Garden in San Francisco (http://www.darkgarden.com/) fits comfortably for all day. Or, since you say you’re crafty, you might want to try the patterns from Laughing Moon. (http://www.lafnmoon.com/victunder.htm) I know several women who’ve made them and had good luck.
The only thing I wonder about with corsets or things with stiff boning is how it would feel when I’m sitting and breastfeeding. I have thought about making one… using an old Moby wrap that I don’t use anymore… but I will check out the links.
I looked into most all of these products while I was pregnant trying to find the best way to lose my left over belly. I read blogs, asked every mom I knew, and finally decided on the belly bandit (most of my friends used this one, and it got the best reviews) It has a sturdy yet comfortable fit to it. It does fold over when you do certain things, but it’s on a moving body, one with curves at that, so you have to expect it a little. The reason I liked it the best was because it because it was comfortable! I started with the couture when I was in the size large and treated myself to the bamboo when I made it to the medium. (the couture felt like a bathing suit and the bamboo felt like cashmere, it was better because I was wearing mine all day!)
I think the Belly Bandit worked best for me personally
Updating here: I decided to purchase the Flex Support Belly Binder and the Bali Never Ending Shapewear. Once this baby is born I will update with reviews.
I am also going to buy the hipslimmer for pure vanity reasons
Though I will provide a review on it too.
My wife used the postpartum girdle on this site. Cost under $20 and her waist is the same size now as it was before she was pregnant
http://www.squidoo.com/MaternityGirdles