Throughout the taxing timeline of pregnancy, labor, and delivery, our bodies are constantly adjusting. Our physical appearance changes drastically in the form of a stretched belly and internally, our bodies are maneuvering through new hormones and a shifting center of gravity.
Many postpartum mothers experience loose skin, core dysfunction, and pain, all on top of caring for a new baby. And while they may not be able to help with the baby part, Belly Bandit products can help with the rest. According to their site, Belly Bandit products are designed to provide support to mothers who experience discomfort throughout their childbearing journey. With a variety of products available, moms turn to Belly Bandit for solutions to back pain, uterine prolapse, sleep, C-section recovery, and other discomforts they experience. Managing pain and discomfort can help moms feel confident in their bodies and free to focus on the important parts of life.
Do I Need Pregnancy or Postpartum Support?
During pregnancy, the growing baby bears down on a woman’s pelvis and uterus, creating strain on the back as it holds up such a large package. The expanding shape and size of the belly can also sprout a number of other concerns, such as strained ligaments or the onset of vulvar varicosities. Supportive belly belts and slings can help ease some of this strain by creating a gentle “lift” around the underside of the belly. If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort during pregnancy, consult your OB/GYN about finding a support product is right for your symptoms and situation.
After pregnancy, while the pressure from the baby subsides, the belly that once housed cohesive core muscles may need some rehabilitation. This is especially true of moms who have given birth via C-section, as they need to manage their swelling, pain, internal adhesions, and stiches. Products that provide abdominal compression—a tight fit around the stomach area—can keep muscles aligned properly as they return to their pre-pregnancy glory.
Belly Bandit products come in a range of shapes and sizes to help moms navigate various circumstances within motherhood. Some of the common issues addressed with their products include:
- Uterine prolapse
- Vulvar varicosities
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction
- Uncomfortable sleep
- Back pain
- Diastasis recti
- C-section recovery
Whether you are pregnant or freshly postpartum, there are a variety of Belly Bandit products available to you. We’ve rounded up some of these helpful items to give you an overview of how Belly Bandit can help you have a hassle-free pregnancy and postpartum journey. Here’s a tip: make sure you check with your insurance provider before buying to see if you are eligible for reimbursement on any of these support products!
Belly Bandit Reviews and Recommendations for Pregnancy
Belly Bandit V-Sling
For pregnant women with severe pelvic pain or discomfort, the V-Sling can offer tremendous relief. It provides high support to the vaginal area by administering pressure to the uterus. This can help reduce pain and discomfort caused by uterine prolapse, vulvar varicosities, femoral hernias, and other conditions.
The compression offered by the V-Sling may not appear glamorous, but it can be a sanity-saver during the late days of pregnancy when the baby is bearing down like a heavy weight on the vaginal area. The V-Sling is easily adjustable and can be worn both at night and throughout the day to bring some consolation to uncomfortable vaginal pressure.
Belly Bandit Upsie Belly
Carrying the equivalent of a medicine ball around your abdomen can cause your back to strain during mid-to-late pregnancy. The Upsie Belly is an adjustable wrap that goes under your belly to help hold it up and provide relief for back strain and pain. This wrap may help women who suffer from symphysis pubis dysfunction or other severe pains that come with an ever-expanding belly.
The Upsie Belly can also take some pressure off of your bladder and help foster proper pregnancy posture as well. Made from viscose bamboo, the Upsie Belly fits snugly and comfortably around the underbelly to provide daylong support.
S.O.S Sleep on Side Pregnancy Pillow
If you’ve ever been unable to get comfortable after waking up to pee for the third time in the night (let’s face it, we are all there in the third trimester), the S.O.S. Sleep-On-Side Pregnancy Pillow can aid in quest for more effortless rest. This pillow system keeps you sleeping in an optimal position to provide comfort to you and proper blood flow to your baby.
The S.O.S. Sleep-On-Side Pregnancy Pillow includes 3 pieces: a back support pillow, a pregnancy wedge to support the belly, and a belt that holds the pillows in position as you sleep. The Sleep on Side Pillow is designed to keep moms on their left side, in line with the American Pregnancy Association’s recommendation to maintain the flow of blood and nutrients to the baby.
Belly Bandit Products for Postpartum Recovery
Original Belly Bandit Belly Wrap
After baby exits your womb, your stomach is often left feeling like nothing is holding it in, which can be a surprisingly painful feeling in the weeks after delivery. The Original Belly Wrap provides compression to the abdomen and the back to offer the support your stretched-out abs aren’t yet ready to give in the weeks after birth.
The Original Belly Bandit Wrap works to stabilize the core as the new mom heals, helping her to move around normally and maintain proper posture. Offered in sizes Extra Small to Extra Large, moms are able to choose a size of the belly band that provides them an appropriate amount of compression. In addition to helping core muscles contract properly, the Original Belly wrap can alleviate postpartum back pain and help moms feel a little more normal after birth.
Belly Bandit B.F.F. Belly Wrap
Another wrap to help restore your disoriented postpartum core is the B.F.F Belly Wrap. The B.F.F. Belly Wrap differs from the Original Belly Bandit Wrap in that it is covered in viscose from bamboo, a thinner and softer material, and offers two adjustable tabs on the wrap to customize where moms want to feel more or less compression.
The B.F.F. is designed to fit closer to the body than the Original wrap, offering a more personalized approach to abdominal compression. It’s also a little shorter than the Original- making it a great option for petite moms or moms who have a short torso. Moms who experience diastasis recti may find the B.F.F. to be a helpful companion in their healing journey as the B.F.F. promotes abdominal muscle connection.
Mother Tucker Corset
If you’re yearning to wear regular clothes a few weeks after delivery instead of the same old baggy hoodie, the Mother Tucker Corset is here to help. Moms who want continued belly support but don’t need the extra firmness of the Original or B.F.F. Belly Wrap will love the Mother Tucker Corset. More like traditional shapewear than the Belly Wraps, the Mother Tucker Corset is made of a light material that smooths and shapes tummy and back bulges.
It fits seamlessly under clothes and features front clasps that moms can adjust as their core changes size and shape in the months after delivery. Moms love the increased confidence that comes from wearing the Mother Tucker Corset as it maintains compression on their healing core muscles.
Belly Bandit Products for C-Section Recovery
C-Section & Recovery Undies
Support is critical for pain management after a C-section, but correctly layering a postpartum belly band and underwear can get tricky. The C-Section & Recovery Undies makes things a little easier by joining the compression wrap to underwear, forming a firm sleeve that helps to reduce swelling, manage pain in the incision, and hold ab muscles together.
These useful undies are moisture-wicking and have upper and lower “compression zones” designed specifically to support the needs of a C-section mom. Moms love the support and ease of the C-Section & Recovery Undies as they keep their cores tight to promote healing after major surgery. If you’re confused about how to pee while wearing these, worry not—these underwear include a gusset to simply slide over when you need to use the restroom.
Viscose from Bamboo Belly Wrap
Your stomach is extremely tender after a C-section; it’s a major abdominal surgery, after all! So for compression with a tender touch, the Viscose from Bamboo Belly Wrap is an optimal choice for C-section moms. It’s the same design as the Original Belly Wrap, but offers a softer material that is gentler on a C-section mom’s incision. The soft yet supportive material promotes internal healing after surgery.
Belly Shield
C-section moms need a bit of extra care to fully heal from their delivery and safeguard their incision. The Belly Shield is a lightweight wrap that goes underneath a postpartum belly wrap to keep the incision protected from irritation due to the firmer material of belly wraps worn during recovery. It offers very gentle support rather than compression, helping to protect the skin on the belly as the postpartum belly bands do the work of healing the core.
In the phase of new motherhood, taking care of yourself can be just as crucial as caring for your baby. Pregnancy and delivery can push your body to new bounds, which can be both empowering and painful. Luckily, there are many products that offer relief and support throughout the tumultuous journey of motherhood, so be sure to seek the help you need to feel your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do belly bands help you lose fat?
Not really. Their purpose is to provide stabilization of the core and manage pain through compression. However, some moms find that wearing a band helps them move around more comfortably so they can get up and move more. And when you’re ready, you can incorporate some exercise into your routine, such as walking or running with your baby in a jogging stroller.
Is it too late to wear a Belly Bandit Wrap?
Most moms wear a wrap after deliver for anywhere between 6-10 weeks, but some wear it for longer. Chat with your doctor about your situation if you’re wondering if or when to wear a belly wrap.
