The Dos & Don’ts of Postpartum Shapewear

Postpartum shapewear, also known as pregnancy binders, have a long history rooted in eastern medicine.  In Japan, Singapore, China, and the Philippines, women have been wrapping their post-pregnancy bellies for centuries.  The practice was done to assist the woman as she recovers from childbirth, with medical practitioners recognising this to be one of the physically weakest points in a woman’s life.

Today, postpartum shapewear has become mainstream and a standard practice all over the world.  This is because doctors have recognised the benefits of belly wrapping, such as:

• Repositioning of the womb / assistance in the contraction of the uterus to its original size
• Supports the abdominal muscles and the back muscles, making it easier to move around or start walking again.
• Helps with maintaining posture throughout various activities, especially breastfeeding (Many women find themselves in awkward positions when breastfeeding and the binder can help prevent aches and pains before they happen.)
• Assists in getting women back in shape due to the warmth (fat burning) and compression (belly training*)

Because of the benefits of pregnancy binders, many women begin wearing their binders religiously.  However, this can be overdone.  There are dos and don’ts when wearing a binder:

Do:  Wear it regularly.  Regular compression will benefit the body in the manner listed above. 

Don’t:  Wear it even when uncomfortable.  The shapewear is meant to lightly compress and provide assistance.  If difficulty breathing, hindered movement, or muscle and joint pain is observed, it may be that it is being worn too often.  (Tip: Wear during the day, remove at night, unless a doctor prescribes otherwise.)

Do:  Use the compression garments recommended by doctors.  These are usually “medical grade” garments.

Don’t:  Use waist training shapewear.  This type of shapewear is meant to adjust the waist and in doing so compress certain areas that some doctors believe shouldn’t be compressed.  During a postpartum recovery, compressing only the right areas should be practiced. 

Do:  Wear for at least 3 months.  In order to benefit from the compression, wearing the binder for three to six months is ideal.  Some women choose to wear them for even longer, until they are comfortable with their bodies again.

Don’t:  Wear it inconsistently.  This is especially true for those recovering from caesarean sections.  After a c-section, the abdominal muscles and uterus need time to heal from the incision, and muscles need to fuse back together properly.  If they do not, the stomach may appear flabby perpetually.

For any woman post-childbirth, Mommy Mundo recommends the use of postpartum shapewear. Consider these options available on the MommyMundoShop:

Shapewear Solutions. Currently at 10% off this February 2021, and free shipping nationwide!

Mamaway. Made of bamboo fiber, making it very breathable and comfortable, especially when worn for long periods of time.

*It is important to note that postpartum shapewear is not the same as a waist trainer. Neither can it train your abdominal muscles to make them visible.