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What is a Postpartum Band?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A postpartum band is a wearable device that resembles a girdle. Its purpose is to provide a woman with abdominal region support after the delivery of a baby. A postpartum band is often used to make a new mother's abdomen appear flatter underneath her clothing. This type of band is even said to make a woman’s abdomen feel tighter after childbirth. Additionally, some women report that postpartum bands help them return to their normal activities and fit into their pre-pregnancy clothing sooner; some women even claim that it helps the abdomen to shrink back to a normal size faster.

After a woman has a baby, she may be disappointed to find that her belly does not return to its pre-pregnancy shape and size right away. Instead, it may take weeks or even months for a woman’s belly to appear flat as well as for her pre-pregnancy clothing to fit. A postpartum band may help a woman’s abdomen to look more flattering during this time and may also provide desirable support as she goes about her daily activities.

A postpartum band does not aid overall weight loss.
A postpartum band does not aid overall weight loss.

There are various types of postpartum bands a woman may purchase. Generally, however, they are made of spandex and have Velcro or hook-like closing mechanisms. They are usually stretchy in order to accommodate various postpartum belly sizes. Likewise, they typically feature a smooth design so it is not obvious that a woman is wearing one when she is fully clothed.

A breastfeeding woman must be particularly careful when dieting.
A breastfeeding woman must be particularly careful when dieting.

It is important to note that a postpartum band is not a weight-loss aid. Post-pregnancy weight loss typically happens gradually, and it is completely normal for a woman to be heavier than she was before pregnancy for months after she has given birth. Unfortunately, the use of a postpartum pregnancy band does not cause or contribute to weight loss, and a woman may instead encourage weight loss by consuming a healthy diet and exercising. New mothers may do well to seek a doctor's approval for beginning an exercise routine or diet following pregnancy, however. A woman may have to be particularly careful with dieting if she is breastfeeding.

Natural post-pregnancy weight loss is gradual.
Natural post-pregnancy weight loss is gradual.

Instead of wearing a postpartum band, some women opt to wear girdles after childbirth. Girdles can provide a similar level of control and support. They typically include a panty section, however, which differs from the makeup of a postpartum band. In most cases, postpartum bands can be worn with a woman’s regular underwear.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

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    • A postpartum band does not aid overall weight loss.
      By: Lovrencg
      A postpartum band does not aid overall weight loss.
    • A breastfeeding woman must be particularly careful when dieting.
      By: Hunor Kristo
      A breastfeeding woman must be particularly careful when dieting.
    • Natural post-pregnancy weight loss is gradual.
      By: Warren Goldswain
      Natural post-pregnancy weight loss is gradual.