Abdominal Wrapping Post-Pregnancy – Should I Do It?

A question I often hear is, “Should I wear an abdominal binder or wrap my belly after baby?”

This is a controversial topic in the fitness and rehab world, spurring strong opposing views.

One group says, “YES!” and believes that using an abdominal wrap postpartum can help give the body support and stability through the intense healing period after giving birth (whether it was vaginal or C-section).


The other group says, “NO!” and believes abdominal wrapping will cause more harm than good as it can be too much pressure on the core and floor, and not allow the body to naturally regain its true function.


Why would a woman consider using body supports after pregnancy?


The main reason given is that the body experiences a loss of support from the expanded/stretched abdominal muscles and the laxity of the joints, which occurs and subsists postpartum.

Where abdominal wraps and post-pregnancy body support systems can help:

You have a newborn and a toddler. You unfortunately don’t have 6 weeks to fully rest. Your body needs to move, and you need to be supported in your core and pelvic floor.
You have been experiencing back pain, pelvic pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction pain in pregnancy or after – some compression to your joints feels heavenly
You are healing your abdominal wall postpartum, and want to heal your diastasis recti
You had perineal tearing and/or are looking for some support for your pelvic floor
You had a C-section and need support of the belly and incision


Where abdominal wraps and post-pregnancy body support systems can hurt:


Wrapping TOO tightly can put undue pressure on your core, pelvic floor, and ribcage negating any positive effects
Using a support without adequate attention paid to your rehab exercises and alignment – this isn’t a bandaid solution
Wrapping top down, instead of bottom up (see “Abdominal Wraps”) can place stress downwards on the pelvic organs, rather than alleviating them of pressure