Every mum looks and feels different in her post-pregnancy body. For some women, postpartum support wear such as Core Restore Postpartum Support Band may help you feel more comfortable and supported in the early days of postnatal life.
Everyone from the Kardashians to Cardi B, Jessica Alba, maybe even that neighbour of yours that recently had her baby, has worn a postpartum belly band. You might think it is one of those celebrity fads, but there’s a lot more to the practice of binding the belly in the immediate postnatal period: The art of belly binding is a technique that has its roots in Asian culture. There are discrepancies regarding where it may have originated although many attribute it to Malaysian royalty many centuries ago when belly binding was known as bengkung. In traditional Latin American births, a faja was used to wrap the belly. Japanese mums turned to a sarashi after birth. African American postpartum belly binding is an ancient tradition in the African American community: The belly binder would be checked and adjusted as the uterus shrunk. Even among many native American tribes a sash was used to bind the belly to promote healing.
So, a postpartum binding of some sort has been around for a long time. Often there’s been a connection to healing herbs, oils, heat, and rest. It’s important to remember, that a belly bind does not promise a pre-pregnant body shape, or a miracle cure for everything. Neither does it provide an hourglass waistline like you may have seen many celebrities to flaunt. In the past, it has been used as part of a supportive ritual to heal a postnatal mama. It has been done with oils and massage to help the uterus, skin, and abdominal muscles to shrink back to pre-pregnancy size and place. Its’ purpose is to heal a woman’s body while making them feel supported and held during a time in which their core is weak, their emotions are in an imbalance, and life with a new baby can be exhausting. It’s really no wonder that a belly band has been used across cultures. What new mum wouldn’t benefit from feeling held and secure in the first moments of the new adventure?
Once again, we connected with our physiotherapist-friend Johanna (@johannasofia_) and got some frequently asked questions answered by her and by us. You’ll see a lot more of Johanna this week on our social media channels! Check out the Q&A on our Youtube channel.
“Many women find, that wearing a belly band postpartum, provides additional support to the abdominal and back muscles just when they are at their weakest. The band can promote better posture, reduce back pain, and stabilise the pelvis. The idea is to give you that extra support and confidence, and to encourage you to stay more active without pain. It’s important to remember though, that while the band gives you the support, it should not be used as a treatment for any condition. In the end, you will only recover when you allow your muscles to start doing the work.“
A postnatal binding of some sort has been worn for centuries in different cultures across the world. The binding has been used as a healing ritual with different healing techniques. In some cultures, the binding has been worn for 40 days, in others, for 100 days. It has been part of the post childbirth healing ritual that we’ve largely forgotten in the modern Western society, or perhaps it never existed. That doesn’t mean you aren’t deserving of the healing, support, and held, a belly band can provide.
“After birth, your core is weakened, and finding the connection to your muscles might be challenging. Wearing the belt during daily activities and light exercises might be beneficial as you will be better able to recognise and activate your deep core muscles. The band also works as a reminder to hold a good posture, and this will help you to stay injury-free during your activities.”
We have an exercise guide to get you started with this!
“After you have a C-section, your abs are weakened, and you have very little control over them. The band can provide that extra support that you need. The band can also help by supporting the C-section wound, holding your abdominal muscles together, and in this way encourage you to stay active, pain free.”
I’ve often told mums to take the band with them to the hospital. Your doctor, midwife, or nurse would be the best source of knowledge to your individual situation. If they advice you to give it a few days before you start wearing one, listen to them!
“Postpartum band can give great support right after giving birth, but there’s no need to wear one for an extended period of time. Begin using your own muscles as soon as you feel comfortable. The timing for this is very individual, but the timing is most effective during the first 6 to 12 weeks postpartum.”
We recommend wearing the Core Restore band for 6 to 12 weeks, but if your recovery takes a bit more time, there is no harm in wearing it longer. Just remember that in order for your core to start building that lost stability, it needs to be activated. If you have any doubts, contacting a maternity physiotherapist may be a good starting point to get some advice to help in your individual situation.
In your daily life, we recommend using the band for about 2-8 hours each day, especially during activities that require good posture; nursing, pushing a pram, and lifting your baby. This depends on the level of support you need and how strong your core was to begin with. You may find wearing the band during other light exercise beneficial as you will be better able to recognise and activate your deep core muscles. The band should not be worn during the night.
The main difference with the Core Restore postnatal band and most other bands in the market is the front design of the garment. The Core Restore band has two separate fastening sections at the front side, which allow for a perfect fit. The tension of the band can be adjusted just right with these separate velcro and fabric fastenings. This means that the band will sit well over your abdomen, no matter what your body shape is. The separate panels also make the Core Restore band very comfortable to sit in, without the band rolling up or feeling uncomfortable.
We have designed the Core Restore band with functionality and comfort in mind. The technical material for the Core Restore band has been uniquely developed for us: it is highly elastic as well as super soft and comfortable on your skin. As opposed to many other bands, the Core Restore band is 100% latex-free.
The band is most effective for the first 2-3 months post birth so it would still be beneficial if your childbirth was just a few weeks away. The band would be useful for you especially if you feel like your abdomen is still weak and if you feel like you need more support for good posture. The band reminds you of the correct posture and helps to activate your deep core muscles. This may help with back pain and in reducing the possibility of a poor posture.
If you suffer with diastasis recti or still weakened core a few years or many months postpartum, I recommend you get in touch with a local maternity physiotherapist or your medical practitioner. They can gauge your individual situation, see how much separation there is in your abdominal muscles, and give you exercises or a medical alternative to seeking a solution. They may also recommend using a binder to engage the core, but most likely the best solution that Johanna also mentioned above is to strengthen the pelvic area and your core with movement. They are the best available resource for creating a practical solution for you. Just remember, you are not crazy for advocating for yourself. Diastasis recti is not normal, and it can be alleviated.
The band should be worn snug but not too tight, so that you are able to breathe comfortably all the way through to the stomach. Comfort is key when wearing the band: it is intended to support you and to make you feel more comfortable: If you are starting to feel ache or pain, take it off.
SUMMARY: A pregnancy belt and a belly band are popular generic names for a category of products that can help you cope with some of the challenges of pregnancy. However, they do have drawbacks that you should be aware of. While all belly belt/band products are safe when used according to manufacturer guidelines and/or your health care practitioner directions, the key to making the right decision for yourself, especially during the period of pregnancy, is knowledge and understanding, which we aim to provide in this blog.
We’ll explore the various options available in the market, and shed light on how compression garments, such as the SRC Pregnancy leggings and shorts, provide a beneficial alternative for many customers as well as why so many women’s pelvic health physiotherapists recommend them to their clients over a pregnancy belt or a belly band. While a belly band or a pregnancy belt can be useful for many women, it is important to consider individual preferences. If in any doubt, always consult with a healthcare professional.
Pregnancy is a transformative and beautiful journey, but it also comes with its fair share of discomforts
Approximately 70% of all pregnant women suffer low back pain and up to 45% exhibit symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP)1,2. Women with one or both conditions can find it difficult to cope with and participate in everyday activities.
What’s causing the Low Back Pain and Pelvic Girdle Pain?
One hormone released during pregnancy is Relaxin which softens ligaments and other soft tissues throughout the pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding. As the ligaments soften, the underlying joint becomes more mobile, potentially leading to pain of varying degrees of severity.
To alleviate the strain on the body and support the growing belly, many expectant mothers turn to a pregnancy belt or a belly band
Pregnancy belt or belly band. What’s the difference?
A pregnancy belt is sometimes incorrectly referred to as a belly band and vice versa. With so many brands in the market competing for attention, it can be confusing as the original product naming becomes less relevant. However, for the sake of differentiation between these 2 appliances we will use the traditional definitions:
a) A pregnancy belt is designed to carry your belly weight so as to offer support and relief to the lower back, hips, and abdominal muscles during pregnancy. In comparison to the belly band, it is less lightweight and can be more rigid as it is meant to hold up the pregnant belly and take the pressure off your back. They are also typically worn over clothing. A pregnancy belt is usually narrower and more strap-like than a belly band, especially the part that lies across the front of the body. Pregnancy belts are also referred to as belly belts, pregnancy braces, or straps.
b)
A belly bandon the other hand, according to
Medical News Today
provides you with proper ‘coverage’. When your pants stop fitting, the fabric you place around yourself is called a belly band.
Huggies
define belly bands as “an item of clothing and looks like a tube top or boob tube.” It is a wide circular strip of fabric, which is seamless and knitted; much like a pair of pantyhose is woven. Made from fibres like Cotton + Elastane/Spandex or Lycra, a belly band stretches to stay up and on and also to “grow” with your abdomen as your pregnant belly expands. A belly band is also sometimes called a belly sleeve or a maternity or pregnancy band.
Finally, because the generic terms “belly band, belly belt and maternity belt or maternity wrap” do not specify whether they are for pregnancy or for post-natal use, these terms are ambiguous we will try to provide you with a general rule of thumb:
Terms belly band and belly belt - tend to be for use during pregnancy which is the focus of this article.
Terms maternity belt, maternity wrap, tummy wrap – tend to be products designed for postpartum
A belly band in the original definition of the product is no more than a stretchy bit of fabric to provide the coverage over your belly when your pants stop fitting you. So, it has no therapeutic purpose. This is further confused by some brands having the term “belly band” in their name yet providing a pregnancy belt that does have a therapeutic purpose! So going forward we will use the terms “pregnancy belt and belly band” interchangeably.
If used for too long a period of time or incorrectly, a pregnancy belt / belly band, falls into the same category as shapewear which by definition is designed to change the shape of your body with high levels of compression.4,5
Here are some medical opinions discussing the dangers of pregnancy belts or bands that may act like shapewear if worn incorrectly by their user:
According to Sherry A. Ross, MD, author of “she-ology, The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period”, the benefits and risks for pregnant women depend on the maternity shapewear product, and how much you wear it. She goes on to say that:
"Shapewear worn during pregnancy that fits too tight or puts unwanted pressure on different areas of the body is never a good idea…. Besides creating a lot of discomfort, it can also cause pain in different parts of the body, reduced blood circulation, heartburn and yeast infections… No pregnancy or postpartum shapewear clothing should overly compress and squeeze internal organs including ribs, abdominal muscles, liver, spleen and intestines”4
Dr. Ross is most concerned about the Kardashian style waist trainers. “When the waist trainer is tied up too tightly, it could cause rib fractures, limit your mobility, affect your breathing capacity, restrict your abdominal muscles and affect your posture” 4
“Shapewear that’s too tight may lead to health problems”, says neurologist Orly Avitzur, MD, medical advisor for Consumer Reports. "Any time we put on really tight garments we take the risk of compressing organs or nerves." Avitzur says that in her practice, she has had patients complain of tingling and numbness in the front to outer thigh region, from hip to knee. Avitzur has linked the cause back to restrictive clothing like shapewear or skinny jeans, in the article titled "How to Choose and Use Shapewear" on WebMD6.
You can also become overly dependent on the pregnancy belt which is the exact opposite of what you should be trying to achieve. “Activate don’t deactivate” is often heard advice of many women’s health physiotherapists as well as the founder of SRC Health, Sinead O’Donovan who developed a range of gentle medical grade compression garments; for different stages of a woman's life.
The commonly accepted advice about belly belts and bands means that you shouldn’t be wearing it all day long every day. Wearing it just for 2 to 3 hours every day is best. A pregnancy belt or belly band that supports your stomach and bottom all day, will take the load away from muscles and ligaments and may end up weakening your lower body muscles causing muscle wastage.
London-based physiotherapist Sammy Margo, a spokeswoman for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, explains: "What I say to my patients is use it or lose it. What we find is that women who wear maternity shapewear when they have no physical need can weaken muscles in their bottoms, stomachs and lower backs. After the birth of their baby, they are more likely to be injured as they lift and care for their newborns' she warns."7
So please ask your health care provider on how to wear your pregnancy belt or belly band to avoid putting pressure on your uterus. and Only wear a pregnancy belt for a couple of hours a day, never wear a pregnancy belt continually. Alternatively, there's always a more comfortable / practical alternative, one where you don't have to worry about deactivating your muscles that is discussed straight after The Bad.
The issue with a belly band / pregnancy belt, even those that have stretchable inserts, is that they:
do not easily move with your body,
they can feel restrictive and need constant readjustment which can be frustrating to some (and perfectly ok for others).
pregnancy belts / bands are not the most comfortable or flattering things to wear, especially if you are wearing them under anything that is fitted as they will show through.
many pregnancy belts and maternity belts have hooks, loops or Velcro to adjust the belt / belly band and keep it in the right position and at the right tension. However, this also means there is a chance of these catching and damaging your clothes.
We recommend you try one on and/or make sure you can get a refund if the product simply irritates you when you have to constantly readjust when sitting down or getting up.
The Good - Why you should wear a pregnancy belly band/belt:
Usually prescribed for extra postural support for severe symptoms of Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) and Pelvic Instability, here are several good reasons to wear a belly band/ pregnancy belt during your pregnancy:
Relieving pain in joints, muscles and lower back
Assisting with the
sacroiliac joint pain
and hip joint pain
Decrease the discomfort and provide support to the pelvic area during various activities by stabilising the pelvis and relieving pressure from the lower back.
Help improve your posture
Although research has found 83% of women with Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) or Lower Back Pain (LBP) LBP experience reduced posterior pelvic pain when wearing a pelvic support belt, with only 12% experiencing no relief, and 5% reporting they felt worse (Depledge et al., 2005) other factors need to be considered when prescribing a pregnancy belt / belly band, given the target population is pregnant women. These factors include:
low levels of compliance
3
in wearing pregnancy belts due to issues like comfort,
need for frequent re-adjustment, skin irritation from the seams and fasteners.
positioning of the belt,
accuracy in sizing,
required compression,
location to stimulate stabilising muscles, and
effects on core body temperature (a special consideration, as this needs to be carefully regulated during pregnancy) (Damen et al.,2002; Ho et al., 2009b).
The Benefits of SRC Pregnancy Compression Shorts and Leggings
For those seeking an alternative to a belly band/pregnancy belt, SRC pregnancy leggings and shorts have gained recognition for their enhanced support, muscle activation, versatility, and tailored fit.
With 15 years’ experience under our belt, figuratively speaking, we know a thing or two about the industry and how to assist mothers to deal with the most common conditions during pregnancy.
SRC Pregnancy Shorts and Leggings are ideal for providing pain relief during pregnancy and treating Low Back Pain, Pelvic Girdle Pain, Mild Varicose Veins, Sciatica and Vulvar Varicosities.
Designed by women for women in consultation with an obstetrician, the SRC Pregnancy shorts and leggings are endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association and Australian College of Midwives.
A Quasi‐Experimental Study To Evaluate The Use Of Compression Garments To Manage Prenatal Pelvic And Low Back Pain by Szkwara J, Hing W, Pope R, Rathbone E, Bond University, Robina, Australia, November 2017 concluded that:
"SRC Pregnancy Shorts are effective, thermally safe and a non-pharmacological option for prevention and management of pain during pregnancy."
Hundreds of women's health care professionals around the world recommend SRC compression garments for pregnancy and postpartum recovery, like Anna Scammel, who is a Masters-trained Women's Health & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist from The Whole Mother in Sydney, who helps optimise your physical health during pregnancy and recovery. Here’s a 90 second video explaining why she favours SRC Pregnancy Leggings and Shorts over a pregnancy belt or belly band.
SRC Pregnancy compression shorts and leggings are more expensive but also provide worthwhile benefits:
SRC Pregnancy leggings and shorts offer targeted and consistent compression to the pelvic area, lower back, and hips. They are a purpose made medical grade compression garment (leggings graduated 4mmHg to 15mmHG). This can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy. With a gusset panel that provides compression to the perineum, the SRC pregnancy garments also assist with vulvar varicosities - a condition a pregnancy
belt/belly
band cannot address unless through the use of a different pelvic belt attachment that provides compression to the pubic area but resembles a marriage of a mediaeval chastity device and a jockstrap! Not exactly comfortable or a sexy fashion statement.
SRC Pregnancy compression garments are designed to activate specific muscles, providing additional support and stability during movements. This can aid in maintaining good posture and reducing strain. They can be worn 24 hours a day without deactivating your muscles which as discussed above presents a challenge with a pregnancy
belt
or belly band.
SRC Pregnancy leggings and shorts can be worn throughout the day, providing continuous support, and promoting blood circulation, assisting you in getting through the demands of work and exercise and aid in reduction of leg swelling. They can be worn from 12 weeks, until term and keep you looking and feeling fabulous. They are suitable for various activities, including exercise, without compromising comfort.
They can be worn
as outerwear or as an undergarment and you can sleep in them to get the necessary support through the night!
And here are just some of the things our customers have to say about our pregnancy garments: (you can read many more reviews from verified buyers on our website)
"Have found the src pregnancy shorts to be very helpful for my pelvic girdle pain. Now not worried about going for walks."
"Absolute game changer! I wish I got the shorts sooner, and currently in my 3rd pregnancy & chasing two toddlers too! These shorts have provided wonderful support for me to continue enjoying my pregnancy as I go into the third trimester!"
"Amazing. Definitely helps with back strain and the pain from symphysis pubis dysfunction and pelvic girdle"
"Great product. Started wearing the mini over the bump shorts at 22 weeks and felt near instant relief from SIJ pain and an aching lower back."
"Great compression. Definitely pays to measure up correctly, as having the correct size can create the compression that you need otherwise they don’t serve their purpose. Have lived in these since they arrived!!"
"Worth the money. Gave SO much relief for vulvar varicose veins. A total game changer in a good way!"
"Comfort & Confidence. I lived and loved my SRC Pregnancy full length over the belly tights. I felt secure, comfortable and confident making my belly shaped perfectly and dressing to a growing belly easy."
Some women combine a pregnancy belly band/belt and their SRC Pregnancy Compression Shorts /Leggings. The benefit for women with severe pain is that they can wear their SRC Shorts/Leggings 24 hours a day without causing atrophy due to prolonged muscle deactivation and during periods where they need to be on their feet a lot, they can combine both products by adding the pregnancy belt for additional support.
The major differences between SRC pregnancy garment and a pregnancy belt/band can be summarised as follows:
Pregnancy belly band/belt:
Is not recommended to be worn day and night due to the risk of muscle deactivation. To get the right level of compression you are relying on your ‘feel’ and risking the belt providing a potential level of compression that is too high.
Can’t treat multiple conditions like the SRC pregnancy garments that utilise Anatomical Support Panels to help with Lower Back Pain, Vulvar Varicosities, Pelvic Instability and Pelvic Girdle Pain.
Does not have True Cross Compression - multi-layered support panels that provide consistent and anatomically targeted compression during movement which means constant readjustment of your belly band/belt, for example from sitting to standing.
Does not usually have moisture wicking fabric that eliminates odour.
Does not have flat lock seams that increase comfort and don’t aggravate wounds.
Relies on adjustable Velcro zips and clips making it less comfortable and convenient which in turn lowers what the
healthcare
industry calls the "compliance rate" with many women simply not wearing the belly
band/belt
at all.
Are not a multi-purpose garment that is ideal for exercise, work and everyday wear as well as for aesthetic reasons under fitted clothing.
In short, the SRC compression leggings and shorts have all the benefits of a belly band or pregnancy belt with no disadvantages listed above and we have the science to prove it.
A holistic approach to management of these pregnancy conditions will produce the best outcome. Visiting a Women’s Health Physiotherapist can greatly assist as they will provide you with a tailored program which may include clinical Pilates as well as fit you for the right garment for supporting you through your pregnancy journey.
References:
The Effect of Abdominal Support on Functional Outcomes in Patients Following Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Volume 62 Issue 3, Summer 2010, pp. 242-253. Oren Cheifetz, S. Deborah Lucy, Tom J. Overend, Jean Crowe.
Effect of Abdominal Exercises versus Abdominal Supporting Belt on Post-Partum Abdominal Efficiency and Rectus Separation. International Journal of Medical, Health, Biomedical, Bioengineering and Pharmaceutical Engineering Vol:7, No:1, 2013. Hanan S. El-Mekawy, Abeer M. Eldeeb, Marzouk A. El- Lythy, and Adel F. El-Begawy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6651323/
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/maternity-shapewear-safety-concerns
https://www.webmd.com/baby/pregnancy-support-band-benefits
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/shapewear-tips
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2510902/How-disturbing-Spanx-pregnant-women-maternity-have.html
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