After you deliver, a big weight that was pressing most organs in your abdomen has gone. Those organs suddenly now have space to move around. Some may be in awkward positions. Also, as the uterus slowly shrinks back to it's original size, there is cramping. Can belt tying help? Let’s find out.

Studies show that belts, also known as wraps or binders might help with pain and healing, especially after a Cesarean section. They are a good support abdomen as your organs and muscles move back into place after having a baby.

Finally, it is a myth that these belts are only for getting back into shape. They help in the recovery process.

What exactly is a postpartum belt?

Simply put, it is any kind of broad, soft but support around your mid-section. Let’s look at the various varieties available:

Elastic wraps. This is made of soft, elastic fabric. While choosing one, you have to check if it is firm but also flexible. It shouldn’t restrict your movement. It should be wide enough to cover your entire abdomen till the hips.

Pregnancy belts

Various support belts are available in different sizes. While choosing one, make sure it's adjustable. It will support your hips and back and bring relief to sore muscles and stiff back.

Shapewear

Some women opt for shapewear  for pregnancy and postpartum. It may not be ideal since the fabric could not non breathable. It is also not practical for changing pads during your postpartum period. Perhaps, you can try this when the baby is 3 months old.

Saree tying

Belly binding is a routine practice in the Indian culture. In some states, it is called Veshtana bandhana. An old cotton saree is wrapped around a woman’s belly—from the ribs to the hips is quite comfortable while remaining firm, too. The only issue here is that you need someone to tie it around you while a belt is something you can put by yourself.

15 benefits of wearing a pregnancy belt after delivery

According to Ayurveda, tying the stomach after delivery helps to settle Vata in the uterine cavity

Stomach binding helps to tighten and strengthen abdominal muscles. Let’s look at a list of benefits:

• It tucks in the hanging belly and so, your movement are more comfortable.
• You get excellent back support. Remember how ligaments loosen during pregnancy and delivery? That causes backache. Belly tying reduces backache.
• It helps to improve posture especially during breastfeeding. Bad postures during breastfeeding can give upper and lower back pain
• It may help to prevent gas formation
• It is also believed that rightfully tying the stomach after delivery helps the organs that slightly shifted their position during pregnancy (due to the excessive pressure of the womb) to return to their correct positions.
• It stimulated blood flow in the abdominal region.
• If you have swelling after a c-section, it helps in reducing it.
• It also reduces postpartum blood loss. In a study, it was found that patients who tied their bellies post delivery had higher haemoglobin levels.
• It is a boon for your spine. The only bone in your abdomen, the spine, has been curved for most past of the pregnancy because of the belly weight. Belly tying helps in stabilizing it.
• It can obviously help to prevent overheating
• It supports your pelvic muscles that have gone through a lot of strain.
• A decent amount of tolerable pressure by the elastic belt of a belly wrap increases the abdominal pressure and helps in stabilising your strained spine.
• The relaxed ligaments (under the influence of the hormone relaxin) need support too. This practice helps in their realignment to the pre-pregnancy state.
• The muscle group running straight down your abdomen, the one you call abs, has been under stretch and stress. It can suffer from separation -  a condition known as diastasis recti. Providing support for at least 8 to 10 hours a day will help keep the divided muscle together and help in better healing. How? It keeps the muscles together in alignment and close to each other for healing.   
• Binding can help in waist reduction as the soft and fleshy tissues are compressed and redistributed above and below the waistline. It prevents further expansion of the muscles.

When to start wearing a postpartum pregnancy belt

Experts advice that you wear it from two to 12 weeks postpartum for the best possible results. Do check with your doctor and also listen to cues from your body. 

Precautions to take when using a postpartum pregnancy belt after delivery

The postpartum belt is a great way to recover and help your back and internal organs to recover from the stress of pregnancy. Just one piece of advice: don’t tie too tight with the objective of getting back in shape quickly. Your body needs gentle care post delivery. If you apply very high pressure externally on your belly, then you run the risk of uterus prolapse.

Belly binding should be accompanied by Kegels.

Especially, after vaginal deliveries when the pelvic floor has been stretched out, the bind’s pressure on the abdomen translates to more pressure downwards on the pelvic area.

Kegels will restore strength and tone your muscles down there. It’s pretty much the only exercise you have to engage in the first few weeks after delivery in addition to breastfeeding and short walks around the house.

Clench your pelvic floor muscles and hold the pose for 10 seconds and then relax for 10 seconds. Do 5 repetitions in a set and do this exercise thrice a day.

Can one exercise while wearing a postpartum pregnancy belt after delivery?

When you resume daily chores, your muscles start recovering. Even rising from a sitting position or picking your baby are good. Easy walks are good for you, and belly support belt will help. But, don’t keep the belly tied for more than 8 hours a day since those muscles also need exercise.  

Can one breastfeed while wearing a  postpartum pregnancy belt?

Yes, it will keep your tummy tucked in, helping you hold the baby closer. Make sure it's not too tight so that you can sit comfortably.

Can you wear postpartum pregnancy belt while sleeping?

It is recommended that you start wearing it during daytime hours immediately after the birth and for the first few weeks postpartum. It is not necessary or recommended to wear a postpartum belly wrap at night or anytime while you are sleeping.

Ayurveda Tips for Postpartum Recovery

• Rest for at least 40 days. There is benefit in the age-old practice of confinement of the mother.
• Keep yourself warm, Wear socks and a cap.
• Have frequent healthy snacks to maintain energy. 
• Turmeric milk twice a day helps in soothing your breasts and resolving any minor inflammation.
• Ashwagandha milk helps to reduce stress and anxiety.  (2 glasses of water, 1 glass of milk and 2 tsp of Ashwagandha powder. Boil till reduces to the half, drink twice a day)
• Postpartum massage for at least 2 months is good. If it’s a normal delivery, one can have immediately after the discharge from the hospital. If it’s a C-section, after 4-6 weeks one can start getting a massage. 

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