Four Postpartum Support Belts Reviews

If you're nearing your due date, no doubt you've already started thinking about how you're going to get rid of any extra "baby bump" once baby's no longer using it. One way to encourage your tummy to get back into shape is with a postpartum support belt, also called postpartum support bands or postpartum girdles. Although post partum support belts are usually recommended after a Cesarean section, they can help after a natural delivery, too. These belts are designed to do two things: support your abdomen to help ease strain and back pain and help you get your pre-pregnancy figure back. While a lot of women feel the part about helping you get a flatter tummy faster is just a myth, it's no myth that these belts can make you a little more comfortable. If that sounds good to you, here are a few popular postpartum support belts you might want to consider:

Loving Comfort Postpartum Support

$18 at www.kidsurplus.com

Designed for comfortable yet firm support, this postpartum support band is made from soft, latex-free elastic to really help hold in your tummy so you don't get that "falling out" feeling. It's also one of the few postpartum support belts that covers your whole waistline, down to the tops of your hips, so you really do get full support everywhere you need it. The belt comes in four different sizes, ranging from small (waist size of 24" - 30") to extra large (waist size of 48" - 54"). The Velco closure lets you adjust it to the best size for you. Really, the only drawback of this model is that you'll need to wash it by hand to keep it from shrinking.

Medela Postpartum Support

$20 at www.kidsurplus.com

This is a simple wrap-type band designed to be comfortable and easy to wear. The wrap style makes it easy to put on and take off, unlike some of the more complicated bands. It's made entirely of spandex, so it's breathable, won't constrict your movements, and won't bunch up and pinch. It can also be machine washed.

The downside is the fact that it only comes in two sizes: small/medium (waist size of 23"-27") and large/xlarge (28"-34"). Because the band is adjustable, though, it won't be hard to get your exact size as long as you're in one of those two size ranges.

Jeunique Back-to-Normal

$57-$77 (depending on size) at www.birthandbabyorders.com

This high quality postpartum support belt was designed especially for use after a C-section, but it's fine for use after a natural delivery, too. The difference between this and the less expensive models is that instead of just holding back your tummy, this model is designed to lift the abdomen in such a way that the internal organs can heal in their natural positions. On each side of this belt, there's an adjustable panel that lifts your belly up and redistributes the weight onto the back of your hips where it's easier to carry.

The specialized design makes this model a little harder to adjust than others, but that's why it comes in 11 different sizes. Sizes are based on pants size, rather than waist measurements. The smallest is a Jr. petite for pants sizes 1 to 3 and the largest is an X6, for pants sizes 37 to 39.

Gabrialla Post Partum Support Girdle

$69 at www.fitmaternity.com

Yes, this is one of the pricier models out there, but the design and material provide more support than most other postpartum support belts. It's also made by the compression hosiery manufacturer ITA-MED, which explains both the quality and the price. If you're looking for postpartum support bands to use after a C-section, you'll be hard pressed to find a better one.

This girdle looks like any other panty-girdle, but the reinforced belly and back sections provide the support you need after delivery. The lower opening makes hygiene easier and the two clasps mean less chance of the girdle coming undone at just the wrong moment. The whole garment is lined in cotton, so it's comfortable and lets your skin breathe. There are seven sizes available, ranging from xsmall (waist size of 22") to 3X (waist size of 34"-36).

If you're looking for a garment that can help ease postpartum feelings of heaviness, back pain and even menstrual pain, one of these postpartum support belts could be just what you need. In most cases, you can start wearing one a day after delivery and keep using it for up to a month. Just remember, though, to get back in shape you'll still need to exercise and give your body a little time to fully recuperate.