The best postpartum belts to support your post-pregnancy body

Belly Bandit products aim to make a new mum feel better in her body, by helping the healing process after birth and supporting those hard-working muscles following pregnancy. Belly Bandit claim that the wrap can speed up healing with PowerCompress Core technology and some reviewers agree that they did think the wrap help support them and make things easier after birth.

Although, postpartum wraps cannot reduce belly fat, the BFF Belly Wrap aims to shrink the tummy, waist, and hips while minimising stretch marks, although this is not scientifically proven. One of our mum testers, Jennifer, says that it gave her a feeling of security after birth when she was feeling very fragile. She was also really impressed with how comfortable it was explaining that it "gave me strength where my muscles seemed tired after birth," while another reviewer said she needed a smaller size after just three weeks.

It does support your back and core muscles which helps to make daily activities and exercises more comfortable, especially while caring for a newborn too, as well as supporting during breastfeeding which can be demanding on your back, especially after just giving birth. We like that it is made from breathable elastic medical-grade material and that the six support panels are flexible and adjustable. Plus the material is eco-friendly too. The corset inspired design is comfortable and supportive and customers reported that they did feel more confident and felt it did help their waist get back some definition, however, some reviewers thought it didn't adjust to different sizes very well and sometimes the top or bottom would roll up.

We like that this increases confidences for mums when they feel they are lacking it, as well as helping support abdominal separation and it is suitable for use after a C-section. Plus it is available in a range of sizes from XS to XL as well as two colour choices.

Read our full review of the Belly Bandit here

It’s easy to wear this during your pregnancy and after birth when your tummy still needs support and you’re not yet back in your pre-pregnancy jeans because it is comfortable and not too rigid in its support. Plus, users noted that it washes really well and can be worn regularly both during pregnancy and post birth without losing shape.

We like it as a great budget option, but it won't offer the medical compression or muscle support of some postpartum belts. It is very lightweight, which does mean you won't get as much support. That said, mums commented that it is very soft and being seamless it is comfortable to wear, plus it is not too thick so you don't get too hot.

One reviewer said it was a must have after her c-section. She used the hospital grade support belt for about six weeks and then used this belt for a few months and she liked the extra reinforcement it gave her over her c-section incision. While it does provide support during pregnancy and postpartum, some customers say that it comes up a little small so you might need to size up to prevent it from bunching up.

There is a 'stay put silicone' strip which helps the band to stay in place and reviewers did agree that the band doesn't slip or move around. Some testers found they preferred the moderate support it provided and were impressed with how durable it is.

This postpartum belt offers three-in-one support being a belly band, waist belt, and pelvis binder all in one. While that may sound quite intense, or even a little uncomfortable, customers liked that the fabric is breathable and stretchy and one reviewer commented that it is very easy to use and feels great quality. This does offer quite strong support and while it might be too much for everyone, it will help you regain strength postpartum.

With two sizes available from 10-14 (L) and 16-20 (XL) there should be a fit for everyone, although it is adjustable too using velcro straps. Some reviewers found that they couldn't wear this directly next to their skin because it can be itchy or irritating, even rubbing their skin a little, so you need to wear a cami or thin t-shirt underneath which does mean it can appear a bit bulky. Therefore it won't really help define your shape after giving birth like some belts, but it will provide healing support.

Some reviewers noted that it does have three parts to it which can be used interchangeably to offer varying degrees of support and in the area you need it. Reviewers liked this aspect and some preferred to use just one part of the belt, while others used all three for maximum support. In general, our testers found this belt to be very secure and said it stayed in place all day. While it is bulky, mums generally agreed it is not uncomfortable and does offer good support following a c-section.

You wear this flexible band around your hips, following the birth of your baby, helping to ease them back to their pre-pregnancy size and shape. While this is a great idea, there is no scientific proof that postpartum belts can help with reshaping, or weight loss, they do however, offer support.

Our testers did think it helped with shaping though with one mum tester, Laura, saying, "I bought mine 5 days post partum and within 2 days I could already see a difference." She added that she feels well supported and it's comfortable to wear for long periods. Another reviewer added, "this product has been great, it allows me to wear my pre-pregnancy skinny jeans and it flattens my tummy." So while it is not scientifically proven, mums do feel this product does help with getting back their pre pregnancy shape.

This postpartum belt is also particularly good at supporting the back and helps with sciatic pain, as well as bladder discomfort (and we ALL know about that post-birth, don’t we?) We also like how the compression helps to aid circulation, in turn minimising stretch marks. One mum said that she wishes she had bought it sooner because it supported her bump while pregnant and then was "tremendous help with my back pain postpartum."

Customers said that for the price, ease of use and function they would recommend it to expectant mums. We love that it can be used in pregnancy and postpartum. For use in pregnancy, the belt adjusts to your growing bump and can comfortably lift and support you. Post birth, you can wrap it around your hips for back support and to define your shape. Some testers did find that over time the belt bends the level of support reduces, but in those early days when support is really needed, it is helpful.

We love that you can choose from two colours, either black or beige, and it is also available in two sizes, extra small or large, so it should suit everyone.

This popular postpartum band is great for both during pregnancy and after birth, which customers loved. It offers secure support and in particular helps with core strength. Testers noted that it is discreet beneath clothes making them feel confident, however, a few reviewers commented on the velcro which can rub when against the skin and so recommend that you wear a cami under the belt rather than directly against the skin and also limit the time you wear it because it can become uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.

Some testers also found that the velcro can weaken over time and reduce the support provided, especially if it loses its grip, which is disappointing if you want to use it throughout pregnancy and post partum. However, we like the booklet that comes with the belt detailing exercises for each stage of pregnancy and postpartum because it helps mums take control of their recovery by doing some gentle but appropriate exercises for whatever stage they are at.

Customers commented that it supports but also relieves pain, especially round ligament painduring pregnancy which is a big plus. Plus reviewers also found it provides relief during exercise and also daily chores, as well as walking.

We like that it is fully adjustable and breathable and users say that it does fit well. Even better, it is available in a wide range of sizes from size 8 - 20, which is unusual for post partum belts which typically have one or two size options available. You can also choose from three different colours, black, white and nude.

Offering support in pregnancy and after birth the BabyGO belt uses micro-thread technology and is made from two-way stretch fabric which is lightweight and comfortable to wear and offers safe support and helps with aches and pains during each trimester and after baby is born. Plus we love that it has been recommended by paediatricians.

This belt is advertised as being comfortable to wear all day and even following a c-section, and our testers agreed that it helped to reduce discomfort post birth, as well being comfortable to wear for longer periods. This is partly because the inside is made with soft material which goes against your skin so it doesn't irritate or rub and doesn't require any extra layers or clothes to be worn underneath.

At just 2mm thick, we like that it is discreet and not bulky to wear when out and about or busy caring for baby unlike other post partum bands which can be quite bulky under clothes. Nevertheless, despite being thin, it supports your core and helps if you are suffering with Diastasis Recti by closing the gaps between abdominal muscles, which reviewers really liked.

Our testers loved how easy it is to wear but also that it is machine washable, because others are hand wash only. One reviewer said that the belt is very easy to put on and makes her feel well supported and protected. She really liked the soft material which is unlike other belts full of synthetic fabrics/elastics.

Reviewers were impressed with how it eases pain, and one mum said, " I bought this as everything felt very loose and unsupported after giving birth (naturally). It’s helped me heal. It also helps with my pelvic and lower back pain post baby." However, some reviewers said that although it is comfortable, it does tend to move while wearing it during the day and sometimes rolls up which can be annoying. On the plus side, we noted that it is made from premium spandex material which means it is easy to wear while sitting down and doesn't have to be removed for breastfeeding leaving you free to go about your daily activities while wearing it.

This postpartum band can be worn straight after child birth regardless of if you had a vaginal birth or c-section, however, it cannot be worn during pregnancy so a separate pregnancy support belt will need to be purchased if needed, which not all reviewers found ideal. That said, our testers found that post birth this belt provides all the support needed to help your body recover.

We like that it uses dual compression technology to support core muscles, especially those weakened by hormones and the effects of pregnancy in the pelvis, as well as the softened ligaments. It is supportive for your back and hips as well your core which we think is great. By wearing this belt as you recover from pregnancy and birth, it will help alleviate back, stomach and pelvic pain, as well as improving posture.

One customer commented that the band is great quality and fits really well around the waist, while another reviewer said, that she tried a different band straight out of hospital, but this one was much better and she wore it while walking with the pram. Plus she added that it is lovely and soft on the inside and agreed that the fit is good. It is latex free and hypoallergenic which is why it is so skin friendly and why our testers found it comfortable against their skin.

We noted that it is also a popular choice for mums getting back into exercise and they commented that it really helped them feel supported while starting to work out again, adding that they didn't overheat or feel sweaty when wearing it. By combining this belt and some light, appropriate post partum exercise mums can start to regain strength and confidence which we love.