Postpartum Belly Binding: Tradition or Science?

With my first pregnancy, I had twins. I walked into that hospital looking about 50 weeks pregnant—and walked out looking a solid 30 weeks.

No one tells you that.

That your belly doesn’t just shrink down the moment you give birth. That you can be home weeks later, exhausted, healing, and someone at the grocery store will still smile at your midsection and ask, “When are you due?”

I am plus 30 days, ma’am. The babies are already here.

That’s exactly the moment when belly binding starts to make sense. When my mom asked me—daily—“Did you put on your faja yet?” she wasn’t just worried about my waistline. For her, binding was tradition, healing, and a way to care for your body after the marathon of birth.

And to be honest, she’s not wrong.

A Global Tradition of Wrapping

Postpartum belly binding has deep roots in global traditions:

• Malaysia – the bengkung wrap, a long cotton cloth tied snugly around the torso, often used for 40 days postpartum.

• Mexico and Central America – fajas, or girdles, are used to “close” the body after birth and support the abdomen.

• West Africa and the Caribbean – wraps and herbal compresses are part of holistic postpartum care.

• Japan – sarashi wraps are used to provide abdominal support and posture.

These aren’t just cosmetic tools—they’re part of a larger postpartum ritual that includes food, rest, massage, and warmth. A whole-body reset for women after birth.

What the Research Says

Scientific evidence on belly binding is still limited—and mixed—but promising in some areas:

• A 2021 meta-analysis in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that while abdominal binders didn’t significantly reduce pain scores, they did help lower postpartum distress, especially in the first 48 hours after a cesarean section. Link to study

• Another systematic review in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics concluded that abdominal binders could improve pain levels and mobility after C-section delivery. Link to study

So the data is mixed, but binding is generally considered a low-risk intervention. For those who already wear compression garments (like shapewear, fitness wraps, or medical braces), adding a postpartum binder may feel familiar—and possibly helpful.

Your abdominal wall is significantly weakened after pregnancy, and many people experience decreased core strength for weeks or months. That weakness can lead to back pain, postural changes, and overall physical discomfort. Wearing a binder won’t fix that entirely, but it can provide external support while your body rebuilds strength.

In the Hospital: Immediate Relief for C-Section Mamas

One of my favorite uses for belly binding is right in the hospital—especially for mamas who’ve just had a C-section.

Getting in and out of bed after surgery is no joke. That moment when you have to move from lying down to sitting up can feel like your entire abdomen is tearing open. A soft abdominal binder can provide gentle support during those first movements—helping reduce the pain and giving your muscles something to push against.

During my residency, I honestly didn’t understand how painful a C-section was. I’d see patients up and walking the next day and assumed it wasn’t that bad. But when I had my own, I realized—it hurts. You get yourself out of bed because you have to: to care for your baby, to avoid complications, to start healing. But a C-section can take two full weeks before you stop feeling that pain constantly—even if you’re managing it well with just Tylenol or ibuprofen by the third or fourth day.

The binder doesn’t erase the pain, but it helps you move through it.

My Personal Experience: From the OR to the Wrap

After my own deliveries, especially after my C-section, I found that wearing a faja—even just for a few hours—made a real difference. I wasn’t trying to “bounce back.” I just wanted to stand up without wincing and make it through the day without my back screaming at me.

As a surgeon, pregnancy took a toll on my lower back. Long hours standing at the operating table while pregnant meant I was already dealing with discomfort. After delivery, using a binder helped me get back to the OR sooner, with more stability and less fatigue.

That extra layer of support gave me the physical and emotional steadiness I needed to feel like I could start functioning again—not at full capacity, but close enough to feel hopeful.

So, Should You Try It?

Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re considering belly binding:

✅ Wait for the right time: Usually safe after 24–48 hours for vaginal births and 5–7 days after C-sections (with provider sign-off).

✅ Pick the right fabric: Look for soft, breathable wraps—not stiff or latex-based options.

✅ Don’t wear it all day: A few hours at a time is plenty. Take breaks. Let your body breathe.

✅ Pair with movement: Binding is not a substitute for pelvic floor recovery or core rehab.

✅ Listen to your body: You should feel supported, not squeezed or restricted.

Bottom Line

I didn’t wear my faja every day. But I get why my mom insisted.

There’s something powerful about the act of wrapping your body after birth. It’s not just about reclaiming your shape—it’s about reclaiming your space. Feeling held. Supported. Reassured that your body—still healing, still soft—is worthy of care.

Belly binding won’t solve everything. But when used thoughtfully, it can be a gentle reminder: you are coming back to yourself, one layer at a time.