Should You Wear a Belly Band or Waist Trainer Postpartum?

Postpartum and NewbornWellness & CounselingWellness and Counseling

Nov 17

We’ve seen celebrities wear them, and for many women, it’s a generational thing. Your mom did it, your tias did it, your grandma probably still swears by it. Postpartum belly binding has existed long before it became a trending “bounce back” accessory, but the real question is: do fajas work postpartum, and are they actually safe?

The Benefits of Belly Bands

When we’re talking about belly bands (soft, elastic medical abdominal binders), there is real research behind them. Although not used for “snatching the waist,” they are used for comfort, mobility, and pain reduction, especially in the first days after giving birth.

A randomized controlled trial found that abdominal binders helped postpartum women move more easily after a C-section and reduced overall pain and distress in the first 48 hours (European Archives of Medical Research).
A 2024 meta-analysis of 13 RCTs reported that binders reduced early postoperative pain at every measured time point 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours—without increasing surgical complications (PubMed).
Another trial found that women using an elastic binder after surgical delivery had measurably lower pain scores within the first 24 hours (PubMed).

In these cases, postpartum belly binding does work. These soft binders are specifically made to grant lower back support without compromising other parts of your body during these sensitive times.

Are Belly Bands Safe to Wear?

When used as originally intended, belly bands are safe to use for mothers.A meta-analysis of postpartum binder use found no increase in wound complications after cesarean delivery (PubMed). That’s important, because a lot of people assume compression will disrupt the incision. Research shows the opposite.

But there’s a nuance here:

Postpartum binders increase intra-abdominal pressure.
Pelvic floor tissues are already stressed after pregnancy and birth.

A survey study even flagged that while 82% of postpartum women planned to wear a binder, researchers warned that added pressure might affect pelvic floor healing, especially after vaginal delivery, and the topic needs deeper study (Southern Medical Association).

Therefore, if considering the use of belly bands, consider fitting some pelvic floor recovery exercises into your routine. Ask your OB or pelvic floor therapist to clear it, particularly if you had complications, prolapse symptoms, or a fresh cesarean incision. Some physicians prefer women to wait one week after a C-section, depending on the incision site and pain level (CNYS Health).

The Difference Between a Belly Band and a Faja

Belly bands are usually soft, breathable, and adjustable. Waist trainers

Fajas, more commonly referred to as waist trainers, are especially rigid,and are designed to create shape, maintain curves, and “hold everything in.” That’s a completely different mechanism and comes with very different risks. These waist trainers often only provide short term goals at the expense of immediate postpartum recovery.

Do Fajas Actually Work Postpartum?

There is no clinical evidence that postpartum fajas can permanently reshape your waist or change/contour long-term body composition. Technically, they can provide support and improve posture but the strenuous load on your abdomen is much higher than medical abdominal binders. Sometimes using these compression garments can even have adverse effects if using immediately after child birth.

The Dangers of Using a Faja Postpartum

This isn’t the same conversation as belly bands. WebMD reiterates that trainers, corsets, and cinchers may not be a good idea for postpartum due to their pressure and hard material fabrication. Rigid fajas, or postpartum waist trainers, can create problems in early postpartum recovery:

Pelvic floor strain. High-pressure compression can worsen pelvic floor symptoms or increase risk of prolapse due to downward force (Byrdie).
Restricted breathing. Tight compression can limit diaphragm movement, making deep breathing difficult which is something postpartum bodies actually need for core reconnection.
Digestive issues. Internal compression can push the stomach and intestines upward, triggering reflux or discomfort (Byrdie).
Organ compression. Waist-trainer–style fajas can physically shift organs, especially when worn tightly for long periods (InStyle).
Core inhibition. Overly tight external support may prevent abdominal muscles from reactivating on their own, slowing postpartum core recovery.

The bad typically outweighs the good in this instance; waist trainers are not considered safe compression garments for early postpartum use. Any use of it during later stages is up to the mother’s preference and can be used as a slimming wardrobe accessory.

Postpartum Confidence and Real Support

Postpartum is a vulnerable time. Your body has shifted, stretched, healed, and carried more weight than most people ever acknowledge. If you’re using a belly band or “faja” because you’re feeling disconnected from your body or unsure how to rebuild your core, you’re not alone.

If you need more structured guidance, a postpartum specialist coach can help you navigate body image, diastasis recti concerns, pelvic floor healing, and safe exercise.

If you’d like immediate postpartum support for postnatal exercise coaches, mental health support, and general postpartum wellness coaching, feel free to connect with any of our certified specialists.