Postpartum Girdles: Benefits & How to Use

A postpartum girdle (also known as a post-pregnancy girdle) is about more than just shapewear. A medical-grade compression girdle is designed to support and aid in recovery.

Just keep in mind: seeking help for postpartum recovery such as diastasis recti or pelvic floor issues like incontinence is still recommended as the girdle does not strengthen or tone the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.

Nonetheless, for extra compression and support around the abdomen, a high quality, medical-grade postpartum girdle can help.

Benefits of a postpartum girdle

• improves posture and mobility
• supports the back and reduces back pain
• stabilises the pelvic floor
• provides compression and support to your abdominal muscles 
• reduces swelling and fluid retention

A high quality postpartum girdle can also support a C-section recovery and those managing a diastasis recti. 

C-section recovery

C-section recovery could be slower as the procedure requires incisions through multiple layers of muscle and tissue. A medical-grade postpartum girdle can help women who have undergone C-sections to experience less pain, bleeding, and discomfort.

Diastasis Recti recovery

Diastasis recti is a very common condition that happens when your abdominal muscles separate and remain separated after childbirth. For some, the abdominal muscles close naturally 6-8 weeks after giving birth. For those who are still suffering from Diastasis Recti, a postpartum girdle can help to support the recovery process due to the compression support it provides. You may also require treatments and we will advise doing an assessment to find out more about your condition.

How we chose the top postpartum girdles

There are many commercially available girdles in the market, and it can be overwhelming to understand how to select the best ones. A good quality girdle should be assessed based on its:

• ease of use
• comfort
• quality of the material
• if it has been supported through research conducted by a medical organisation
• reviews from real women

Medical-grade Control Compression Girdle

The Orchard Clinic medical-grade Control Compression Girdle will help to promote healthy support and retention of the tissues. This is suitable for people with excess skin after losing an enormous amount of weight or people who have undergone liposuction. 

• Post-surgery product recommended by doctors after plastic surgeries or for wound recovery
• Hydrophilic treatment for breathability fabric to aid faster healing
• Crotches (bottom) and side opening with three adjustments
• Double fabric with constant compression
• Exclusive / French Yarn with memory effect (fabric does not sag or enlarge)
• Made of super-microfiber Amni and Lycra® fibre and premium Nilit® Nylon 6.6 yarn for superb quality that lasts

Along with our treatment plans, we recommend a medical-grade control compression girdle to help with the recovery of diastasis recti. This can be worn immediately after giving birth, unless your doctor recommends otherwise. 

It is recommended to wear the girdle for at least 8 hours a day and we do not recommend wearing it to sleep.

The right sizing is crucial as you will require a snug fit for good support, however anything too tight may also restrict breathing and cause other issues. 

Before purchasing your girdle, we recommend making an appointment for a professional fitting and body assessment at Orchard Clinic.