When can one wear a postpartum belly belt? – Dr. Punitha Rangaraj

Although it is very popular that wearing a post partum belt in our country and some parts of the world also but there is very little scientific evidence in how it is going to help in reducing your tummy. It is normally believed by using a post partum belt it will reduce your tummy and the body fat around the abdomen and give support to the back so that you don’t get a back pain, improves your posture and speedens up a flat tummy. But less scientific evidence as I have told you. On the contrary it can have some side effects. When it is tied very tightly then it can cause an undue pressure on an involuting uterus which may cause excessive bleeding or when it is worn very tightly it can cause itching, rashes etc. So the ideal would be since it is in our culture, it can be worn. A nice broad firm belt which can be used after 24 to 48 hours whether it is a caesarean section or a normal delivery and leave it for the day time and remove it in the night. May be it will give a little support and maybe it is a subjective feeling that you have used the belt, you can always use it judicially.