Belly Wraps!!! Post-Partum Belly Shrinker

Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon talks about post-twins "issues" including the baby belly

WebMD did a recent article discussing the benefits of the abdominal wraps, those sometimes lycra, sometimes elastic, wraps that are sold in maternity stores that promise to help shrink the tummy after giving birth.

Any woman who has given birth knows about the other surprise after effect is that you continue to look between 4-6 months pregnant for like weeks after the baby. Totally nothing like the moms on TV and the movies! Ugh!! Because I had a C-Section, it was recommended that I do not exercise until at least 8 weeks post postpartum. The vain woman in me didn't want to live through the experience of someone asking me when I was due!

I asked my mom and she showed me how they do it Africa style! The trick they use in our native Sierra Leone, West Africa is to "Bind the Belly." Essentially, it is taking two "lapas" or large drapes of cloth and tie them tight around the midsection. It has the effect of helping shrink the belly over time. In Africa, moms wear the wraps every day, all day and even at night. I did it and sure enough after only few weeks, I could feel my tummy getting smaller and I'm sure it did so faster than if I just let my jelly belly hang out and go back on its own.

By the time I had my second son, I discovered that commercial companies were selling an equivalent of the Bands!! I purchased one and it had the same effect I think. Targetwoman described the different types of wraps:

Velcro-Belt belly wrap: Made of cotton, this belly wrap is best suited for women who have undergone c-section since it is soft enough to wear over the wound. The main advantage of this wrap is that the Velcro can be fastened anywhere around the wrap. However, being cotton Velcro-Belt belly wrap might look bulged below the clothes and the chances of the same being noticed are high. Complete Pull-up wrap (with underwear): As the name suggests, this belly wrap comes with underwear and is best suited to wear underneath clothes. Few disadvantages of this wrap include size and adjustability. The wrap is not adjustable and the size matters a lot since the butt should fit in as it comes with the underwear. The ideal thing is to buy this wrap as and when needed, because if you get little slimmer the wrap will not be so helpful.

Half pull-up wrap (no underwear): Considered as one of the most comfortable belly wraps, half pull up wraps come with expandable cotton. However, it does not have underwear and hence is not shown under clothes. Sizing is not an issue since the stretchable cotton provides support in all stages.

Button-up Waist Cincher: This is a button-up wrap made of cotton lining and rubber on the outer side. It is generally very tight and is not advisable for women who have undergone c-section. Sizing is also an issue since it is very tight. Before you consider buying this, check with your gynecologist and try the same as well.

Post-Surgical Girdle: One of the most expensive wraps, this is generally prescribed for post-liposuction. However, it works well for postpartum too. The wrap is not seen under clothes and is highly comfortable when going out. Apart from quicker effect, the main advantage of the wrap is that it works around the entire torso section instead of stomach alone.

Full Body Post-Surgical Girdle: This is similar to the post-surgical girdle only difference being the size. As the name suggests, this wraps covers a larger portion of the body. The wrap comes with an opening in the crotch area that enables you to go to bathroom without pulling off the entire belt.

Of course nothing will get your belly back like exercise as is argued in the WebMD article. However, when you aren't in the position to work out right away because you are restricted from having a c section, are too fatigued or can't prioritize exercising because oh...you aren't sleeping much at night just having had a baby, the next best thing for the Narcissistic mom is a good old fashion Belly Binding/Wrap!

Indeedy!!!

Commercial Wraps in the market:

Brooke Burke swears by the Taut Belly WrapThe Belly Bandit was featured on Ellen and a bunch of other American shows for being the miracle post baby belly shrinker.

Medela made the one I used and cost about $25.00.