Using some type of compression in the early stages postpartum can be helpful for many mama’s.
I’m often asked if I recommend a specific type of abdominal or belly wrap after-baby for moms. And, while I think some can be extremely useful for offering support to the trunk and core, there’s something else I prefer to use.
Enter: compression shorts.
These are the 2 pairs of compression shorts I’ll review below. SRC Recovery Shorts on the left, EC3D Compression Shorts on the right.
Why wear them?
Compression shorts can be helpful in the early weeks and months postpartum (or later – we’ll get to that below) if you:
• Feel like you need some support on the belly, pelvis, and low back because of discomfort or pain
• Have a newborn and are parenting a toddler or other kids (you’re going to be active)
• If you have an abdominal separation that is moderate or larger (think 3-4++ fingers wide) with connective tissue that is soft and squishy
• Feel like you need some support upwards against your pelvic floor
• And, if I’m being totally honest, they made wearing clothes way more comfortable in the early weeks postpartum.
NOTE: You don’t *need* to wear compression wraps or shorts post-pregnancy. These are a tool that can be used in conjunction with core exercises, good alignment, and physical therapy.
Why do I prefer shorts vs. wraps?
1). They’re user friendly. You order your size – I like that you follow measurements to get a better fit – and you put them on your body.
Don’t get me wrong, wraps can be worn well and safely too. If you want to read about the wraps I recommend, see this article here.
2). You don’t have to readjust a million times a day.
Yes, you’ll take them on/off when you go to the bathroom, but otherwise, they stay put as you move around, sit/stand, get on and off the floor, lift the baby, etc.
3). You don’t have to worry about wrapping ‘the right way’.
Sometimes, women use abdominal wraps a biiiiiit too tight (or, a lot too tight). They cinch the wrap extremely tight around their bellies to make them look slimmer and like they have a smaller tummy.
This isn’t the point. They are NOT used as a “waist trainer”.
Read this article to understand why you should not use a waist trainer from my friend, colleague, and physical therapist, Ann Wendel.
When do you wear them?
I wore compression shorts starting from 2 weeks postpartum until about 9 weeks postpartum. Mostly everyday for a good chunk of the day (6-8 hours).
I had an emergency C-section and then an infection in my incision (DOUBLE WHAMMY!), so getting them on prior to 2 weeks was not happening as I was in too much discomfort.
Many of the moms in my online fitness coaching club, To Pregnancy & Beyond, wear compression shorts from the early few days postpartum if they’ve had a more ‘normal’ vaginal birth.
You will likely want to wear them more often through the first couple months postpartum.
You can then continue to use them in your workouts and especially if you’re returning to more athletic pursuits…if your mom brain will remember to put them on 😉
2 Pairs of Compression Shorts I Like:
I’m going to give you 2 different examples of shorts that I recommend for postpartum and moms.
I never felt downward pressure in my pelvic floor – IMPORTANT! Take them off if you do.
These are the ones I wore postpartum.
• PROS: The fabric of the SRC’s is really smooth and high quality. I found them quite easy to get on, even with C-section recovery. They are really discrete under clothes.
They keep their compression extremely well through many wears.
• Price: $189 (AUD)
• Click here for all the details and to order.
2). EC3D High Waist Compression Shorts
I came across this pair recently by recommendation from Women’s Health Physio, Mandy Remfer-Kuncio (Nurture Her in Edmonton, AB).
• PROS: These include shoulder straps to help keep them secure and in place, although you don’t need to use them. This could be quite useful for exercise.
A more affordable price tag!
• Price: $90 (CAD)
• Click here for all the details and to order.
What’s the difference?
The main difference I notice in wearing the SRC vs. EC3D is that I find the SRCs a bit more comfortable – the type of fabric feels nicer on the body.
What I love about them both, is that they are high waisted, right up to the ribcage.
Each pair would be a great choice. I would simply let your budget determine which pair you go with.
*Be sure to check the sizing guides on each site to determine the correct. If you’re currently pregnant, you’re going to measure in your 36th week for the SRC shorts.
I hope that helps you out!
Jess
For best success, be sure to use the shorts in combination (they are a tool!) with a well designed core and strength training program like this one.
