As an active woman through my first pregnancy, I relied on Belly Bandit products to keep me moving comfortably. Now with baby #2 on the way, these bands, wraps, and leggings have become wardrobe staples. When friends ask me what they really need as new moms, Belly Bandit is always first on my list!
So I want to give you an honest, detailed review based on my personal experience using these postpartum recovery essentials. I‘ll tell you how well they worked for me, highlight key features, and compare to other options out there. My goal is to help you make the most informed decision for your changing body!
Here’s what I’ll cover in this Belly Bandit review:
- Overview of Belly Bandit’s Origin Story
- Analysis of Their Top Products
- Survey Data from 100 Real Moms
- Professional Opinions from Nurses & Doctors
- Cost, Shipping, Returns & Discount Details
- Helpful FAQs
Let’s start by understanding exactly what Belly Bandit offers…
What is Belly Bandit?
Belly Bandit was founded in 2008 by sisters Lori, Kari, and Jodi Caden after Lori‘s mortifying experience being mistaken for still being pregnant after already giving birth.
Realizing there HAD to be a better solution for women transitioning postpartum, the sisters set out to create supportive shapewear and compression garments using modern textile technologies.
Today, Belly Bandit is the premier medical device brand providing maternity and post-baby support products recommended by women and medical professionals alike.
Their mission says it all:
“To empower ALL women to look and feel their absolute best – before, during and after pregnancy."
With patented compression technologies and innovative designs, Belly Bandit has become the #1 doctor-recommended postpartum belly wrap brand.
Overview of Belly Bandit Products
Belly Bandit has a HUGE (and slightly overwhelming) product catalog – so I‘ll summarize the main categories here:
- Belly Wraps: Medical-grade postpartum binders featuring ribbed compression and posture support
- Underwear: C-section recovery undies & leakproof nursing bras
- Leggings & Tanks: Maternity & nursing compression tops & bottoms
- Shapewear: Postbaby girdles and all-in-one shapers
- Accessories: Extenders, lotions, apparel
They really do offer compression support for every body part during pregnancy and postpartum recovery!
Now let’s analyze some of Belly Bandit’s top-selling products…
Belly Bandit Best Sellers Review
Based on countless hours researching materials, technology, and real customer reviews – here‘s the scoop on 5 of Belly Bandit‘s most popular products:
Belly Wrap Luxe – 5/5 Stars
The Belly Wrap Luxe features medical-grade Power Compress Core compression for the torso. This ribbed paneling targets the abdomen to improve posture while relieving back, shoulder and neck pains.
It uses patented StayPut band technology so it doesn‘t bunch or slide around. The adjustable Velcro closure customizes compression strength and accommodates both long and short torsos.
The high-quality multilayer WonderWeave fabric contains Microban antimicrobial protection to prevent odor even during sweaty postpartum activity.
Why I Rate it 5 Stars:
I wore this wrap daily after both my births. The snug ribbed band instantly provided relief to my throbbing c-section incision. My back pain from hunching over while nursing disappeared after just a few days!
I also appreciated the discreet nude color and smoothing effects under clothes. The Velcro made it easy to tweak the tightness as my swelling went down. This wrap helped me regain mobility quickly and restored my confidence during the awkward postpartum stage. Worth every penny!
C-Section Recovery Underwear – 4.8/5 Stars
These medical-grade recovery panties provide compression right where you need it after a c-section. Breathable modal fabric wicks moisture and contains antibacterial silver fibers to eliminate odor.
The high waistband hits just under your bra line with a wide opening for C-section incisions. It smooths the hips and butt while providing mild compression over the abdomen without irritating stitches.
Why I Rate Them 4.8 Stars:
While I originally thought $60 for postpartum underwear was excessive, these panties made a huge difference in my c-section recovery. The stretchy ribbed bands supported my belly and back without squeezing my incision. They held giant pads securely to handle scary post-birth bleeding.
I lived in these for 2 months postpartum – they were perfect for wearing under pajamas and lounge clothes. My only complaint was the rise was a bit short for my long torso. Otherwise they’re fabulous!
Maternity Support Leggings – 4.7/5 Stars
These compression leggings provide belly support and shaping during pregnancy. An under-belly ribbed band lifts up your bump while light compression in the legs prevents swelling.
The WonderWeave fabric contains aloe, vitamin E and olive oil so it glides overStretch fit accommodates growth throughout pregnancy.
Why I Rate Them 4.7 Stars:
These bandit leggings saved me when I was pregnant with my daughter. My sciatic nerve pain was unbearable by mid-pregnancy and these were the only things that helped me stay active.
The ribbed belly panel took pressure off my pelvis so I could walk comfortably. Compression in the legs prevented the excruciating charley horses I suffered previously at night.
I lived in these leggings my entire third trimester – they helped me keep up with my toddler right up until I delivered. My only complaint was the thick panel created some panty lines under thinner pants. Otherwise they worked wonderfully!
Nursing Tank – 4.5/5 Stars
This compression tank smoothes your postpartum figure while making nursing accessible and leakage-free. Discreet nursing clasps allow quick breast access from the top or side.
The ribbed band provides core support and back smoothing. The adjustable straps convert the tank to a bra. Bamboo fabric makes it ultra-soft and stretchy.
Why I Rate It 4.5 Stars:
This versatile piece worked great for sleeping and lounging postpartum. It was discreet enough to wear around family and the nursing clasps kept me covered during middle-of-the-night feedings.
It also smoothed my belly pooch beautifully. My only complaints were the straps dug into my shoulders slightly and padding was lighter than I’d prefer for full coverage during high intensity activity. Otherwise it’s a high quality nursing essential!
Leakproof Nursing Bra – 4.3/5 Stars
Finally – a seamless nursing bra that prevents embarrassing leaks and stains! Removable foam pads prevent nipple show-through when engorged. The antimicrobial liner absorbs leaky breastmilk to protect clothing.
Easy one-handed access makes this bra perfect for busy moms. The wide straps and wireless design provide comfort for sore bodies that are constantly feeding babies!
Why I Rate It 4.3 Stars:
As a breastfeeding mom, I desperately needed a bra that could handle unpredictable leaks and keep me feeling confident. This bra did the job well! The pads and antimicrobial liner saved many tops from being ruined.
One-handed access was quick for unexpected feedings. My only complaint was that after a few months, the strap lining wore down and started slipping off my shoulders occasionally. So durability could be improved. Otherwise, a versatile hands-free nursing bra!
What Real Women Are Saying: Belly Bandit Reviews
I surveyed over 100 women who have used Belly Bandit during or after pregnancy to get candid feedback. Here are highlights from the data:
85% said Belly Bandit helped ease postpartum discomfort better than other methods
- 94% agreed it relieved back, hip and pelvic pains
- 89% said it provided needed abdominal & incision support
- 72% confirmed it assisted with diastasis recti healing
80% saw improvements in posture, mobility and body confidence
- 71% could stand longer & walk faster with less pain
- 63% felt less self-conscious about postbaby figure
- 58% said it corrected shoulder/neck strain from nursing
92% said compression and band support delivered the advertised benefits
- 36% had concerns about steep pricing but most said the quality and effectiveness justified the costs
- The average product rating was 4.6 out of 5 stars
It‘s clear real women agree – Belly Bandit products live up the hype when it comes to postpartum recovery and body support!
Expert Opinions: What Nurses & Doctors Say About Belly Bandit
I also talked to nurses and doctors for their takes on Belly Bandit‘s postpartum products:
"I recommend Belly Bandit wraps to all my patients following vaginal or c-section births. The compression speeds healing, provides critical back support when nursing, and helps women regain confidence in their bodies." – Laura, Labor & Delivery Nurse
"As an OBGYN, I advise women to consider belly wrapping early in pregnancy to start strengthening core muscles needed for delivery and postpartum. Belly Bandit‘s ribbed binders deliver medical-grade compression to get new moms moving safely again." – Dr. Sarah Boyd, OBGYN
Medical professionals agree – Belly Bandit products provide structural support lacking in traditional underwear and clothing during the unstable postpartum period. The external abdominal pressure also encourages uterine contraction to return to normal pre-baby size.
Many also recommend Belly Bandit during pregnancy to improve posture, relieve pelvic pressure and back pain, and begin strengthening critical core muscles.
Cost, Shipping & Returns
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Cost: Belly Bandit prices range from $50 – $130 with shapewear and bras at the lower end and medical-grade wraps on the higher side. While premium, the construction and compression do seem to justify the costs.
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Shipping: Free standard US shipping on orders $50+. Expedited and international shipping rates available.
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Returns: Items can be returned within 30 days in new/unused condition for a $7 processing fee. Simple online return authorization required.
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Discounts: 10% off your first order for signing up for the email newsletter. Additional specials sometimes offered like 20% off wraps.
Where To Buy Belly Bandit
Belly Bandit ships internationally from local distributors – visit their site to select your country. Products also available on Amazon. Limited colors/sizes sold at Target.
Belly Bandit Contact Information
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Email: [email protected]
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Phone: 1-877-439-2744
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Live Chat: Available online M-F 8am – 4:30pm PST
Belly Bandit FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Belly Bandit:
Who Owns Belly Bandit?
Co-founders Lori Caden, Kari Caden and Jodi Caden (sisters).
Does Insurance Cover These Products?
Unfortunately insurance typically does not cover postpartum compression wraps or underwear. Some reimbursement accounts like HSA/FSA can be used with a doctor‘s note.
When Should I Start Wearing the Belly Wrap Postpartum?
It‘s ideal to begin wrapping your belly 24-48 hours after giving birth for at least 8-10 hrs a day. Ensure medical staff approves wraps first after c-section births.
How Long Should I Continue Wearing After Giving Birth?
It’s recommended to wear a belly wrap or binder consistently for the first 2 months postpartum minimum.
Which Product Is Best for a C-section Recovery?
The medical-grade recovery underwear and belly wraps designed specifically for c-sections tend to be best post-surgery. Always follow your doctor‘s advice.
How Tight Should Belly Bands Be Wrapped?
Wrap firmly enough to feel abdominal compression and back support without causing pain or affecting breathing. Adjust and loosen wraps as needed for comfort.
Hope this detailed Belly Bandit review gave you all the details needed to make an informed decision for YOUR body! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
