What should you know about postnatal compression garments?

Gentle pressure can make supported areas feel more secure and may help fluid move through tissues during recovery. A garment may be considered for abdominal support, limb swelling, or comfort, but it does not heal a tear, treat infection, or replace an assessment of heavy bleeding.

Your body changes quickly after delivery. Swelling, incision or tear care, breastfeeding comfort, and circulation all affect whether a garment is suitable. The fabric should feel supportive without restricting breathing, bowel movements, urination, or normal movement.

Ask your maternity team which area can be compressed and when to begin. Choose a size that lies flat without rolling into the skin. Put it on over clean, dry skin, keep any wound or pad care instructions in place, and remove it for regular skin and circulation checks.

Wear it for the recommended periods and stop if it causes pain, tingling, numbness, coldness, or colour change. Wash it as directed and do not sleep in it unless your clinician has specifically advised this. If swelling continues or becomes difficult to manage, ask about lymphoedema therapy.

Contact your maternity team promptly for worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, a wound that opens, or swelling that suddenly increases. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or one-sided leg swelling with pain.

Ask whether compression is suitable for your delivery recovery, which design and size to use, how long to wear it, and whether it can cover a wound or tear. Ask how to distinguish expected swelling from a circulation problem.