What should you know about postpartum compression garment for natural birth?

After vaginal birth, the abdomen and pelvis continue changing while the pelvic floor, birth canal, and surrounding tissues recover. A soft, correctly fitted garment can provide a feeling of support during movement. It does not close a tear, treat haemorrhoids, or resolve infection.

Avoid pressure over tender stitches, a swollen perineum, open skin, or areas that are numb. Comfort is the guide: breathing, sitting, walking, urinating, and bowel movements should remain easy. Your midwife can decide whether compression is appropriate for your recovery.

Wait for guidance if you had stitches, significant swelling, difficult urination, or another complication. Select a breathable garment that does not roll or pinch, and put it on over clean, dry skin. Start only for the schedule advised, then remove it to inspect skin and sensitive areas.

Stop using it if discomfort grows, bleeding changes, or you notice tingling, numbness, coldness, or unusual skin colour. Gentle walking, rest, prescribed pelvic floor care, and hydration may also support recovery. Persistent limb swelling can be discussed with a clinician familiar with lymphoedema therapy.

Call your maternity service for worsening perineal pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, difficulty passing urine, or a wound that is opening. Seek urgent care for heavy bleeding, chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or painful swelling in one leg.

Ask whether your stitches and swelling allow compression, which part of the body may be covered, how long to wear it, and how to protect sensitive skin. Ask what symptoms mean you should remove it and call the maternity service.