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Among the best positions there are for breastfeeding after C section include Side-Lying, The Football Hold, and Cradle or Cross Over Hold.

Now that you’ve just spent the last nine months pregnant, you’re probably wondering what will happen to your body within the first twenty-four hours after delivering. How will your post baby body look?

Table Of Contents 5 Ways a Doula Helps You and Your Partner #1 A Partner is More Involved #2 Doula Can Help Your Partner to Cope #3 The Doula Allows a Partner to be More Fully Experience During Birth #4 A Doula Models Supportive Techniques The Big Picture In the middle of a long contraction, I leaned down towards the mom and helped her visualize moving up and over the contraction. My tone was low, my voice soft and undemanding. I looked up to see my client’s spouse, the father of the baby, watching my every move as I went through this process a couple more times with my client. I caught his eyes, nodded my head and motioned for him to come over and take my place. Having watched how I helped his wife, he was able to copy what I had done with a few extra prompts from me. In this way, both husband and wife worked beautifully together through the next couple of contractions. The research is becoming too obvious to ignore. Having trained labor support, professionally known as a doula, provides women with significant improvements in wellbeing and birth outcomes. With recent research showing that the care a doula provides can decrease c-section rates and prematurity rates, medical professionals are now stating that all women should have access to continuous labor support. What most people don’t understand is that having a quality, trained doula can also provide support for the spouse or partner. Like with my experience above, a doula can also facilitate the ability of the partner to cope and work with the laboring woman. 5 Ways a Doula Helps You and Your Partner #1 A Partner is More Involved Many partners that I have worked with have done a lot of research into how to support the birthing mother. Their preparation gives them a better understanding of how to help during labor. What they lack, though, is practical experience and how to implement what they have learned. This is where a doula can really help both the partner and the woman giving birth. A doula helps partners utilize their knowledge in a way that brings couples closer together. This is backed by research that has shown that partners are more involved in birth when a doula is present. They spend more time in the room, and stay closer to the birthing mother. It makes sense that when a partner has someone with practical experience to help them, they will spend more time with the birthing mother, translating into a closer experience for both of them. #2 Doula Can Help Your Partner to Cope Partners are often at a loss as to how to handle the emotional and physical challenges that they themselves are going through. While birth puts a heavy emotional toll on women, it can also affect those who are working to support them. Some unexpected feelings that a partner may encounter include: uncertainty about the course of action, anxiety for the birthing woman, or insecurity in how they can help. A doula can help a partner understand what is normal in an experience, as well as address any fears and anxieties they themselves may be having. Doulas can provide breaks for more physically demanding supportive techniques. They can also facilitate communication between the medical professionals and the partner when questions may arise.When most of the medical attention is placed on the birthing woman, a partner can feel lost in the experience. A doula can help them navigate a world that is largely unfamiliar to them and provide them with ways they can also cope as the partner works to support their loved one. #3 The Doula Allows a Partner to be More Fully Experience During Birth While a partner can effectively provide physical support during birth, that may come at the cost of their own needs. A partner may want to be the one that helps catch the baby or who is holding the woman’s hand. In cases like this, having another support person on hand allows the partner to be involved in the way they would like. They can catch the baby while the doula is supporting a woman while pushing. Or they can hold a hand while the doula provides counter pressure to the back during a contraction. In this way, both the partner and the birthing woman are being attended to and able to experience the birth in the way they need. #4 A Doula Models Supportive Techniques While a partner can practice supportive techniques, it can be much easier for them if they have an experienced doula to model what those techniques may look like. Just like any skill that we learn, providing practical labor support is done much better if we have a mentor to walk us through the process. Because a doula works with a couple even before labor starts, that mentoring can start at the first meeting they have together. Needs can be assessed and plans made in order to help a partner understand what they should know in order to help. Subsequent meetings can provide learning and practice which will then be honed during the birth. While this can be done without a doula, a doula facilitates the process by bringing her knowledge and experience to the table. Thus, the partner can be sure they are able to provide the best support at the time it is needed. The Big Picture As my client’s spouse helped her visualize a wave through her contractions. I began putting some counter pressure on her hips to help decrease the pain she was feeling at the moment. My client’s mother came in, and I moved to allow her to do some of the counter pressure. I pulled the hospital curtain closed that had opened when the mother came in, and dimmed the lights a little bit more. Scanning the room to assess the needs of the family, I remembered that no one had really had anything to drink or eat. I quietly asked what the family members wanted, then stepped out to gather the requested drinks. Back in the room I gave the birthing mother a sip of water, and took over the visualization techniques while the spouse took a moment to go to the bathroom and have a cup of juice. As the spouse stepped out of the bathroom, the birthing woman began to moan lowly in response to her contractions. The partner’s eyes widened, and I reminded him in between contractions that moaning is a normal part of labor. He visibly relaxed and finished his drink. With a doula continuously assessing needs, educating, modeling, and effectively supporting the family, this particular birth illustrated how all those involved can work well together in providing the best support for a laboring mother. About the author: Imagine being able to work side by side with a care provider, nurse, and partner – all working together as a team with the same goal: holistic care for the birthing mother. As a nurse, certified doula, and mother of seven (all born naturally), this is not just a dream, but the goal and passion of Rachel Leavitt. She owns and manages New Beginnings Doula Training, an online doula certification program at www.trainingdouals.com. Sources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140305124943.htm http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/ https://www.trainingdoulas.com/general/women-access-doula-care/

“I’ve shared before that I had some ab separation after Maya. It’s not the most pleasant experience ever, and it can be a bit frustrating. I’m happy there are companies like @bellefit to support women in postpartum, both figuratively and literally. Get this, the company is headquartered in my hometown of sunny Weston, Florida! I could walk to the main office from my childhood home. So obviously they are really really really cool people! I’ve been trying out the corset model and I have to say I wish I had known about it earlier in postpartum. Those first couple of weeks I felt like all my internal organs were floating around and I was very protective of my belly. Having really solid support, compression and protection would’ve been great.Will it eliminate diastasis recti or make you lose weight? Not exactly, that’s not the intention. It’s geared toward recovery and healing. To help support and strengthen those abdominal muscles as you get used to using them again. They have sizes and models for all kinds of scenarios: from natural birth to c-section. It doesn’t replace healthy nutrition, exercise and mindset, and frankly I don’t think anything does. It’s a great tool to have on your team though. I’m going to be doing a giveaway shortly, so stay tuned for that. In the meantime you can click the link in my profile to learn more, and use the code SARAH20 to get $20 off if you purchase anything!” To learn more about Abdominal Muscle Separation visit our Diastasis Recti page. She Used:

The immediate elation of having a precious new baby lying on your chest all squirmy and beautiful may quickly give way to exhaustion. For first-time deliveries, the average time in labor is about 14 hours. On average, three of those hours are devoted to pushing for a typical vaginal delivery. That’s a lot of hard work with very little sleep over a 24-hour period. 1.Postpartum Exhaustion As you near you due date, clear your schedule. Limit anything other than packing a hospital bag and personal primping. This is not the time to be painting a nursery or entertaining family. In hindsight, I should have watched soap operas and napped instead of doing five loads of laundry the day I went into labor. Save your strength. You’ll need it. 2. It Hurts After The Baby Comes Too You’ll hear plenty about the process leading up to and through that final push. Or for a C-Section, the “pull”. This includes, but isn’t limited to cramps, contractions, nausea, and an epidural. If you are pregnant for the first time, you’ll likely get an earful from older relatives, well-meaning friends and co-workers. But what about the after? I had some tearing and an episiotomy with my first baby. That means stitches in a place where, well, let’s just say it’s tender. C-section moms have even greater wounds to deal with. Even without stitches, something relatively big just came out of something relatively small. Where there is trauma, there is pain. I received one dose of “the good stuff” following delivery as a reward for a job well done. After that, it was over-the-counter pain relievers and warm soaks for the aching lady parts. I also felt a lot of pain in my back, shoulders, ribcage and abdomen from the ordeal. It was like being roughed up in a fender bender. And bowel movements? Ouch. Labor also often brings on hemorrhoids.. So laxatives, stool softeners and lots of fluid are a must. Fortunately, most of the pain and discomfort is gone in about two weeks. But be prepared to hurt all over for a little while. If you have a C-section, you won’t deal with an episiotomy or vaginal pain and swelling. However, your stitches may sting and itch. Healing also takes longer — four to six weeks. You should keep a close watch for any sign of infection. Proper support garments can help with the healing process for both vaginal and CS deliveries. 3. Feelings And Emotions After Giving Birth Are All Over The Map One day I was in love with my baby and the next I wondered who she was. I worried that we wouldn’t bond, that I was doing something wrong. Did I love her enough or too much? Why was my belly still huge? Would I ever sleep again? Why was I crying? How could I be laughing? Why was I sitting there feeling numb? Pregnancy hormones — HCG, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, relaxin — rise dramatically during the various trimesters as they provide a hospitable womb for your growing child and prepare your body for delivery. And then, kaboom; total hormone dump. Even the most even-tempered new mom will feel the effects. And for many, postpartum depression is a reality. I was always a “pull-up-your-big-girl-panties” kind of gal until the first month after I gave birth. Looking back, I wish I had been gentler with myself and rolled with it. Your emotions will get the better of you on many days. Rest and self-care, along with time, is all that is needed for most new moms. However, an estimated 15-20 percent of pregnant women suffer from postpartum depression in degrees ranging from mild depression to postpartum psychosis. Dealing with the expectations of motherhood coupled with hormonal imbalance can trigger depression and accompanying feelings of shame or guilt. If you’re experiencing PPD symptoms, don’t try to go it alone or tough it out. Reach out to your support system, seek out other new mothers and consult with your doctor for help. It’s not unusual to have feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. Ask for help. It’s OK 4. The Worst Period of Your Life I expected some bleeding after giving birth, but I didn’t realize the extent, or the value of super maxi pads jumbo count until then. The medical term for it is lochia, and it’s not a regular period. The uterine lining that thickens over the term of your pregnancy sheds, along with mucus from the healing process. However, the greater part of the bleeding is due to the wound left in your uterus from the placenta pulling away. It usually heals up in two to three weeks, but too much activity can reopen the wound and cause more bleeding For the first few days the flow is heavy, dark and includes clotting. It will slow down and change color to brownish, then yellowish, and toward the end look more like a pale discharge instead of blood. Postpartum bleeding can last up to six weeks. However, this depends on your healing process. During this time you shouldn’t use tampons or a menstrual cup, to minimize infection risks. Breathable granny panties are your friend. How soon your regular period starts back up varies from mom to mom. It also depends on if and how you breastfeed. The earliest you might expect a regular period is around six weeks after giving birth. 5. More Core Exercises Before Pregnancy Is A Great Idea I was young, healthy and thought I was in good shape. Had I known how strenuous the process of pregnancy and childbirth really is, I would have paid more attention to my core and pelvic floor. When planning a pregnancy, consider yourself to be “in training.” Getting your back and stomach muscles in shape, as well as making Kegel-time a part of your daily routine, will help to protect you from postpartum back pain, hernias and a condition known as diastasis recti following your delivery. A strong core will make it easier and faster to heal Mummy Tummy, too. Even if you’re already pregnant, there are exercises you can do to strengthen your core. However, be sure to check with your doctor for safe routines. Crunches and sit-ups can do more harm than good. Finally, a good postpartum compression binder can help with the healing process and boost a new mom’s confidence. Bellefit Featured Products

Everyone’s pregnancy is different, but there are some experiences that all mothers tend to share in common during those all-important nine months (and after). Here are a few of the most common/eventful, and also the most major milestones of pregnancy! https://youtu.be/vo1BVzxs5jw First Trimester Getting positive confirmation that you’re pregnant from a home test or a doctor. Sharing your exciting news with your partner. If you choose, sharing the news with your friends and family. Having your first moment of unusual exhaustion. Seeing firsthand what morning sickness is all about—and realizing that it can happen at any time of day. Experiencing strange appetite changes, whether it’s a craving for weird flavor combos or a sudden distaste for something you ordinarily don’t mind, Finding your OB/GYN and going through the information flood that is your first few visits. Seeing your baby for the first time with an ultrasound and hearing its tiny heartbeat. Noticing some changes in the shape of your body, though not necessarily a pronounced baby bump. At the end of the first trimester, you’ll realize that you’re one third of the way done with your pregnancy! Second Trimester Feeling a bit more comfortable as the morning sickness and fatigue of the first trimester starts to subside. Making the announcement to friends, family and coworkers who don’t already know—many couples choose to wait until the second trimester to reveal the big news because the first trimester is the period of greatest risk for miscarriage. Starting to show more dramatically after the relatively mild bloating or bump development of the first trimester and buying maternity clothes to fit your new belly. Noticing that other people are noticing and reacting to your growing midsection, potentially including unwelcome comments and unexpected well wishes. Feeling your baby move around, kick and generally make his or her presence felt. Seeing more detailed ultrasound images and even learning the gender if you choose to do so at this point. At the end of your second trimester, you’ll be more than halfway done with pregnancy and will have just a few more weeks left before you meet your new little one! Third Trimester Tying up loose ends and finalizing details around the house and your life, from picking out the right car seat to finishing the decor for your nursery. Attending a baby shower and receiving gifts from loved ones and friends, then arranging and organizing those gifts. Seeing your OB/GYN on a more regular basis—you could even have weekly appointments. Packing a hospital bag and coming up with a plan for when you go into labor. Watching the days to your due date tick away and, most likely, being surprised on the actual day of arrival. Learning the difference between real contractions and Braxton-Hicks. Meeting your little one after your delivery or c-section! These milestones may come with their own ups and downs, and some of them may be more significant than others. That’s normal, so don’t worry if your pregnancy ends up looking a little bit or even a lot different from the typical path described here. What’s important is that you’re prepared and healthy!

Hi I am Debra Geymayr, directress of Prenatal Plus Yoga, here in Coral Gables Fl. Basically dealing with pregnancy, birth and beyond. Dealing with the wonderful time of pregnancy where women stay fit physically, emotionally and spiritual and just helping them feel comfortable and enjoy their 9 months of pregnancy. https://youtu.be/fiJhTXTorcQ The Best Postpartum Girdle I see hundreds of moms during a week and the ones that need the Bellefit and purchase the Bellefit have greatly greatly benefited from the physical alleviation of discomfort. With the postpartum moms usually the Bellefit Postpartum Girdles are worn right after birth and this has been an extreme benefit to helping moms bring the abdominal muscles back together and make them feel so much better about their bodies coming back to pre-pregnancy size after birth. Even with c-section it’s been wonderful to help them keep those abdominal muscles and the uterus intact. I am a certified childbirth educator so I do spend a lot of time educating women and couples helping them to prepare for labor and birth and working with them after birth with the babies. I am a certified doula and childbirth educator. Prenatal + Yoga is a Miami specialty center for pregnancy, birth and beyond. We are located in the heart of Coral Gables. Its www.prenatalplusyoga.com Im Deborah, Directress and look us up we have a great time with pregnancy ,birth and beyond. Thank you

C-Section belly bands aid your abdominal muscles while they begin to heal and strengthen, they help prevent or alleviate Diastasis Recti, and they reduce recovery time.

The birth of your baby is a moment that you anticipate for nine long months. Consider creating a birth plan as a guideline of what your wishes are for the big day. And try to keep in mind that birth plans are there to be an outline of what you are striving for, so make it flexible to ensure that you will have a beautiful and memorable experience. https://youtu.be/Zj1KDFmRmDw Here are important things to consider when making a flexible birth plan. What Happens During Labor? Vaginal Birth When you arrive at the hospital, a doctor or nurse will check you to see how far your labor has progressed. Once you are admitted, you will be taken to the room where you will likely remain for the rest of your hospital stay. This is where you will be able to unpack, get comfortable, dim the lights, play music and get comfortable. Depending on the progress of your labor and risk factor, the hospital may or may not administer an IV. If you have a low risk labor, then you will most likely be encouraged to move around to help your labor move along. Most hospitals will hook you up to fetal monitoring upon arrival, if your baby’s heart rate is normal and labor is progressing with ease, you can ask to have the fetal monitoring be administered intermittently. Pain management will come into play as labor intensifies. Be sure to learn about your options ahead of time. If you are planning for a unmedicated birth, have your props and support team ready to go as you will likely need to move around and find comfortable positions to manage the pain on your own. If you prefer to have an epidural, get the necessary education to know when to ask for it and how to handle labor while medicated Sometimes, labor has been known to stop progressing. Be ready to know what you would like to do in case it happens to you. Some of the options include, breaking the amniotic sac, administering labor inducing medications and even the simple option of walking around. When the time for pushing arrives, the medical team will advise you on when to bear down and push, however, many women prefer to follow their body’s natural flow and push when it feels right. Most hospitals are quick to administer episiotomies when the perineum begins to tear. Learn about this natural effect of birth and decide whether you want to have an episiotomy or allow your body to tear naturally and heal without stitching. During some births, Doctors opt to assist in the delivery with the use of forceps or a vacuum device. Learn about these options ahead of time to know if these are methods that you agree with for your own delivery. C-Section For a number of reasons including high-risk pregnancies and repeat c-sections, some women and their doctors opt to do planned c-sections. Also, in some cases when a natural labor is not progressing after a significant amount of time or if the fetus is at risk, an emergency c-section will be necessary. Once the decision has been made to proceed with a c-section you will be placed on a fetal monitor, an IV will be inserted to your arm and you will be prompted to sign some documents. Following the first steps, you will be transported to the operating room where your birth partner will have to wait outside while you are prepped for surgery. During prep, you will be sat down leaning forward and an anesthesiologist will administer a spinal block or epidural. Both types of anesthesia allow you to remain awake during the c-section so you can experience your baby’s birth. Learn about these options so you can ask for the one you agree with most. You will then be laid down on the operating table, your arms will be strapped down for safety reasons and a curtain will be placed in front of you to block your view from the operation. At this point your birth partner will be allowed to join you in the O.R. Once the c-section is underway, your heart rate will be monitored and medications will be administered if necessary. Learn about these options ahead of time. Once the doctor is ready to bring the baby out of your uterus, your birth partner will be given permission to take photos/video and the curtain will be pulled down slightly to show you your baby. At this point your baby will be set aside to be cleaned up and wrapped up. Once the baby is wrapped and warm, she will be placed on your chest so you can meet for the first time and take a photo. Once you’ve met your baby, you will be separated while your incision gets stitched up and you are taken to the recovery room. Be sure to plan with your birthing partner so that they may go with your baby to the nursery. You can opt to have another birth partner stay by your side during the end of the surgery. Once you are transported to the recovery room, you will be asked to tell the nurse when you begin regaining feeling in your lower body. When this happens, pain medication will begin to be given to you. When your condition is stable, you are ready to see your baby again. Once your baby is out of your womb, let your doctor know if your partner wants to cut the cord and if you will be banking your baby’s cord blood. Upon birth, you can ask for all the necessary testing and measuring of the baby to be done in the same room so that you are not separated from your baby. Bathing and measuring can be done at a later tie so that you may have time to bond with your little one. At this point, most hospitals administer recommended vaccinations to the baby, if this is not something you want, you will want to include this in the birthing plan and will likely be asked to sign a waiver. Some hospitals take the initiative to feed formula to newborn babies, you are not required to do so and should make it known to them if this is not something you want. Lactation consultants are available to help you get started on breastfeeding if you wish to get some help. Recovery Abdominal Binders come in All Shapes and Sizes - Bellefit has 4 Styles designed for specific body types, vaginal deliveries and c-sections. When the birthing process is complete, you will begin your postpartum recovery. It is imperative to know how you will handle your recovery and which tools you will use to reduce pain and increase comfort. postpartum recovery garments such as Compression Girdles are excellent tools that aid in a speedy recovery while allowing mom to move about, hold her baby and still breastfeed comfortably, all without experiencing pain. Be sure to make plenty of copies of your birth plan and give them to your doctor, nurse, birth partner and even post one on the door of your room. Be flexible in knowing that plans change according to a variety of situations that arise for women during labor and delivery. Bellefit Girdles

Welcome to new mommy hood! Until you have a baby, you'll probably never experience a love as profound as the one you feel for your newborn and exhaustion as deep as the one you'll feel within. After all, your delivery and recovery involve intense labor on your body and emotions that will leave you longing for a nap (or two). Don't worry, things may be a little hectic (and possibly foreign) at first, but you will achieve a balance and your new life will be just as amazing as you imagine it will be. Lets take a look at what to expect when your baby is born. Love at First Sight? The first time that moms meet their babies face to face differs in emotions from mom to mom. The reason is that every woman and the circumstances of their childbirth delivery are different. There are women who immediately bond with their newborns and seem to know exactly what to do, and there are women who need a little more time to soak it all in and get to that point. Whichever experience you have will be exactly how it should be for you. Moderate Soreness Consider the fact that for almost 40 weeks, your body has made major accommodations for your growing baby. Skin has stretched, organs have shifted and certain parts have grown accordingly. When your baby is born, your body will continue shifting but this time the goal is to help you recover. You may feel bubbling sensations or sudden pressure within your abdomen for the first few days (or weeks), which are normal. Just be patient, it will be over before you know it. Hello Milk One of the most amazing things that we as humans have is the ability to feed our babies with custom-made breast milk. Yes, as soon as your baby is born, the hormones in your body will send a signal to release colostrum, which is the beginning of the breast milk flow for your baby. You will possibly experience leaking from your breasts and some temporary soreness as you get used to this big change. You can keep breast pads handy to ensure that you never have any leaking accidents. Once the colostrum serves it purpose, your mammary glands will go on to produce breast milk which can be your baby's sole source of nutrition for the months to come. Swelling It's very common for women to experience swelling after childbirth. This occurs for a variety of reasons including reactions to medications, water retention or hormonal changes. Whichever the reason may be, be sure to stay hydrated rest when possible and consult with your doctor if you feel any pain or are concerned about the swelling. Soft Belly When your baby is born, the space that he or she filled inside your womb will need some time to shrink back down; this in turn will leave your abdomen softer and more jiggly than you are used to. It is perfectly normal and it will get better. Many women use postpartum compression garments to help themselves feel together and to relieve the pressure of shifting organs inside. This along with breast-feeding, a healthy diet and rest will set you in the right direction to recover your pre-pregnancy shape. The "M" Word Say hello to your long lost feeling of menstruation. For the first week (sometimes weeks) after giving birth, you will experience postpartum bleeding which is normal. Your body will naturally cleanse your uterus of its baby making experience. This will of course be accompanied by the usual cramping. Try to have lots of heavy flow pads ready to go os you don't run out. Also talk to your doctor about options to help with any pain and if you experience a flow that seems heavier than normal. Emotional Roller Coaster Emotions can be a bit challenging to understand and keep under control after you have a baby. Hormones continue to take charge of everything your body is going through and it's perfectly normal to experience emotional highs and lows. Be patient with yourself and know that you are not alone in this and that everything will get easier with each day that you continue to bond with your baby. Zzzzzzzz? Well, it's no secret that the average newborn baby sleeps a maximum of 2-3 hours at a time (if you're lucky). You will of course, be on the same schedule to both feed and change him/her. This intense schedule may take it's toll on your energy levels, so have a plan to make sure that at some point you can get a little more rest. You can work on practicing different breastfeeding positions that allow you to lie down with your baby to nurse. Some women opt to pump their breast milk so that their partner can feed the baby and allow some time for mom to rest. What About a C-Section? Women who give birth via C-section will experience all of the changes mentioned above. In addition, they will be recovering from major abdominal surgery and feel pain and pressure in both their abdomen and uterus. The recovery process after a C-section takes longer than a natural birth especially in the first hours following the surgery. Women will feel intense pressure and pain, as they are encouraged to stand up and move about within hours of surgery. Many women use postpartum compression garments to help themselves feel together, to relieve pressure and to help pain subside. Your doctor will very likely provide you with pain medication and advice you to do no strenuous physical activity for up to six weeks. This means the only weight you will be allowed to carry will be your baby. You Can Do It! It's true that having a baby can be challenging for you and your body at first. Just keep in mind the tips above to be prepared to manage the journey of your body's recovery in a most positive manner. Always be open to asking for help and be sure that the difficulty of the first few weeks will be far outweighed by the love you'll have for your new baby

There are many differences between having your baby vaginally and having your baby via c-section childbirth: The method of delivery is the most obvious difference. During a vaginal delivery, a woman births her baby through her vagina, pushing in accordance with her contractions. During a c-section childbirth, a woman births her baby through a surgical opening in her abdomen. Emergency C-Section C-Section Scar C-Section Bandage C-section childbirth deliveries were once reserved for emergency situations or situations in which a mother would not be able to have her baby vaginally. In the past twenty years, the number of Cesarean births has been rising. Graph Credit: http://pattiturner.com/c-section-rates-nurses-play-role/ Regardless of the underlying reasons for such a rise, women must be prepared for a Cesarean delivery more than ever before. C-Section Procedure taking place in the operating room. C-Section is considered major surgery. How does C-Section Childbirth Work? A c-section childbirth delivery occurs in an operating room. The mother is typically awake for the surgery, but she must be anesthetized from the chest down. The obstetrician makes the c section incision right above the woman's pubic bone. The incision is typically four or five inches across. From there, the doctor pulls back the skin, moves the abdominal muscles aside, and makes another low cut across the uterus.Then the amniotic fluid is suctioned out of the uterus, and the baby is delivered. The baby is then suctioned by the nurses in the operating room and cleaned up a bit. The placenta is removed by the doctor as well. Then the new mother gets to see her baby. During this time, the obstetrician is stitching up the uterus, replacing the abdominal muscles, and stitching up the skin. If she desires it, the mother may nurse her baby in the recovery room. The road to recovery after c section begins here. Vaginal Delivery and Recovery Times Vaginal Delivery of Baby A vaginal delivery is more active for the mother. Once she goes through labor and is fully dilated, she will feel an urge to push her baby out. Typically she will push with her contractions, eventually pushing the baby down and out through the vagina, followed by the afterbirth, including the placenta. Depending on the speed of the birth and the size of the baby, the mom may experience some tearing around the perineum. These wounds will need to be stitched up by the doctors. If the mother desires, the baby can be placed directly on her chest after being born, before being whisked away to the warming table to be cleaned and weighed. Though some women who experience vaginal deliveries have major complications, they are usually easier to recover from than c-sections. Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, new mothers will likely need additional support from their partners, extended family, and friends to accomplish many chores, including driving and household activities, such as lifting laundry baskets. All new mothers, however, need a great deal of support and understanding from their loved ones during the postpartum recovery period. Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help Women Recovery Faster from a C-Section? After Birth One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section childbirth is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend a corset or girdle to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. According to Bellefit reviews, the abdominal binder speeds healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for postpartum recovery after c section. Sometimes the pain associated with recovery can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Women Wearing Postpartum Girdles After C-Section Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended. Watch Kristen, Mom of 4, Share her Postpartum Recovery Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets

When will I Fit into my Pre-Pregnancy Clothes Again? What a great question! Most women worry a little bit about this, and the answer is highly individual. How long it takes you to return to your pre-pregnancy clothes depends on several factors, including: How much weight you gained during pregnancy, How active you are, and what body type you have. If you eat healthy foods and get moderate exercise, you should begin to lose your baby weight fairly quickly. Some women who breastfeed lose most of their weight quickly, but then hold on to about ten pounds until they wean their babies. There is no reason why you should not be able to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes within a year of your baby’s birth. After nine months of pregnancy, you are probably anxious to wear your “real” clothes again. As almost every woman knows, feeling good in your pre-pregnancy clothes can work wonders for your emotional state. Here are some tips: Wear your favorite items as much as possible. When you can, style your hair, and put on a little makeup, too. The early weeks and months of your baby’s life are an intense adjustment period for new mothers. Well-fitting clothes can’t help your baby sleep through the night but they can help you feel a little bit like your old self again! Getting Back to Pre-Pregnancy Shape After nine months of pregnancy, you are probably anxious to wear your “real” clothes again. Pulling out the clothes you packed away while you were pregnant may feel like a shopping spree! But don’t get too excited about your pre-pregnancy clothes too quickly. Most women need several weeks, or even months, before fitting into their pre-pregnancy wardrobe. What to Wear Home from the Hospital After Giving Birth When you are packing your bag for the hospital, make sure to pack something comfortable to wear when you go home. Most women still look about six months pregnant in the first few days after birth, so choose your outfit accordingly. Packing something that you feel comfortable, yet beautiful, in will make your trip home all the more enjoyable. Whose Body is This? A few weeks after having your baby your body will begin to change. Wearing pants or shorts with wide, stretchy waistbands will be most comfortable as your belly begins to shrink. If you’ve had a c-section, this type of clothing will ease some of the discomfort associated with your incision. Wearing underwear that comes up over your incision or rests below it will be more comfortable as well. If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you will want to wear tops that accommodate your larger chest size. You will also need nursing bras during this phase. It is important that you wear bras that fit properly and support your breasts. If you are able to, go to a store where you can be fit for the right size nursing bra. An ill-fitting nursing bra can contribute to blocked ducts or discomfort as your breasts change size throughout the day. Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help? Woman Wearing Postpartum Girdle One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend them to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. According to Bellefit Reviews, the Abdominal Binder Speeds Healing Bellefit girdles also support the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for women who have had c-sections. Sometimes the pain associated with childbirth recovery from natural birth or c-section can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended. I wore my Bellefit every day as long as I could, and while taking care of the kids. It was so helpful for me, picking up my son who was 13 months when the twins were born and it not hurting my separated abdominals. Alexandra H. I heard about Bellefit long before I even conceived and knew that I would purchase a corset whenever I did have a child because the before/after pictures showed amazing results. Dana H. Mom Gets Back into Her Pre-Pregnancy Clothes with the Help of Bellefit This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles