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The past year has brought a host of changes with it that have been quite unwelcome for most people. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on economies around the world, thrown millions out of work, and turned much of the way we work and live on its head. For some, this change has been welcome, and for some, not so much. It has made life more complicated, even at the simplest levels. Going to the grocery store requires bringing and wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer at multiple steps of the process, and staying socially distanced through the whole process. If something so simple can be made complicated when a health pandemic strikes, how is something so much more complicated like childbirth different during a pandemic? Delivery Location You will need to choose a delivery location close to you and one that has everything needed for delivering your baby. Likely, you have already chosen a hospital or medical center. Another thing to consider during this process is whether the delivery location is equipped to handle a birth during the pandemic and whether you will feel comfortable there. Visiting Policy It is highly recommended that a support person accompany you to the hospital, and be there for the birth of your child, during and after. Outcomes are often improved by having someone with you. Unfortunately, due to the current health pandemic, many hospitals or medical centers are not allowing anyone to accompany you. It is best to check the visiting policy of your delivery location ahead of time so that you know what to expect. If you are not ok with their visiting policy, then it is best to choose another location as long as it suits you and has the capability of protecting both you and your baby with the necessary precautions such as personal protective equipment and isolated spaces for the delivery. Food Due to the policies around visitors and the person that may want to accompany you, your delivery location may have specific policies around food and how to get it. To keep everything sanitized, most hospitals and medical centers will wrap their food in plastic as well as any cutlery. There will also likely be restrictions on when and where any visitors can get food. In some cases, your support person may not be able to leave for food or clothes to reduce the risk of exposure or infection to the coronavirus. You and your support person should plan to stay in the hospital for a few days at least. What to Expect When Arriving When you arrive at the hospital or medical center, you will likely be rushing and everything will be very exciting. At the same time, you might be nervous because of the pandemic. Luckily, hospitals are a sanitary and controlled environment in which to give birth, and you can trust that they will have the necessary precautions in place to protect you, your baby, and your support person. Who is Allowed In the Room? Your support person may or may not be allowed in the room with you, and this will largely depend on the delivery location’s policy. Since you will both need to be tested before entering, if your support person tests positive for the coronavirus, then it is unlikely they will be allowed in the hospital, let alone the delivery room. While in the room, social distancing (as much as possible) will be necessary. Your support person will be allowed in the room, but will likely need to stand away from the delivery area as the nurses and doctors are working. Measures In Place to Protect Mother and Baby The hospital is focused on protecting all patients, so you will not need to worry about your health as long as you follow the safety guidelines they have put in place. Personal protective equipment will be used by nurses and doctors, and sanitization and social distancing are paramount in any medical setting. You might also need to wear a mask to help protect the health of the nurses and doctors assisting in the birth of your baby. It may be uncomfortable, and make the delivery more awkward, but protecting the healthcare workers who are protecting you is paramount to everyone’s health and safety during this pandemic. What About Breastfeeding? Breastfeeding shouldn’t be an issue if you have been infected with or test positive for the coronavirus. Your healthcare professional will be able to advise you on what to do and whether you should or should not breastfeed. Expect the Unexpected It is normal to have a plan and want to be prepared for the birth of your child. It is the beginning of a new life and you have prepared both literally and in your mind for this special moment. Although your plan is in place, you should expect things to change. The pandemic has upended many normal things in our lives, and with that has come to the complication of managing the health risks of the coronavirus while trying to live a normal life. Anxiety and concern are normal through all of this. Expect the unexpected, and remember that your baby is only the one directing the plan, so don’t worry if something doesn’t happen the way you thought it would. Your doctors, nurses, and support person will all be there to help you along the way. Sources: https://www.whattoexpect.com/news/pregnancy/giving-birth-during-coronavirus-stories/ https://uvahealth.com/services/covid19/birth-coronavirus-faqs

The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can be a particularly difficult time. Whatever your reasoning for the transition we are here to help. In this article, we will discuss why you may want to transition, when you should transition, and how to do it. Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding For some women, it can be a hard emotional journey to transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. For other women, they can’t wait to make the transition. In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively breastfeeding for 6 months, and more if you are able. However, some women are unable to do this. Don’t feel bad if you cannot do it, and don’t feel guilty if you want to transition them earlier. All situations are different and require you to make a decision--welcome to parenting. There are many reasons that women choose to transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Your child may not be growing enough on just breast milk, or you may not be producing enough milk to satisfy them. Similarly, you could just be tired of nursing or you cannot get enough time to pump at work. Whatever the reason, we are here to help. Partial vs Full Weaning With breastfeeding, there doesn’t have to be an all-in mentality. If you want to continue breastfeeding, you can always try partial weaning. This means that part of the day you are breastfeeding and part of the day they are being bottle-fed. Many women choose to breastfeed at night and bottle feed throughout the day. If this seems like a route you would like to take, these tips will still be helpful. When Should Your Baby Be Transitioned From Breastfeeding To Bottle Feeding? Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding depends on you and your baby’s preference. Most children will begin to wean themselves around 9-12 months, but some children may want to continue breastfeeding into their toddler stage. In general, making the transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding should be led by your child. Listening to your child’s cues paying attention to their preferences can make weaning much easier. However, you can still decide to wean them before they are ready, it just may take a longer time. As stated earlier, the AAP recommends waiting until they are at least 6 months old, but if you want to do it earlier, you are able to. Some women don’t breastfeed at all. The decision is ultimately up to you. How do you Wean A Baby? The transition from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can take a while. Make sure you start weaning your baby a few months before you want them to be weaned. Take it slow and steady, not only will this help your child from fussing, but it will help prevent any pain from engorged breasts. When you are beginning the transition, replace one feeding with a bottle feeding or slowly decrease the amount of time they breastfeed. For example, try feeding them from the bottle first. If they drink from it a little bit and then reject it, you can allow them to breastfeed. Gradually increase the amount of time they feed from the bottle before they get your breastmilk. Once they have adjusted to this (it may take a couple of days or a week) you can then replace another feeding. Gradually you will replace all of your child’s feedings with a bottle-feed. This slow and steady approach is a tried and true method to weaning your baby. Throughout the transition process, make sure you are paying attention to how your baby is reacting. If they are becoming fussy, not going to sleep, or becoming moody they may not be ready. Some children are easy to wean, but some are not. Even if you are going slowly, some babies may still resist the transition to bottle-feeding. Tips for Transitioning from Breastfeeding to Bottle Feeding These tips for transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding can increase your chances of success. Transition using breastmilk. Some children may reject the taste of formula and will not take a bottle because of this. When you are in your early stages of the transition, try using breastmilk in the bottle. This will allow your child to become comfortable with the bottle, and make it easier once you do switch to formula. Try different positions. Some children are very particular about the way they feed. Try to keep them in the same position when they are bottle-feeding. Similarly, if they are not positioned correctly they can get reflux. This is uncomfortable and can prevent them from wanting to bottle-feed. Try different bottles. There are a variety of different bottles available on the market. Some of them have rounded nipples, others are pointier. Some of the nipples are harder and some are softer. Your child may be unfamiliar with the texture of the bottle and may reject it because of that. Try using different bottles to help with this. Try having someone else feed them. Babies who are used to being breastfed may reject a bottle if a breast is nearby. Try having someone else feed them from the bottle. Key Takeaways Transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding is a very personal choice. Make sure that you and your baby are ready and take it slow and steady. Slowly switch one feeding from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Then let them adjust before switching another feeding. Repeat this process until they are fully bottle-feeding. If you are having trouble with them taking the bottle, try out some of our tips. In addition, if they are waking up at night for a feeding, make your life easier by purchasing a Bellefit nursing bra. Bellefit’s nursing bra is a comfortable and supportive garment that takes the hassle out of late-night feedings. It comes with a clip-down panel that allows for easy access. It also catches any milk that may leak in the middle of the night. Keeping you comfortable and asleep. Don’t suffer through sleepless nights, make your nightly feeds easier with Bellefit’s nursing bra.

The first time you feel your baby move is one of the most magical moments of pregnancy. Being able to feel the small kicks and jabs of your baby moving around is incredibly rewarding. Many first-time mothers can’t wait to experience it and wait with anticipation. If you are wondering when you will feel your baby move while pregnant, continue reading to find out! When will the baby move The term “quickening” refers to the moment during your pregnancy when you can begin to feel the baby move. When you feel your baby move is different for every woman and varies wildly. In general, women will begin to notice their baby move around 18-22 weeks into pregnancy. However, some women may feel the baby move as early as 16 weeks or as late as 25 weeks. The feeling of a baby moving around is very similar to gas, stomach, or hunger pains. For this reason, it is not uncommon for first-time mothers to not feel any movement until around the 16-20 week mark. Similarly, second or third-time mothers may notice the movement earlier because they have become more attuned to the feeling in their previous pregnancies. What does it feel like when the baby moves? The feeling of a baby moving in your uterus is hard to describe. Some women claim it feels like butterflies, others say it feels like a small fish swimming around. Still, others say it feels like your stomach dropping on a roller coaster or even the feeling of bad hunger. For each pregnancy, your experience is bound to be different. This inability to describe the feeling of a baby moving is precisely the reason why many first-time mothers find it difficult to determine. Once you have figured out what is happening, you will feel over the moon with joy. When are you most likely to feel the baby moving? Most women discover that they can’t really feel their baby’s movements unless they are at rest. This is often because they are up and moving around, or their attention is focused on other things. The best time to feel a baby moving is when you are resting, eating, or anxious. When you are resting, you are more attuned to your body. If you are sitting on the couch or lying down for the night you may be able to feel the baby moving around a little better. In addition, any changes to your blood sugar or blood pressure can force the baby to move. After you have eaten your baby may suddenly perform some cartwheels in your stomach. Similarly, if you are stressed or anxious, your baby may start to move a bit more. Try to get a sense of how your baby reacts to each of these scenarios. How often should the baby move? There is no set standard as to how often or how strong a baby’s movements should be. Some babies are content to remain still for long periods of time, while others are more likely to move around all day. As your pregnancy progresses, you should be able to determine what is normal and abnormal for your baby. At around the 28-week mark, you should have a good gauge of what is normal for your baby. Should I monitor the kicks and movement? Some physicians recommend you monitor your baby’s movements starting around 28 weeks. The main reason for this is to help you determine if your baby is in distress or not. If a baby is in distress they will be less likely to move around, and their heartbeat may decrease. Your physician may want you to monitor your baby’s movement so that you can more quickly determine if anything is happening. This practice of counting kicks is becoming outdated, but if it helps you feel more at ease try it. In general, the standard is that your baby should move at least 10 times in two hours. What if the baby isn’t moving? There are a few different reasons that the baby may not be moving. If you have yet to reach the 25-week mark you may not be able to determine if the baby is moving. Similarly, if you have reached the 25-week mark, but are having trouble determining if the baby is moving wait a bit. As the baby grows larger, the feeling of its movement will be more distinctive and stronger. If you have grown accustomed to your baby’s movement, but you have not felt anything for a few hours don’t panic. Sometimes your baby is just asleep or they are just not very active during that time of the day. However, if your baby is typically active at night and they suddenly aren’t moving at night don’t be afraid to contact your physician. If your baby is moving less than normal, or you don’t feel 10 movements in a 2 hour period, try reaching out to your physician. They will be able to monitor your baby’s heartbeat and check on them to ensure everything is ok. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them multiple times throughout your pregnancy. The physician is there to help put you at ease and make sure your baby is healthy and happy. You always want to catch any problems early on in the pregnancy, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Key Takeaways You will likely begin to feel your baby move around the 18-22 week mark. As the pregnancy progresses you will become more attuned to your baby’s movements and be able to determine their normal and abnormal. You can try counting kicks to help you monitor your baby’s movements, and you should always contact your physician if something seems off. Pregnancy is hard, and postpartum recovery can be a long painful journey. Make it easier with Bellefit’s postpartum garments. Bellefit has comfortable underwear, nursing bras, and postpartum girdles to make your postpartum journey easy and pain-free. Don’t suffer through the pain alone, invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle today.

When you are pregnant with your first child, you can typically expect people to throw a baby shower for you. But what happens when this isn’t your first child? Enter the baby sprinkle. In this article, we will explain what a baby sprinkle is, etiquette, and give you some fun ideas for themes, games, and gifts. What is a baby sprinkle and is it different than a baby shower? A baby sprinkle is a smaller version of a baby shower. It is meant to help the mother-to-be stock up on all the newborn essentials. Unlike a baby shower, a baby sprinkle is more about celebrating the new child and less about ensuring the mom has all the proper equipment. Having a child can be expensive and there are many things that you need to get when you are expecting your first baby. Baby showers allow your friends and family to help get you all that you will need--- a crib, high chair, car seat, breast pump, etc.--to take care of your newborn. In contrast, a baby sprinkle is less grand and more subdued. A second-time mom (or 3rd or 4th) won’t need all new equipment; she already has a crib and a car seat. So, a baby sprinkle is designed to help her stock up on the essentials or anything that her other child is still using. This can include things such as diapers, wipes, onesies, formula, stroller, a car seat, etc. Baby sprinkle etiquette There are a few things to remember when you are hosting a baby sprinkle. Baby sprinkles are much more low-key than a baby shower. The parents-to-be already have the majority of their big items so they will likely only need smaller gifts. The guest list can be kept to a minimum and the gifts can be smaller. The baby sprinkle is more about celebrating a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkles don’t tend to have a registry. This may not be true for all sprinkles though. If there is a long period of time in between the two children, it is very possible that the parents-to-be got rid of their baby’s old things. Now they may need the big-ticket items, so it is perfectly appropriate to have a registry; but in general, a registry isn’t needed. The host should not be the mother-to-be or either of the grandmothers. This is true for all baby showers and it is also true for a baby sprinkle. Don’t add any more stress to their already stressed-out life. Be prepared to explain. Baby sprinkles are a relatively new phenomenon and many people will not understand what it is. The typical etiquette is that baby showers are reserved for the first baby. So, many guests can be confused as to why they are being invited to a second one. Make sure that the guests understand that this is a get-together to celebrate a new life, and not to ‘shower’ the mother with gifts. Put gift ideas on the invitation. Because many people have never been to a sprinkle before, they will likely not know what to bring. Make sure to list gift ideas on the invitation so that they know what is expected. How To Plan A Baby Sprinkle Baby sprinkles are a much more casual affair and don’t require a lot of planning. However, you can still have fun with a baby sprinkle and keep it informal. A baby sprinkle typically lasts about 2 hours instead of a whole afternoon. This makes it easy to have a small get-together like a birthday party. Instead of catering, just have a few light snacks. Invite the closest friends and family--including the male relatives--and allow their children to join too. A baby sprinkle should be a fun, small celebration of the new baby that is on the way. Baby Sprinkle Party Themes and Ideas To make a baby sprinkle feel a little bit more special try adding a theme to the decor. Some fun baby sprinkle themes include A Sprinkle of Rain - include clouds and rain imagery in the decor Sugary Sweet Sprinkles - coat a cake with jimmies, and use colorful polka-dots on the decor Growing Family - Use lots of flowers, seeds, and plants to show the growing family New Drafted Player - Add a sports element to the party to show that a new member is going to be added to the team. Baby sprinkle games If you have ever been to a baby shower you are probably aware of how crazy baby shower games can get. People get competitive and it can become a little rowdy. Baby sprinkles are more relaxed. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun games, but they are probably not going to get too out of control. Baby sprinkle games tend to be more creative and fun instead of competitive. For example, you can have a onesie decorating contest and have a prize for the cutest onesie. You could also have everyone create a cute piece of art for the baby’s nursery. Similarly, you can forgo games altogether and opt for a fun advice box. This gives people an opportunity to write their best advice for a growing family and put it in a box for the parents to read later. A baby sprinkle is all about spending time with family and friends and getting excited for a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkle gift ideas Typically, there will be a small list of gift ideas that the parents are looking for on the invitation, but sometimes that is not the case. Other times, you may just want to give them a little something special. If you are attending a baby sprinkle and have no idea what to get the mother-to-be, here are a few ideas. Stick to the basics. You can never go wrong with the essentials. Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby powder, etc. Your gift might not be the most amazing or the most creative, but they will be the most grateful for it. Clothes. Clothes are another thing that parents will be grateful for. This is particularly true if the baby is the opposite gender of their previous child. If they are the same gender, then try going for larger clothes designed for one-year-olds. They may not be immediately useful, but they will be grateful later on. Big-Ticket Items. If you know that they don’t have a lot of the bigger items they will need, go ahead and get it for them. Maybe their stroller is only designed for one--get them one for two. That way there is enough room for the new baby and the other child. Gifts for Mommy. Trust us, a gift for mommy is going to go a long way towards keeping them sane. Especially in the last trimester. Get them a spa gift card, or a prenatal massage, or if you want to go the extra mile--a postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is designed to help support and compress the mother’s abdomen after giving birth. It promotes a faster healing time with less pain. A postpartum girdle is a perfect and thoughtful gift to get your friend or family member who is expecting. Because it is not something they would think to get for themselves, but they will thank you for it. Key Takeaways A baby sprinkle is a time to get celebrate the arrival of a new addition to the family. It brings together family and friends and helps the parents stock up on the essentials they will need. A baby sprinkle is much more relaxed than a baby shower, but cute themes and small games are always a plus. Make sure that you take the time to get the growing family a thoughtful gift and invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Trust us, they will be forever grateful.

Diaper bags--a necessity for any parent who is out and about. Your diaper bag is your portable nursery filled with all of the day-to-day essentials of raising a baby. You don’t want to leave the house without one but you also need to take the time to figure out what is essential for your diaper bag and what you can leave at home. Thankfully, parents have struggled for years figuring out this balance and we have collected all their advice into one place. In this article, we will list all the essentials for your diaper bag. Choosing a Diaper Bag Choosing a diaper bag is much more complicated than many people initially think it to be. You want to choose a bag that is a good enough size to hold everything you need but is not too cumbersome. Some parents choose to go with a duffel bag when going on longer trips and have a smaller bag for short trips. Whatever type of bag you choose it is the contents of that bag that make the difference. In today’s day and age, diaper bags can be fashionable and discrete. No more giant, multiple pockets, canvas bags bursting at the seams with diapers. There are multiple trendy options that look cute and are functional. Many parents choose to go with a backpack-style bag. This makes it easy to carry around, gives you plenty of room, and is easy for either parent to wear. What do you need from your diaper bag? In addition to the style of bag that you want, you also need to be mindful of what you need from your diaper bag. Are you going to use it for a few hours at the store? Are you going to use it on a cross-country flight? Do you need it for a toddler? All of these things need to be taken into consideration before choosing a diaper bag. Some parents have multiple diaper bag options at the ready and choose one that is most suited to their needs at that time. This can be too complicated for some people so they may choose to only use one diaper bag. Having a long and detailed list of essentials for your diaper bag can help you determine what type of bag you will need. Essentials for Your Diaper Bag There are multiple categories that you will need to consider when packing a diaper bag. You have the necessary diapers and changing essentials, food, clothes, medicine, extra items, toys, and the essentials for mom. For each category, we will break down the absolute necessities. Diapers and Changing Needs For this category the essentials for your diaper bag are Diapers - To calculate how many you will need to pack try doing one for every two hours you will be out. Then take a few extras just in case. Pack of baby wipes - An absolute necessity for your baby’s butt, your hands, and to wipe everything down in a public space. If you can’t fit a whole pack in your bag bring a few in a plastic bag but make sure they remain moist. Changing pad - Most diaper bags come with a changing pad, but if you need a large one, or don’t like the one that it comes with you can always get a different one. You will need a changing pad for areas where you need to change in public. This limits messes and keeps your baby clean and off of dirty public surfaces. Diaper cream - Travel size tubes are available for most diaper cream brands. Bag for dirty diapers - Bringing a bunch of plastic bags is beneficial for multiple reasons. You can put dirty diapers in them and you can put dirty clothes in them in case of accidents. This keeps the dirty separate from the clean and makes sure your bag doesn’t stink. Hand sanitizer - You never know where some stuff has been. Food and Clothes Food and clothes essentials for your diaper bag include Extra outfits - You never know what the day is going to bring so having an extra outfit (or two) is always a good idea. Light blanket/Nursing cover - To cover yourself while nursing or to cover the baby carrier/stroller in the sun. Snacks - You don’t want a hungry baby/toddler so having a few light snacks is beneficial. Burp cloth - For any messes that come with feeding a baby/toddler. Bottle/Sippy Cup with milk, water, or formula - Depending on how long you are out you will want to plan accordingly. For toddlers make sure you have some water or juice on hand for them to enjoy throughout the day so they don’t get dehydrated. Medicine and Extra Items For longer outings, it is a good idea to pack some medicinal essentials in your diaper bag. Travel first aid kit - make sure this includes band-aids, baby-safe pain relievers, antibiotic ointments, and a thermometer. Pacifier - To soothe a crying or fussy baby. Teethers - Particularly if your baby is going through the teething stage. Sunscreen/Bug Spray - Depending on the time of year and the weather this is essential. Toys - Particularly if you have a toddler this is necessary to keep them from fussing. This could be a small book for you to read, a stuffed animal (or a security toy), or a rattle. Essentials for the Parent Not only do you have to put all of your baby’s things in the diaper bag, but you also have to fit your stuff in there too. This should include anything you would normally put into a wallet or purse. For breastfeeding moms, you should also pack yourself an extra shirt (for leakage), breast pads, and other necessities for nursing. This can include a nursing bra just like the one that Bellefit has. It is comfortable, lightweight, and has an easy to clip down strap which makes feedings quick and hassle-free. Try one of our nursing bras today and see what a difference it can make in your routine. Key Essentials for Your Diaper Bag This list of essentials for your diaper bag can seem daunting at first, but many of these things can be left in your diaper bag. Before you head out just double check that everything you need is there and you are all set to go. This includes all of your diapers, clothes, wipes, sanitary stuff, food/water, personal effects, and nursing needs. We hope this has been a helpful list of things to pack and essentials for your diaper bag. Are there other essentials you would add to this list? Write them in the comments below!

You finally have a little semi-independent child walking around and now you are pregnant. How are you going to survive pregnancy with a toddler? Don’t panic quite yet. With the advent of the internet, the good thing is you are not alone in your struggles. Thousands of women, just like you, have struggled with the same thoughts and worries. Thankfully, we were able to pull together a list of the top tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Why surviving pregnancy with a toddler is harder You’ve been around the block before. You know what to expect when it comes to pregnancy and labor now. And while not every pregnancy is the same, you have a vague idea of what is to come. The only problem is now you have to contend with a toddler too. The difficult thing about being pregnant with a toddler is that all the things you used to cope during your first pregnancy are no longer an option. You can’t go take a nap for two hours or go for a quick stroll in the park -- you have a child to look after. Even when you are sick, nauseous, run-down, and tired you have to be there for your toddler. You will have less time to be by yourself and you now have to take care of a child. So how do you survive? Tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler Obviously many women have done it before, but how did they do it without losing their minds? Between your doctor’s appointments, your toddler’s schedule, and your partner how will you have enough time to just be yourself? It’s hard. And it can be mentally and physically draining at times, but there are ways you can get through it with your sanity intact. Schedule Personal Time Make sure that you schedule personal time. This means time for yourself to do whatever you want to do. Maybe you want to take a nice bath or go to lunch with some friends--it doesn’t matter what you do. Just make sure you are taking the time to be an independent person. You can’t do the dishes, the laundry, cook, clean, grow a baby, and raise a child without needing some time to yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes by yourself in the bathroom give yourself a breather to maintain your individuality. Get Help From Others As we said, you can’t do everything in the house by yourself. It is unrealistic and it is unfair to expect you to do everything. Make sure you are getting help from others--whether that be a partner, a friend, a sibling, or a parent. It might feel selfish or like you aren’t being the best you can be by reaching out for help but it is necessary. You need to be the best version of yourself for your child and your growing baby. That means not running yourself ragged. Nap Does your toddler have a scheduled nap time? Take a nap with them. Pregnant women need approximately 8-12 hours of sleep a night. It can be hard to get that when you are getting up to check on your child or suffering from pregnancy discomfort. That’s why naps are so important. Even a small 30-minute nap can mean a big difference in your energy levels later in the day. Encourage Independent Play Independent play is going to be a lifesaver to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Try to encourage your toddler to play with toys or do things that don’t require a lot of your attention. That way you can do the dishes while they play in the living room or you can go to the bathroom while they draw with crayons. Choose activities that you don’t to be an active participant in. This can also help them get used to playing by themselves and make it an easier transition when the baby comes. Find Different Ways To Play If you do need to be a part of their playing try to find ways to play while relaxing. Maybe lie down while they play doctor and diagnose/examine you. Or maybe watch a movie together. While they are entertained you relax and sit/lay down. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up relying on screens more frequently than you prefer. It is ok to need time off and it is ok to get that by sitting your child down with an iPad. It’s not the end of the world and you aren’t a bad parent for doing it. So don’t beat yourself up. Your health and sanity are just as important as your childs. Schedule Daycare/Babysitting Some days you are just going to want a break. On those days try to schedule a babysitter or a visit to daycare for a few hours. You will get some time to yourself and your child gets to have fun and play. Go To The Library One of the best ways to get your child entertained, and get time to relax, is by going to the library. Most libraries have reading circles or interactive events designed for children. This can help you survive pregnancy with a toddler. Do Some Prep For The Next Day A great way to stay on top of things and to relieve extra stress is by prepping for the next day. While your child is asleep in bed or taking a nap, you can prepare some morning meals or all of tomorrow’s meals and pop them in the fridge. This prevents you from having to spend that extra time tomorrow and allows you to be prepared for any last-minute things. Surviving Postpartum After giving birth you are going to be confronted with a whole new set of challenges. You are now going to be taking care of a baby and a toddler and you will still be recovering postpartum. Let Bellefit take away one of those worries and invest in a postpartum girdle today. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to speed up the postpartum recovery process. Leaving you feeling back to your normal self sooner than you would have without it. That leaves you with one less thing on your plate to worry about.

When will your baby bump show? It’s official - you’re pregnant! Amidst all the joy and excitement there is probably an undercurrent of stress and nerves. You likely have a million questions running through your head and one of them is most likely when will my baby bump show? If you aren’t quite prepared to tell the world yet then the good news is it won’t be for a little while. If you are ready for your baby bump photoshoot you may be disappointed that you will have to wait a bit. No matter what the situation is - your belly is going to start to grow and you probably want to know what to expect. In this article, we discuss when your bump will show, factors that affect it, and how to navigate your growing body. When will your baby bump show? Every woman and everybody is different, so there is no specific answer for when you will start to show, but we can give you a general timeline. Around the 3 month mark, your baby will be a significant size. Your uterus will probably start to expand to accommodate the baby so you may notice a little bump. This bump will probably not be noticeable to most people - and will likely just look like you are a little bloated. As you reach the 16-week mark, this is where you will most likely start to show the most. And by the time you are 20-24 weeks, you should have a nice little bump to show off. Factors that influence when your baby bump shows There are many factors that influence when your baby bump shows. Your height, weight, number of babies, number of pregnancies, uterus location, and your fitness level will all influence your baby bump debut. Height: How tall you are can affect how quickly your bump will become visible. If you have a shorter torso your bump will probably show faster. If you have a longer torso your uterus can grow upwards before it grows out which can lengthen the amount of time before your bump shows. Weight: If you have a larger percentage of body fat you may not show as quickly as others who have a low percentage of body fat. Number of Babies: If you are pregnant with twins you will see your baby bump much sooner than someone with a singular pregnancy. This is because your uterus has to expand twice as much over the same period of time to accommodate the two babies. The same logic applies to triplets, quads, quints, etc. Number of Pregnancies: If this is your first baby you will probably show later than your subsequent pregnancies. This is because your uterus never fully shrinks back down after your first pregnancy. So, you will be starting off with a bigger uterus than your first pregnancy. Uterus location: This sounds odd, but the location of your uterus can make a difference in when you show. Your uterus can be tilted away from the front of your abdomen which means it takes a longer time to expand out and show. In contrast, your uterus can also be tilted toward the front of your abdomen. This means that when it expands out it shows almost immediately. Fitness Level: Surprisingly, your fitness level also comes into play. If you are a fitness buff and have well-defined abdominal muscles you will probably not show until later in your pregnancy. The reason for this is because your uterus is hidden behind your abdominal muscles. This makes it take longer for your baby bump to show. Some women who are extremely fit don’t even show until they are a few weeks from their due date. All of these factors come into play when your baby bump is growing. That is why there is no hard and fast rule for when your baby bump will show. When will your baby bump show in subsequent pregnancies? If you have been pregnant before then chances are you will be more likely to show earlier in your pregnancy than you did in your first one. The muscles in your abdomen and your uterus have already gone through the pregnancy process. Because of this, your body is more pliable and ready to experience the change again. This means that your pregnancy will begin to show sooner. On the bright side, your pregnancy will also probably have a quicker labor too! What to do in the awkward baby bump stage Before you really begin to show (around the 16-20 week mark) you may notice your bump beginning to grow. This can often cause some discomfort with mothers as they become self-conscious of their little bump. Many women don’t like the appearance of the small bump because it makes them feel like they look bloated. The best way to conceal your small bump is to wear flowy clothing or large sweaters. The flowing fabric will conceal a growing bump and the thick sweaters do the same thing. As your bump gets bigger, you will reach another awkward stage. The stage where you are not quite big enough to wear maternity clothing. But you are also not quite small enough to fit into your regular clothes. The biggest problem you will have is with pants. The best tip we can give is to unbutton your pants. Put one end of a hairband around the button, and put the other end through the hole and around the button again. This will hold your pants in place. Just a long shirt and you are all set to go. In addition, you can always try out a Bellefit prenatal support panty. These are panties that go up around your belly and support your abdomen with the extra weight. Bellefit has some available in addition to a support camisole. Baby Bump Not Showing Many women tend to panic when their bump isn’t showing as fast as they prefer. They think that something may be wrong with them or they may grow concerned with other people’s comments. Don’t fret too much. Every body is different and every pregnancy is unique. Your body may just not show very much. There are some women who hardly show at all throughout their entire pregnancy. Trust what your physician says. If they say that your baby is healthy, then you are fine. There is nothing to worry about, but if you do have concerns talk to your doctor about them. Main Takeaways Pregnancy is a unique and different experience for each and every woman. There are many factors that go into determining when your baby bump will show. Including weight, height, number of babies, number of pregnancies, uterus location, and fitness level. Don’t worry if your bump isn’t showing as soon as you would want it to. As long as your physician says you have a healthy baby there is nothing to worry about. Investing in some fashionable maternity clothes and garments can do wonders with helping you feel confident and comfortable in your pregnant body. Try out some of Bellefit’s prenatal garments and discover why so many women love our brand.

Postpartum self-care is an essential part of your post-pregnancy recovery. You have waited months for this little bundle of joy to come into your world. Now that they are here you just feel exhausted. It can feel selfish to take care of yourself when you have a newborn. But it is necessary in order to recover emotionally, mentally, and physically. When is Postpartum? The period after you give birth and before you have healed back to your pre-pregnancy self is known as the postpartum period. This period of time can be very tough on mothers. The change from pregnancy, to labor, to mother is a difficult transition and your body is filled with hormones, emotions, and pain. While it can be difficult, it can also be a beautiful time too. Your baby is finally here, you are so excited and so in love with your new child, and all you want to do is stare at them and enjoy their presence. The overwhelming need to care for your new baby can override any inclination to care for yourself and before you know it - you haven’t showered in 4 days. Making sure that you are staying healthy, both mentally and physically, is the key to an enjoyable postpartum journey. Adjusting to Life After Birth The first few days at home with your newborn are going to be a major adjustment. You will have to develop a sleep schedule, and eating/feeding schedule, and plan out time for your partner/other children. You can easily neglect your other duties because you are completely focused on your new baby, but sooner or later you have to face them. The dishes will pile up, the trash will have to be taken out, you won’t have any more clean underwear, and your body will physically ache from labor. Not every mother’s postpartum journey is the same. Some women may get the “baby blues.” The "baby blues" cause crying, sadness, irritability, moodiness, restlessness, and insomnia. Often time this subsides after a couple of weeks when your hormones begin to balance back out again. If you are experiencing these things after a couple of weeks postpartum, you may have postpartum depression. If you think you may have postpartum depression talk to your doctor. It is going to take time and energy to develop a new routine, but you will eventually fall into one and be able to establish a new way of life. Postpartum Self-Care (Mentally) Postpartum self-care is so important in order to have a healthy postpartum recovery that we wanted to give you a few tools for success. Enlist some help. This could be your partner, your friend, your neighbor, your family, or hired help. Ensure that you have people you can rely on to help out. If you need to sleep in one day, have your partner give the baby and bottle and give you time to relax. Maybe you need to take a nice long bath, have a family member watch them while you do. Having someone to help around the house or do the grocery shopping can decrease your stress levels immensely. Find a Get-Away Space. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You don’t have to have a spa or a zen garden, but find a place where you can go and relax. It can be incredibly overwhelming to take care of a baby all day, make sure you have a place that calms you and resets your day. Maybe this is a chair by the fireplace, maybe it is the outside patio, perhaps it is just your bathroom. The only requirement for space is that it makes you feel calmer just by being there. Have an Activity. According to psychologists, there is power in relaxation activities. This means that having a hobby to partake in, at least once a day, helps to relax your brain and your body. It can be tempting to go and rush through the chores while your baby is sleeping, but what would make you feel relaxed during that time? Perhaps you just want to watch one episode of a show, or maybe you love to knit, or read a good book - find something that makes you happy and excited to do - it might even be sleeping. Spend Time with your Partner. With all of the stress that comes with a new baby, it can be easy to put your partner on the back burner. Healthy relationships require time and work and if you put those aside it can bring up feelings of resentment. Make sure your partner and you do things that you enjoy together. Spend a night in and watch a movie together, go out to a restaurant for a date night, or maybe cook a meal together - do something you both enjoy and have fun. Be Kind to Yourself. Being a new mother and having a baby is a full-time job, and it can sometimes feel like you are not getting anywhere. This can bring up feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration - but be kind to yourself. Celebrate small victories and set realistic goals. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t lose the baby weight or if you don’t have time to throw a party - your journey is not the same as anyone else’s. Postpartum Self-Care (Physically) While mental health is important in the postpartum period, physical health is just as important. We wanted to give you a few tips to ensure you take care of yourself physically after labor. Follow your Doctor’s Orders. Whether you give birth vaginally or through cesarean section your body will have to heal after labor. Some women may even have stitches they need to take care of. Make sure you are following the directions of your doctor or doula in order to properly care for your body after labor. Get Outside and Walk. Walking outside helps not only your physical health but it also helps your mental health. Walking will help keep you active during a time when you can’t do any vigorous exercise. You can go for a walk around your neighborhood, or go to the park, or visit with friends at a coffee shop. There is no limit to where you can go. Eat Wholesome Nutritious Foods. It can be tempting to cut back on calories, but you still need to eat - particularly if you are breastfeeding. No matter if you are breastfeeding or not, you need to make sure your body has all the proper nutrition. This will help it return to its healthy state. Drink Plenty of Water. I know that it seems obvious, but many new moms forget to drink water throughout the day. You need to stay hydrated in order to feel your best and stay healthy. Sleep. Sadly, getting enough sleep is a struggle for mothers with newborns. Their baby will cry to be fed throughout the night and it can be hard to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night. Make sure that you try your best - even if that means taking naps throughout the day. Similarly, try to get someone to take care of your baby while you sleep in one morning. Use a Postpartum Girdle. Postpartum girdles are garments that are designed to ensure your body heals properly after your labor. They are used after vaginal or c-section birth and help to keep your abdominal muscles in place as they heal back together. They can be worn during exercise or throughout the day to ensure you maintain proper posture and don’t strain yourself. This can help you heal faster and reduce your postpartum swelling. Try one from Bellefit today. Takeaway At the end of the day, postpartum self-care is a necessary part of the postpartum recovery journey. Your body, and your life, will be going through so many changes that it can cause whiplash. Make sure you are taking time for yourself in the midst of all this change. Ground yourself in activities you enjoy and make sure your body is healing properly. As long as you are doing these things - your postpartum journey should be a breeze.

In recent years homeschooling has been increasing in popularity among many parents. This year in particular, as the COVID-19 pandemic rages through America, more parents are considering the idea of homeschooling their children. At Bellefit, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about homeschooling your kids. What is Homeschooling? According to the National Home Education Research Institute, approximately 2 million children are homeschooled in the United States alone. Homeschooling, also known as home education is when children are taught outside of a public or private school environment. Homeschooling does not necessarily mean that the children are being taught in the home, but that the household has control over what they are learning, how they are learning, and when they are learning it. Why Homeschooling? There are a variety of reasons that parents may decide that homeschooling is the best option for their child. The two most common reasons behind homeschooling are dissatisfaction with local schools and interest in increased involvement with their child’s education. Dissatisfaction with the local schools can be for multiple reasons including concerns about the school environment, the quality of education, the curriculum, bullying, racism, and the school's ability to cater to their children's special needs. Some families may choose to homeschool because they dislike the secular nature of public schools and want to include more religious influences in their child’s education. Parents may also be concerned that the school environment does not fit their child's needs. This includes students who have learning disabilities or have special needs. Interestingly, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics determined that the number of African-American families has risen to 300,000 children. Some of these black families cite their decision as dissatisfaction with the suppression of African-American history/voices in the school curriculum. Requirements for Homeschooling There are many questions when it comes to who can homeschool and what is required of them. In the United States, the legal requirements vary from state to state. Some states require nothing for homeschooling. Other states require children to attend standardized tests at certain intervals throughout the year. Most states have no requirement that a parent has to be a licensed educator or even have a degree in education. If the parent wants to teach them at home all they need is a desire to do so. For parents whose children have not yet gone to school, they can begin the homeschooling process as soon as the child reaches school age. For others who are looking to take their child out of a school environment and homeschool them, there are more hoops to jump through. A parent must write a letter with their intent to remove the child from school. Once the child is homeschooled they must follow their district's education guidelines. Pros of Homeschooling Before Making a Decision on homeschooling, people often like to look at the pros and cons of the topic. These are the pros of homeschooling: Flexibility - You are able to teach when, where, and how you want to. Homeschooled students follow the typical school year with breaks for summer and holidays. However, some homeschooled children are taught year-round. The flexibility of the school year and the school day often appeals to many parents. Direct Role in What they Learn - When homeschooling you are able to choose exactly what they learn and do not learn. This can be particularly appealing to families who are trying to include more religious influences into their child’s education. One-on-One Help - Teachers have to work in a one-to-many environment at school. They have to teach multiple students at a time. If a child is not understanding a topic they may fall behind. In contrast, homeschooling allows you to teach at their pace. If they understand one topic really well, you can easily fly through it. This gives them more time to work on another topic they struggle with. Fewer Distractions - In a classroom there are plenty of other children and objects that may take away your child’s attention from learning. With homeschooling, you can limit the number of distractions and get them back on track. Cons of Homeschooling While there are many pros of homeschooling, there are also a few cons. Dynamic Changes in Household - If you choose to homeschool you are taking on the role of parent and teacher. This can be difficult to navigate sometimes as you will have to create lessons, organize field trips, coordinate activities with other homeschoolers, and make sure you are compliant with state and local requirements. This is in addition to your normal duties as a parent. Socialization - The downside of homeschooling is that they may not get to interact with other children on a daily basis. Many home-schooled children end up meeting and hanging out together. However, it can still be hard for them to form lasting relationships. Less Time for Yourself - Due to all of your increased duties you will have less time for yourself. This can become stressful and you can burn out easily if you are not careful. It Can be Difficult to Work - Many parents end up having to tighten their purse strings because they are living off of a single income. This is not the case for all parents. Some may choose to use an online homeschooling service so they can work. Some parents still find it difficult to balance the two. Planning a Curriculum With so many families choosing to do homeschool, there are a wide variety of options available to them. This includes options with curricula and resources. There are multiple options available depending on your philosophy, learning approach, or time available to teach. Parents typically adhere to the basic subjects taught in a school curriculum. They may dive deeper into a subject if their child demonstrates interest in it. The flexibility available to parents who homeschool allows for them to teach what they think is in their child’s best interest. It also allows students to receive an individualized approach to learning that matches their unique interests or strengths. Takeaway Homeschooling has become increasingly popular in the past 50 years. Parents enjoy the flexibility it allows them and the ability to create their own curriculum at home. Hopefully, this article has helped you make an informed decision about what is best suited to you and your lifestyle. We at Bellefit know that education begins the minute you come home with your newborn. We want to ensure you are pain-free and ready to take on your new role as a mother. Make sure you are getting the support you need with any of our postpartum garments. Keeping you looking and feeling your best.

Among the many milestones in your baby’s life worth celebrating, your baby's first words are music to your ears. You’ll want to capture their babbling throughout their earliest stages of life because you know that you’ll soon hear words you can recognize such as “Momma,” “Dadda,” and “Baba.” Having them try to express themselves in a way that doesn’t involve crying is something you’ll cherish and want to record on audio or video so you can show them once they’re older. Table Of Contents "> Babies Start to Speak Between 9 and 14 Months of Age How to Encourage your Baby to Speak! Babies Learn to Say No Very Soon Document Your Baby's First Words Be Your Best Self, so They Can Too! Use this list to refer to whenever you’re expecting to hear your baby’s first words. It gives you an idea when to expect your child to speak as well as ideas on ways to encourage them to speak more than just baby talk. Babies Start to Speak Between 9 and 14 Months of Age When do babies say their first words? You’ll hear them making sounds prior to saying their first words. They’re mimicking the sounds that they hear in their environment until they’ve reached about eight months in age. That’s when they start trying to formulate their first words. You’ll hear them say very simple words between nine months and fourteen months of age. How to Encourage your Baby to Speak! Your encouragement can help your baby saying first words quite early. If you want to foster a love for communication in your child, there are things you can do. For example, speaking slowly, clearly, and enunciating words helps them become familiar with the sounds you make. Stating that things belong to a specific person such as Mommy, Daddy, Sissy or Brother helps, too. They start to learn the names of the people they spend time with. You can also read books to them at an early age and watch age-appropriate TV shows that focus on vocabulary, singing, and repetition. It’s among the easiest ways that children learn. They love the sing-songy sound of words being strung together and it helps them remember what they’ve heard better. Babies Learn to Say No Very Soon You baby will take your head off, once they start speaking. Once your child starts learning more and more vocabulary, they’re likely to talk your head off. In fact, you’ll have a hard time believing that they didn’t speak. In fact, sometimes you’ll wish they never learned the word “No,” because it will quickly be their way of expressing defiance or disagreement with what you’ve asked from them. Document Your Baby's First Words Enjoy the first words of your child, even if you can't make out any meaning. Your baby’s first words may sound a little less like gibberish. It’s a milestone worth documenting no matter how you look at it. Even if they say “Daddy,” before they say “Mommy,” it’s worth recording and sharing with others because it’s quite the feat. Your little one will have plenty more to say in the upcoming months, so get ready for it! Sharing how your child is developing with family and friends is easy thanks to social media and the Internet. You can quickly press record on your smartphone and document the first time your child says different words or phrases. The people closest to you will delight in being part of you and your baby’s journey to becoming a well-spoken toddler. Be Your Best Self, so They Can Too! Encouraging your baby to start talking at the right age requires your attention, time and focus. After all, as a new mom you are going through many physical and mental transformations post delivery. Being a new mom can be stressful and overwhelming. A postpartum girdle or corset can help you get back to focusing on your new baby, while speeding up your recovery. The compression can help reduce swelling and provide back support that is much needed after labor. Invest in a postpartum girdle today to make sure you are taking care of yourself while taking care of them too. Bellefit® Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Doctor-Recommended since 2008. If you have been one of those proud moms, who helped their baby speak out their first words easily at the right age, we would love to hear back. Let us know some of the tricks and tips you used yourself.

Bringing home a new baby is an unforgettable experience — which is why our mission at Bellefit is to support women through their recovery, so they can cherish this time. Our postpartum girdles are designed to provide women abdominal support and pain relief with the broadest selection of sleek, medical-grade postpartum shape wear. C-section deliveries require major abdominal surgery. As a result, the recovery from c-sections will be very different from a vaginal birth experience. One way to speed your healing and added comfort is to wear a postpartum girdle or corset. We want to share the experiences of real c-section mommies who loved wearing their Bellefit girdles as they transition back into their pre-baby clothes. We'll also cover some common questions about wearing a Bellefit girdle after a c-section, and discuss the unique features of c-section-friendly compression garments, so you can choose the best girdle that suits your needs. Table Of Contents How Soon Can I Start Wearing A Girdle After Having A C-Section Delivery? How Does A Girdle Help With C-Section Recovery? Provides Abdominal and Back Support Decreases Pain With Medical-Grade Compression Allows For Deep Breathing To Reduce Stress Kim's C-Section Recovery With Bellefit Chelsea Experienced Pain Relief With Her Postpartum Girdle First Time Mom, Malva Recovers with Abdominal Binder After C-Section Bellefit Results Bellefit Makes You Feel Stronger Bellefit Makes You Feel Confident The Best Bellefit Girdles For C-Section Recovery How Soon Can I Start Wearing A Girdle After Having A C-Section Delivery? You can wear your postpartum girdle hours after giving birth. In fact, many doctors and nurses recommend it for c-section recovery. For the best results, you should wear your girdle day and night in the first few weeks of healing. You'll be able to adjust and tighten your girdle as your body changes in the months following childbirth. How Does A Girdle Help With C-Section Recovery? Provides Abdominal and Back Support The first few days with your new baby is an extraordinary experience, and it's the best time to begin bonding. Your abdominal wall is a lot weaker now after having surgery, so wearing a girdle around your midsection will give you support to your lower back and core muscles, allowing you to move around more comfortably and hold your baby. As you recover in the hospital for the next couple of days, nurses will encourage you to move around and increase circulation in the legs. The trouble is, the foundation of all movements begins at the abdominal muscles, and it's now at its weakest. A high-quality postpartum binder will help you feel secure and supported through your movements. Decreases Pain With Medical-Grade Compression Especially after the first 24 hours after c-section labor, you should support your wound with pressure. A compression garment designed for post-pregnancy provides constant pressure to the incision to assist you with hands-free compression for when you laugh with your baby and loved ones, sneeze, or use the washroom. Those actions can unexpectedly cause the abdomen to strain, which can accidentally rip your incision. Allows For Deep Breathing To Reduce Stress Breathwork is one of the best, natural pain-relieving strategies. Pain triggers the fight-or-flight response, which creates a surge of the stress hormone, cortisol. Improving your oxygen supply to your muscles activates the parasympathetic system (rest-and-digest mode) to ease anxiety, tension, and manage your pain. Wearing a post-pregnancy girdle improves your back posture to open up space for your diaphragm to expand, allowing you to take full, deep breaths. Now, let's get to the stories of our incredible Bellefit moms who experienced c-section deliveries. Kim's C-Section Recovery With Bellefit Kim during her third trimester. Kim began wearing her Dual-Closure Girdle on the third day postpartum. She also has the Bellefit Corset, which she wore a week after as she transitioned down in size. As a military wife, Kim needs every bit of energy she has to care for her new baby and her own needs, while her husband is away on duty. She loved how secure she felt in her movements while wearing her corset. "Bellefit Girdles helped me have an awesome recovery from my c-section! It gave me back support and the tightness I needed to tighten my belly! I love love love the Bellefit girdle and the results it has given me so far!” Kim holding her baby (5 weeks postpartum) Kim completed her postpartum recovery with Bellefit 8 weeks after her c-section — However, every woman and postpartum recovery is unique. Chelsea Experienced Pain Relief With Her Postpartum Girdle With Chelsea's first pregnancy, she had undergone an emergency c-section that caused her to suffer unbearable pain. She recounts even walking around the grocery was difficult, and she needed a wheelchair. She didn't know about Bellefit after her first c-section. When she was pregnant with her second child, she was determined to find the right products that would help her in her postpartum recovery. Chelsea came home three days after delivering her second child and immediately wore her Bellefit Abdominal Binder, designed for c-section births. This time her recovery experience was much more bearable. “I just felt so much better <...> I felt like I was able to walk around, get up and down the stairs a lot easier – even laughing, I didn’t feel like my stitches were gonna come out when I was wearing my girdle." First Time Mom, Malva Recovers with Abdominal Binder After C-Section Malva was amazed at how quickly her stomach bounced back to its pre-pregnancy size after wearing her girdle in just one week. “Not only that, the muscles in my belly were starting to feel hard again, <...> It was so comfy that I forgot I was wearing it, and another very big plus is that it improved my confidence. I was able to sit, bend over, lay down and I slept wearing it, too." Malva shows her photo at the peak of her pregnancy, just postpartum, and after wearing a Bellefit Abdominal Binder Bellefit Results Women who wear Bellefit typically experience two types of results which can happen within 1 – 12 weeks postpartum. Bellefit Makes You Feel Stronger The moment you put on your girdle, you’ll immediately feel the difference. Bellefit tightens your abdomen, providing relief to your weakened midsection. Being able to keep up with your baby and get back to exercising sooner is a liberating experience, which is why others are saying such great things about waist training post pregnancy. Abdominal Binder After C-Section alleviates pain Bellefit Makes You Feel Confident These garments are more than your typical shape-wear underwear, in that they provide medical-grade compression. But you can't deny how good you'll look in your Bellefit corset. The garments are sleek under clothing and are designed to trim your waistline and smooth the belly. Over time, women notice their abdomen is reducing in size as their postpartum swelling diminishes. Wearing Bellefit within the first year after giving birth will give you the best results. Now, let's briefly outline some features of the best post c-section garments. The Best Bellefit Girdles For C-Section Recovery Bellefit has the widest selection of FDA-registered postpartum girdles with 8 styles in sizes XS – 3XL. We'll go over the 7 best styles women love specifically for c-section recovery. Garment Style Features Corset • This is best for when swelling is at its peak• 3 row adjustable front hooks• Full rear coverage• Accessible crotch opening Dual-Closure Girdle • Excellent for swelling • 3 row adjustable hooks• Convenient padded zipper with anti-pinch• Full rear coverage• Medical-grade protection for c-section incision area• Accessible crotch opening for flow pads Bodysuit Corset • Best for long torsos• Full rear coverage• Open bust body suit• Adjustable and removable straps • 3 row adjustable front hooks Cheekster Corset • No-panty line cheekster-style panty• 3 adjustable front hook closures• Medical-grade protection for c-section incision area• Accessible crotch opening for flow pads Corset Thong • Thong-style panty• Adjustable and removable shoulder straps• Can be worn classic, cross-back, or strapless• Accessible crotch opening for flow pads Girdle with Front Zipper • Easy-to-fasten front padded zipper• Full rear coverage panty• Accessible crotch opening to accomodate heavy flow pads Girdle With Side Zipper • Seamless front, discrete under clothing• Padded side zipper • Accessible, adjustable crotch opening Bellefit Postpartum Girdles, Corsets & Abdominal Binders If you're looking for panty-less option waist trainers and abdominal binders, people also love Bellefit's selection in sizes XS – 4XL. Ultimately, shopping for the best c-section girdles for you will depend on your personal recovery needs and style preferences — You can rest assured that Bellefit has your needs in mind when designing these garments.

Parenthood is a full-time job, but it’s one for which we aren’t really compensated or evaluated in a substantial way. What would motherhood and fatherhood be like if we treated it more like a job? Compensation and Evaluation Can you imagine a job that required you to pay thousands and thousands of dollars over several decades without any compensation in return (except a measly tax cut)? Only parenthood fits that bill. There are so many aspects of parenting that require professional-level skills, from the art of the mess-free diaper change to the science of monster-under-the-bed extermination and more serious skills like providing boundaries and structure without going overboard. You aren’t going to get regular performance reviews, bonuses and raises for doing this job, either. Stay-at-home and working moms alike often feel unsure about what they’re doing, and unlike the professional world, there really isn’t an established channel you can go through to validate your decision-making. Nine To Five? Sounds Nice There is not 9-5 Monday to Friday when you are a parent. This is a 24/7 365 day job. Another aspect of parenthood that makes it more grueling than your average job? The hours. You’re never not a parent. Most people are able to walk away from their jobs and at least leave the bulk of their work behind. Some upcoming projects or coworker conflicts might stay on our minds over the weekend. It’s usually actually better if we can compartmentalize and leave that behind. But for most parents, especially stay-at-home moms and dads, there are no breaks unless you get a babysitter or family member to step in and help. And even then, you’re still on call 24/7.If only parents could get state-mandated lunch breaks (or shower breaks) and overtime compensation for late-night hours. The parents’ union probably wouldn’t get very far in collective bargaining over this issue. Ultimately, you’re in charge, and you’ve got to captain the ship even if its passengers are cranky and threatening a tantrum if they don’t get that box of cereal they want. The Real Boss Of course, saying that stay- or work-at-home moms aren’t being evaluated and compensated diminishes the role of the closest person to a “boss” you have: your kids. Your kids may not reward you financially (other than that tax cut) and they may not sit you down for a quarterly performance review, but they will let you know, often without even saying it, how you’re doing. Their Success in Life is Your Reward There is nothing more rewarding then a hug or kiss from your kids. Ask any parent seeing their child graduate, accept a professional award or get married to the love of their life. There are untold riches waiting for you in the form of pride, joy, love and happiness.You don’t even have to wait a decade or two to cash in on your investment in your child. From the first step to the first day of kindergarten, you can celebrate your child’s successes and accomplishments alongside them.You can see every hug, every scrawled crayon drawing, as a token of love more precious than any paycheck. You Might Also Like: 10 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms 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