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Pregnancy has its ups and downs, and they can make giving birth feel bittersweet in a way. Once your little one has arrived, you may end up missing some of the best parts of pregnancy, but chances are that you won’t regret being done with the worst parts. https://youtu.be/A2t0F2gWvhQ The Best Part Of Being Pregnant Extra Kindness and Care Every ordinarily grumpy folks can get a bit overprotective of the pregnant ladies in their lives, and strangers can get in on the act too. Special acts of kindness like people you’ve never met rushing to help you with heavy groceries or giving up their seats on a bus or family members giving you special treats and generally fussing over you in the best way possible, being pregnant really lets you see the best of the people around you. The Special Pregnancy Bonding Feel There’s nothing quite like that feeling of knowing that your child is growing inside you. Getting to actually meet your child is fantastic, but it makes sense that some moms miss the feeling of being pregnant thanks to this special just-the-two-of-us bond. Shopping for Adorable Baby Stuff Shopping is always fun, but it’s even more fun when you’re designing a whole new wardrobe and bedroom for a little person who hasn’t arrived in the world yet. For many parents, picking out different colors and cute prints is one of the most enjoyable parts of pregnancy (other than the sense of excitement and happiness, of course). The Worst Part Of Being Pregnant Physical Discomfort From morning sickness to weight gain and other issues, pregnancy isn’t necessarily a physically enjoyable experience. While not every pregnant woman experiences significant discomfort, most feel some sort of nausea, fatigue, pain or general weirdness at some point in the process. Pregnancy skin might look totally different from what you’re used to, and sleeping can also be more of a challenge. Nosy Nellies You know what they say about opinions—everyone has one, and they don’t know how to keep it to themselves when they see a pregnant woman. From pressuring you about breastfeeding to policing what you eat and how you exercise, unwanted advice is one of the least-enjoyable parts of pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is an almost entirely universal experience, and even some women who hated getting this kind of advice when they were pregnant will turn around and do it to others. Anticipation and Nervous Energy There is some excitement that’s naturally a part of most pregnancies, but many expectant parents also experience a good dose of anxiousness as well. Whether your concerns are financial, logistical or theoretical, this is also totally normal. Luckily, by the time you give birth you’ll already have moved past most of the things that tend to cause pregnant mamas some agita, including the actual delivery itself. From start to finish, pregnancy includes its blissful moments of enjoyment and its minor annoyances and major concerns. This balance is part of parenthood as well, so why not take the bad with the good and make the best of it? You Might Also Like: 5 Things I Wish I’d Known About Before My First Baby

Your very first prenatal visit can be a whirlwind experience. But, if you know what questions to ask first, it’ll be a lot easier. These five question suggestions can help guide you to a successful and well-informed relationship with your OBGYN. 1. Can I continue taking my current medications? If not, what alternatives are available? In most cases, you’ll likely be able to continue taking your current medications. However, there are some medications that can harm the fetus in utero. Be up front about everything you’re taking. This includes over the counter meds or supplements. Ask whether you can continue your current treatment regimen and find out what alternatives are available. If you are on medication for depression or anxiety, you’ll want to pay attention to the way the doctor responds to this question. Doctors who aren’t sympathetic to these valid mental health issues at the prenatal stage might not be proactive about postpartum depression either. If you already know you’re prone to this issue, that should be a red flag. Expectant mothers who need to stop taking medication for depression or anxiety should be referred to a therapist rather than simply left without any care at all during pregnancy. 2. Can you recommend any local prenatal classes? Find out from an expert rather than just going to Google. You can follow up on your doctor’s suggestions independently to see which one works best for you. 3. What emergency symptoms should I be aware of and when should I call you or seek emergency care? Your body is going to change a lot over the next several months. You’ll feel physical sensations you’ve probably never experience before. This can even be true if this isn’t your first pregnancy! That’s why it’s so important to know what’s a sign of something serious and what’s merely uncomfortable or weird. Fever, spotting and severe cramps can be warning signs. But don’t just ask about specific symptoms—let your doctor run down a list of what you need to be aware of. Follow that up by making sure you know exactly when the sensations you’re feeling are emergency level and when they’re not so serious that you can’t wait a few hours for an appointment. 4. How often do you recommend a Cesarean? Episiotomy? Labor induction? Find out where your OBGYN stands on issues such as episiotomy and other topics to get a sense for whether you’ll work well together. This question isn’t limited to the topics listed above. If there are any issues that are really important to you in childbirth, whether it’s going the natural route (or not), avoiding the use of forceps, using pain medication after delivery or delivering at home, you should ask about it and see whether the response you get is in line with your priorities. Remember, this is as much an interview as it is a doctor’s appointment. 5. Should I change my daily routine? Ask about specific cosmetic habits like painting your nails or getting spray tans. Include health-related routines like exercise and sex, diet, sleep and anything else that may need to change now that you’ve got a bun in the oven. If you do physical labor at work or anything else that might impact how your pregnancy progresses, be sure to ask about it.

You may be wondering when you should start feeding solids to your baby. It’s a legitimate question that requires a response. Knowing when to start feeding solid food to your child allows you to make the transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to eating with their hands or a spoon. The Transition from Liquid Foods to Solid Food When is the right time to introduce solid foods to your baby? So, when should you start introducing solid food to a baby? The answer is whenever the little one shows that he or she is ready. When they start to have interest in the things you eat and are four to six months of age, they’ll be ready to try some solid foods. Signs That Your Little One is Ready to Eat Solids If you want to know if your baby is ready to have a taste of their first solid foods, you’ll be able to tell by looking for specific signs. Here are the things that says you’ll notice in a child that is ready to make the transition from a liquid diet to a solid diet: They can hold their head up on their own. If they can’t, solid food could choke them. They can sit upright without slouching. Again, this is a safety tip. They can help the food travel to the back of their mouth with their tongue. It means they’re able to taste the food and receive the nutrients from it because they’re spitting less out. They’ve gained enough weight to digest the food properly. Babies under four months are too young and still developing. They want to taste the food, touch it or try to feed themselves it. Being curious about the foods they see others eating is a good sign that it’s time to let them start trying new things. What are some safe solid foods for your baby to try first? Now that you’ve identified signs in your child that indicate that they’re ready to move onto the next stage of eating, you’ll want to find some foods that they can try safely. One thing you can do is puree a food and leave it in its natural state without adding salt or sugar. Meat for breastfed babies is an ideal choice because of all the iron they got from breast milk. Beef, chicken, and turkey baby foods found at the grocery store can serve as first foods. You can also make your own: pureed sweet potatoes squash applesauce pears peaches, and bananas These all have the right texture and are foods that babies love. Mealtime for Baby is Easy to Plan as They Grow Because You Know What They Love After you find out what your baby likes to eat, meal time becomes fun. Now that you know when to start feeding solids to your baby, you’ll be more than ready to do so. It’s something that you can prepare for in advance. By weaning your baby off the breast or bottle and introducing them to solid foods, you’ll soon see how many things they truly enjoy eating. You’ll have an easier time planning healthy meals in the future because you’ll know what foods the child enjoys and the ones they prefer to skip altogether. You Might Also Like: The Benefits of Breastfeeding for You and Baby

There’s often a feeling that second-time parents are old pros at this whole baby thing, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Sure, there are things you know now that you didn’t know then, and confidence is justified. But there are still many new things you will learn along the way as you gear up to welcome your second baby. Worries and Doubts Many parents find that the biggest change between their first and second pregnancies is the worry or doubt that can come with the unknown. Having already experienced parenthood firsthand, you’ll know how you respond to late-night feedings, diaper overflow emergencies, stuffy infant noses and breastfeeding challenges. There will still be some areas of uncertainty, especially because you don’t yet know what it’s like to care for a baby while also caring for an older child in the mix. Ask for help from family and friends in the first few days to help you with this big change. Before you know it you will get the hang of it and establish a routine. The most common worry is wondering how you can possibly love your second child as much as you love your firstborn. This is a tricky one to describe, but when your baby is born your instinct to love both children in their own unique way will just kick in on its own. Pre-Baby Prep Moms often joke that they lose their optimism about a Pinterest-ready nursery and other perfectionistic fantasies after the first baby. You’re going to have a much better idea of exactly what you need, which products you prefer and how you want everything set up and organized for round two. This often means that you won’t need to spend as much time researching and discovering helpful tools and techniques. Plus, you probably have some stored baby gear from your first child that you can put back in action for number two. Pregnancy The twists and turns associated with pregnancy will be less of a surprise now that you’ve been through it before. The first time, you probably knew you’d feel tired, nauseous and uncomfortable in certain ways, but you didn’t have an accurate idea of exactly what that means for you. Now you’ll feel much less surprised by just how exhausted you feel or the weird food-related aversions and cravings you experience. It’s not all going to be the same, though. Some mamas note that each of their children act differently in the womb. Some fetuses are quite active in utero, while others keep it calm. This is your first indication that parenthood can be even less predictable when you’ve got more than one kid. Milestones As your second child comes into his or her own, you may be surprised to find that you are filled with wonder at each new development the second time around. Sure, you’ve seen it before, but every baby moves at their own pace, so things aren’t going to happen in the exact same way. Your younger little one is an individual with unique traits and a special personality that manifests itself in the same delightful and occasionally frustrating ways as your older child. This is one area in which your experience of raising two kids will always be both similar and different at the same time. Getting to watch a baby blossom into an individual with special personal characteristics will always come with some surprises. The body’s response to pregnancy is another area that’s likely to be fairly predictable for second-time moms. If you experienced some abdominal discomfort after your first pregnancy, you can anticipate that for your second baby by planning to incorporate our postpartum support garments into your recovery.

Want a to throw a baby shower that’s fun and relaxed without being too goofy and hectic? These baby shower games and activities are sure to set the right tone for a warm and memorable event. Who’s That Baby? Giggle at vintage baby fashions and see how far you’ve all come by displaying baby photos of all your guests. Arrange the photos on a garland or cork board with numbers and have everyone guess who is who in the snapshots. The person with the most correct guesses wins! Name That Book! This mini trivia game is fun even for guests who don’t have kids of their own yet. Everyone remembers the important books from their childhood. From Dr. Seuss to Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and beyond, there are so many classic children’s books that stand the test of time and endure in our memories. Decide whether guests should play on their own or in small teams and create a list of trivia questions about 10 or so children’s books. You can choose memorable quotes, characters or scenarios and ask guests to name the book associated with that information. Pick out a fun literary prize for the winner, like a gift certificate to a local bookstore. If you’re hosting the shower for a friend, you can introduce an added special touch by actually buying a new copy of all the books you feature and having all the guests sign the books to add to the baby’s growing library. Custom Fashions Made With Love Not all baby shower activities have to be competitive. You can keep things low key by going for a creative activity instead. Onesie decorating is a great choice, and you have a lot of different options for how you approach this project. You can simply buy a multipack of plain white onesies and set out a full rainbow of fabric paint and other embellishments, letting guests do their own thing and come up with designs on their own. You can also provide materials in specific colors or motifs to match the theme of the shower. This is also a great way to create photo props for the parents to use in documenting the first weeks and months of their new child’s life. Assign each guest a week or month from weeks 1-6 and months 1-12 so the parents can dress their bundle of joy in a customized onesie and take a snapshot on each milestone day to track their little one’s progress as he or she rapidly goes from newborn to one year old. No matter what activities you choose, be sure to cap off the event by giving all your guests a card to write well wishes for the new family member and everyone else in the household. These messages of encouragement and love will be a treasured keepsake for the parents, showing how loved and supported they were at one of the most important stages of their lives. You Might Also Like: Planning Your Baby Shower

Are you prepared for the home stretch as you come towards the end of your pregnancy? This checklist will help you make sure you have all your ducks in a row before your little one arrives. Last Month of Pregnancy Checklist https://youtu.be/BPDMCEckrRo 1. Do something nice for yourself. New moms tend to share a few things in common, one of which is a complete focus on their baby’s needs to the expense of their own. Take all the time you can to pamper yourself at this point. Get your hair styled or cut. Get a manicure and take care of any other personal care indulgence you can think of. 2. Enjoy social time with adults. Chances are that you and your newborn aren’t going to be having deep conversations about current events or catchup chats about the latest gossip. Get your fill while you can. Go to a brunch with your girlfriends, have a romantic date with your partner. Spend some quality time with your bestie. Make the most of your relatively open dance card while it lasts. 3. Get your house ready. You’ve probably spent the last few months super focused on the nursery, the baby’s bathroom, baby-proofing and making room in the kitchen for bottles and other feeding supplies. As you put the finishing touches on these tasks, don’t forget to set yourself up for success too. Do your laundry, stock your pantry and make a list of any upcoming household chores will need to be taken care of while you’re busy taking care of the baby. Your partner, family and close friends can help you do all of this both now and later, so don’t stress out! 4. Test out your gear. It’s a good idea to make sure all of your baby gear is unpacked and in a place you’ll remember. But, you can take this a step further. Test everything now so you can understand how it works and be sure you have everything you need to keep things up and running. Perhaps that motorized crib mobile isn’t actually working properly, or the stroller you ordered has a mystery lever you’re afraid to touch. Figure all this stuff out now so you don’t have yet another thing on your plate once the baby arrives. You can also take this time to start looking at girdles, nursing pajamas and other garments that you’ll need after your delivery. 5. Line up your announcements. Get excited about the baby’s arrival by looking up birth announcements. You can even book a photoshoot with a newborn photographer if you’re so inclined. If not, be sure to clear out the storage on your camera or phone so you can take tons of pictures of the new arrival to include with your announcement. You’ll want to free up plenty of space on your phone and your partner’s phone and maybe even invest in a separate camera anyway. You’re going to be taking a ton of photos in the next several years. Why not set up an at-home photo printer while you’re at it so you can have hard copies to frame as well?

As a new mother who wants to breastfeed her child, there are some things you’ll need to know to get started. It takes getting used to but once you and your baby have gotten the hang of it, you should have no problem breastfeeding wherever you go. Breastfed babies have an easier time fighting off bacteria and viruses which leads to better health overall. It’s the type of decision that could significantly improve the well-being of you and your child by strengthening your bond. https://youtu.be/vbCKLwNFhDw Ways to Make Feeding Time Easier for You and Your Baby Here are ten breastfeeding tips for new moms: 1. Hello, world! If possible, try to breastfeed your infant within hours of birth because that’s when your body produces colostrum which benefits the baby. 2. Latching experts. With access to a full medical staff, it’s advisable to have a nurse or lactation consultant see how your baby responds to breastfeeding. 3. Nursing bras save you trouble. Make sure they’re comfortable, accessible, and plentiful as your milk supply increases within days of giving birth. 4. Round-the-clock breastfeeding schedule. Prepare to breastfeed eight to twelve times in a 24-hour period while your baby adjusts to his or her new feeding routine. 5. Skip the pacifier. You can introduce it whenever the baby has caught on to breastfeeding and is latching well. 6. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. As with every other system in your body, milk production is dependent on hydration so make sure to sip clear, hydrating H2O whenever you can. 7. Nurse where it is quiet, and when you don’t feel rushed. It takes time for milk to “let down” but once it does, you’ll discover it doesn’t take much to get it flowing. 8. Treat yo’ self. Cracked and sore nipples are the worst so it’s important to give that area of your body some extra TLC. 9. Prepare for an increase of nursing. Your baby is going to need more nutrition as he or she grows so take note that feedings increase as the child ages. 10. Say goodbye to Thrush. The fungal infection that occurs in your baby’s mouth can be controlled by following a diet that decreases the intake of yeasty foods and sugar. Breastfeed the Right Way from the Start to Increase Comfortability As a new mom, you welcome all the help you can get. Since you’re new to breastfeeding, you want to make sure that you’re doing it the right way. So that your baby grows big and strong. You also want to avoid irritations such as sensitive nipples so that you and your child are comfortable with breastfeeding until he or she is weaned. There are many things you can do to ease yourself into a regular breastfeeding routine with your child. Although the idea may seem foreign at first, it takes no time at all before your body produces the sustenance needed for your child to thrive. You’ll find that it’s no issue at all to breastfeed while on the go, using breastfeeding covers. You Might Also Like: The Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mom And Baby

Very few women who have ever been pregnant haven’t seen a stretch mark or two. Gaining pregnancy weight suddenly stretches the skin and causes scarring. Although they’re not entirely avoidable, stretch marks don’t have to be prominent as there are ways to lighten them and mask their appearance on the skin. Real Moms Show Their Stretch Marks When to Expect Stretch Marks to Appear Stretch marks appear during weeks thirteen to twenty-one. You’ll start to notice the reddish or purple marks forming on your breasts, hips, thighs, and stomach at this time. You may be lucky and not notice any real stretch marks on your body. The Causes of Pregnancy Stretch Marks If you’ve ever wondered what causes stretch marks to appear while pregnant, you’re not alone. Many women want to know this information, so they can do their part to reduce the severe appearance of stretched, reddened skin. Knowing why stretch marks occur in the first place can help women determine the best way to deal with them. Things to consider about stretch marks include: Genetics. If your mother had them, you’ll probably have them, too. Stretch marks are actually tiny tears in the skin as it stretches. As you gain weight, your skin stretches to accommodate the changes in your body. It actually tears which marks up your skin. Rapid weight gain is often the culprit for big stretch marks. If you gain weight too fast, you’ll see big stretch marks as your skin tries to accommodate the changes in your body. Light skin is more prone to more prominent stretch marks. Darker skin doesn’t show stretch marks as clearly as lighter skin. As you can see, there are many things that make stretch marks more noticeable. Tips for Minimizing the Appearance of Stretch Marks Stretch marks are a normal part of pregnancy. You can, however, minimize their appearance by doing the following things: Fall in love with cocoa butter. Let it be your moisturizing agent of choice. It combats dryness and itchiness while soothing your stretched skin. Get enough Vitamin C in your diet. It helps tone your body and maintain your skin’s elasticity, so it doesn’t stretch as much. Try not to gain too much weight. Don’t let the excuse that “you’re eating for two” become a problem. Watch your weight and note any significant fluctuations you see. Talk to your doctor about how many extra pounds you’ll gain with your pregnancy and report the differences to the physician as they occur. There could be an underlying health issue that hasn’t been detected. Get a skin treatment from your dermatologist after the baby has been born. It’s not safe to undergo such a procedure or treatment now but it will be once you’ve delivered your child. Besides, your skin won’t stop stretching until after then, anyway. There are things you can do to minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Keep in mind that the skin will continue to stretch until after you delivered the baby. If you choose to undergo any type of treatment for the marks, do so after you’ve given birth for best results. You Might Also Like: Pregnancy Skincare: Whats Going On and What to Do About It.

Do the words girdles, corsets, and waist trainers scare you away? You're probably thinking of the pre-modern corsets that caused so much grief for women for the sake of fashion. Thankfully, there are waist trainers today that are actually recommended by healthcare professionals to aid postpartum recovery. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba reportedly wore corsets to bounce back to their pre-pregnancy bodies. Are you curious to know what it's like wearing a corset after your pregnancy? Bellefit made an appearance on Fox 13's The Place to get to the bottom of the celebrity girdle buzz. Identical twins and TV hosts, Brittany Graham and Brooke Hacket, were pregnant at the same time and shared their post-pregnancy recovery experiences wearing their Bellefit postpartum girdles. The twins said it was their favorite way to get their bodies back into shape after pregnancy. We'll breakdown some of the common questions about wearing a postpartum girdle and what you can come to expect with the Bellefit's range of girdles and corsets. Table Of Contents First Of All, What Is A Postpartum Girdle? This Is What Wearing a Bellefit Girdle or C-Section Girdle Looks Like: What Is It Like To Wear A Postpartum Girdle? How Do You Put On A Girdle? Is It Safe To Wear A Girdle All Day? These Are The Bellefit Girdles that Brooke & Brittany Tried Bellefit Bodysuit Corset Bellefit Cheekster Corset Bellefit Corset Bellefit Corset Thong Tips For Shopping For A Postpartum Girdle Why Choose Bellefit Postpartum Girdles And Corsets? https://player.vimeo.com/video/204564773 Bellefit makes an appearance on Fox 13 First Of All, What Is A Postpartum Girdle? A postpartum girdle is a specially designed garment to address a woman's recovery needs after delivering her baby. It applies high-grade compression therapy around the torso to provide comfort and support for the female body after pregnancy. Here are some of the benefits of wearing a postpartum girdle: Reduces swelling and inflammation Increases blood flow for faster recovery Supports the abdominals and lower back for mobility Improves posture Slims the waist and flattens the belly Allows moms to exercise with confidence after delivery sooner Highly recommended for treating diastasis recti "A lot of people do this after they have a baby. They say this really helps get your tummy back in tight. Jessica Alba said she wore it three months straight after she had her last baby, and she praises it." Brooke said on Fox 13. The Bellefit girdles and corsets have a sleek, modern design that people tend to associate with fashionable shapewear underwear, like Spanx. Postpartum girdles take the benefits of shapewear one step further to equip women for their post-pregnancy recovery. Here are some examples of why Bellefit girdles and corsets are superior to shapewear after pregnancy: Designed for the female postpartum body FDA-approved and doctor recommended Medical-grade compression offers safe and consistent tension throughout with triple reinforced panels on the front and back Easy access to the groin region to accommodate heavy flow pads This Is What Wearing a Bellefit Girdle or C-Section Girdle Looks Like: What Is It Like To Wear A Postpartum Girdle? Now that you know what a postpartum girdle is, and what makes it different from body shaping underwear, let's get into what it's like to wear one. Twin hosts Brittany Graham and Brooke Hacket shared what it was like for them to wear corsets after pregnancy. They wore their corsets for four months and purchased two sizes each because their bodies changed significantly after pregnancy, and they found they needed to size down. Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba wore their girdles after pregnancy 24-hours, seven days a week, for three months. This may seem like a big commitment, but it's really not when you find a comfortable fit and see the benefits of wearing your girdle. To understand the benefits first hand, Brooke and Brittney wore the dual-closure girdle. Here's what Brooke had to say about what it feels like to wear it: "I have to say it's kind of like a sturdier version of Spanx. It makes you feel really sucked in and tight on your tummy area, and it was pretty comfortable. I like how it goes higher because Spanx sometimes feels like it's gonna cut you in half. We liked it!" It was both Brittney and Brooke's first pregnancies, and they didn't know what to expect after delivering their babies. They describe their bellies feeling "loose" and "everything is hanging out." The mummy tummy can cause a boatful of health problems from back and pelvic pain, posture misalignment, and muscle weakness — not to mention it can put a toll on your confidence. These certainly aren't ideal circumstances when you're now caring for a newborn baby. Wearing a Bellefit girdle helped these first-time moms feel good in their skin and helped them feel supported in their exercises, giving them general peace of mind. How Do You Put On A Girdle? The hooks and zippers may seem intimidating at first — but trust us when we say this is the easiest girdle to put on and remove. And, more importantly, it stays put all day and night. We have an in-depth, step-by-step guide with a video to show you how to slip on your compression garment, but we'll quickly run through the steps. Begin by sitting down on your mattress Step into your girdle and slide the top part of your garment to your hips Now lie on your back. Your back and abs will flatten naturally to help you slide the girdle as high as it will go (ideally, just beneath your bra line) Fasten the hooks or zipper while you're on your back Stand up, and inset a heavy flow pad to prevent leakage if you need it by accessing the crotch pad Et voila! You've put on your girdle. To remove your girdle, you would lay on your back and slip the garment off. Thanks to the accessible crotch opening design, you don't have to remove the entire garment every time you use the restroom. Is It Safe To Wear A Girdle All Day? Absolutely! It's safe to wear corsets around the clock as long as you're not wearing it too tightly. It should feel snug, but not so restricting that you can't move or breathe. In fact, you'll see the most benefits from your Bellefit girdle if you are consistent with it. Like we had mentioned earlier, Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba wore their garments 24-7 — and you'll want to wear it all day long because of the added comfort you'll experience. The Bellefit dual-closure girdle and our other styles that have the hook-and-eye closure are adjustable, which means as your uterus shrinks, you can size down three times with your garment while still gaining the right amount of compression. Many moms choose to purchase two girdles as they return to their pre-pregnancy size. If you're still pregnant and looking to shop your girdle ahead of time, we recommend taking your measurements at your eight-month mark for your post-pregnancy recovery. This measurement is the size you will be after delivery, and as your belly shrinks down in size, you want to switch to the size down to continue benefiting from postpartum compression therapy. These Are The Bellefit Girdles that Brooke & Brittany Tried We'll quickly go over some of the features that Brooke and Brittany wore for their postpartum recoveries to help you decide which style would be right for you. Bellefit Bodysuit Corset The open-bust bodysuit is the best fit for bustier women with long torsos who want full-coverage support while still having access to breastfeed. Despite this style having the most coverage, it's still incredibly easy to slip on and off. You've got adjustable straps, triple reinforced compression panels in the front and back, and the accessible crotch opening on a full-panty style garment. The bodysuit is the most recommended style for busty moms experiencing lower back pain, looking for extra support. Bellefit Cheekster Corset The cheekster corset is ideal for recovery after c-section or natural birth of all body shapes. The cheekster panty line is a flattering fit that rounds the booty without the panty line and offers shapewear benefits to flatten the belly and smooth the hips. Bellefit Corset This is our best-selling garment. For a more classic fit and full-rear coverage, the Bellefit corset is an excellent choice for both natural and c-section deliveries. Wear this garment when your swelling is at its peak for the first few weeks after birth. Thanks to the adjustable hook-eye-closures, you can continue to reap the benefits of shapewear as your belly and waist slim to its pre-pregnancy shape. Bellefit Corset Thong No panty line? No problem. The Bellefit corset thong is the latest look we've added to the collection. It has adjustable, removable straps you can wear classic, cross-back, or backless for a versatile application under many different outfit styles. It has all the great benefits of the classic corset-style, but with more discretion under your favorite outfit styles. Tips For Shopping For A Postpartum Girdle Take measurements at home around the eight-month pregnancy mark and match the measurements to the company's sizing chart to make sure you're selecting a comfortable fit. Only shop for FDA-approved medical devices. Some insurance providers will cover FDA-approved postpartum corsets. Check to see what the garment is from hypoallergenic, flexible material. You'll be wearing this girdle all-day and night, so you want to make sure the fabric is high-quality to prevent rashes or irritation on the skin. Get a garment with crotch openings. Expect leakage in your postpartum recovery. You'll want to access this area regularly to change pads and clean the area often. This saves you from constantly removing the garment. Look for adjustable closures and straps. Your body is going to feel like it's changing every day, and it is. To make the most out of your garment, find one that can accommodate to your changing body. Buy from a retailer with exceptional customer service. Save yourself headaches down the road, and shop with a reputable retailer that puts its customers first and take pride in their products. Why Choose Bellefit Postpartum Girdles And Corsets? Bellefit postpartum garments are FDA-approved and doctor recommended since 2008. We understand that moms don't have a lot of time to spare — new moms especially are adjusting to their life with their bundle of joy. Our purpose at Bellefit is to provide women with the support and comfort they need in this incredibly special — although challenging — time in their lives with the best postpartum support garments on the market. Each corset and girdle was designed with women's postpartum bodies in mind, and it's FDA-approved for your peace of mind. We have styles to suit both c-section and natural deliveries in sizes XS – 3XL. Like Fox 13 briefly mentions, we're available on Amazon, Target, or you can shop directly through our website — we always have a great deal or promotion on. Because we recommend getting two garments, get $20 off on your second garment, so you can make the most out of compression therapy as you bounce back to your pre-pregnancy body. Not sure which size is right for you? We offer a personalized sizing call to walk you through the process. We genuinely believe in the quality of our products and want to give you the best experience shopping with Bellefit. If you're looking for a garment to support your postpartum recovery, a Bellefit girdle is the best investment you can make for your health.

Managing pregnancy and work is easier than it used to be https://youtu.be/yM4O1oMZU1A Thank goodness! We’re not still stuck in the day when a woman was dispatched to her home or bed at the first sign of being “in a family way.” Pregnant coworkers are no longer an oddity, nor should they be — barring dangerous or highly physical working conditions. Today, most working moms-to-be plan to stay on the job as long as possible, even throughout the third trimester. Here are a few tips for working while pregnant. Embrace a Functional Wardrobe Looking professional while pregnant can be a challenge after the first few months. Just remember you’re not going to be this shape forever. Invest in only a few basic maternity dresses, or tops and pants. Choose pieces that fit your company dress code and culture — to get you through the last months. Dress outfits up or down with jackets or accessories from your regular working wardrobe, but stick with comfort above all else. If it binds, constricts or pinches, leave it. That extends to footwear, too. Telling Who, and When You may wish to hold off telling your coworkers at first, just as you hold off telling your family until you are certain of your situation and a healthy pregnancy. There is nothing wrong with that. However, the first person you should tell is your supervisor, or business partner. Let them know as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. They can help you with any questions you have about maternity leave or company policies. This includes reasonable accommodations for your condition if your job entails physical requirements you might not be able to meet in later months. Most importantly, you’ll want to discuss not only your maternity leave, but your plans to return. Being up front with your boss, and your co-workers, about your intentions will lower everybody’s anxiety level. And, they can be a positive part of your support system. Go Ergonomic Sitting or standing in the wrong position for an extended period is hard on anybody. It’s even worse if you’re pregnant. If you must be seated in front of a computer for most of your day, be sure that your chair, desk and keyboard setup is ergonomically correct to reduce back, neck, arm and eye strain. Take frequent breaks to stand, stretch and walk to help with ankle swelling. An adjustable sit-or-stand workstation may be the solution. Regardless, take measures to reduce pressure on your lower back. As your pregnancy progresses, there are natural changes in your balance, agility and coordination. Make accommodations as needed If You Have Morning Sickness The good news is that it passes after the first trimester for most women. However, it isn’t always in the morning only and, for some, it can show up randomly — usually at the worst possible time. If you’re going through it, here are some tips: Avoid eating large amounts. Instead, snack all day to keep your blood sugar levels even and avoid queasiness. Keep small packages of crackers, granola bars and hard candy on hand at all times, as well as small bottles of ginger ale. Sit near the door at meetings, just in case. If you need to excuse yourself, a quick and quiet exit and return is the way to go. Approach Everything With A Positive Spin Pregnancy doesn’t have to sabotage your usual high level of performance. If you’re going through periods of fatigue, discomfort or the hormonal crazies, acknowledge it and move on with a smile. Working full time while pregnant requires stepping up both your time- and self-management skills. Talk to your supervisor about flexible hours to ensure you can get your work done. Make every effort to schedule doctor appointments for lunch hours , or first thing in the morning if a workday appointment is unavoidable. Be sure to get plenty of sleep. Tap your support system at home, and don’t be shy about asking friends and family to step up if you need extra help to make it to the finish line. Finally, never forget that your first concerns should always be the health and safety of your baby and yourself. Discuss all aspects of your work with your doctor early on. Understand exactly what is OK and what to avoid during your pregnancy. Address risk factors immediately, and when in doubt, sit it out. Your well-managed career will be there when you get back. Bellefit Featured Products

https://youtu.be/yLFKmFHifns New moms sing the praises of the Bellefit Corset & Girdle because it’s built to help support postpartum healing and ease pain. Watch the moment when Bellefit is named Best Belly Band of 2017! When it comes to Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ is an authority of resources for moms. So when the community of WTE Moms came out in great numbers to vote for the Bellefit Corset/Girdle as the ‘Best Belly Band of 2017″ we were beyond thrilled! The What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards gives real moms the chance to nominate products they have tried and loved. One mom of twins who nominated the Bellefit Corset described the relief she felt when she first put it on, a feeling that thousands of moms echoed in their nomination. Emma Bing, Lifestyle Editor of What to Expect said, “For new moms looking to feel more comfortable and secure while their body is healing, this is the Belly Band for you.” More than 6,000 nominations were submitted to the WTE awards this year for consideration in 20 categories. The Best Belly Band category had 6 finalists which received thousands of mom votes ultimately choosing Bellefit as the Best Belly Band of 2017. The What to Expect Mom Must-Have Awards Winners were announced by Emma Bing in an exciting Facebook Live Event hosted by What to Expect on November 7th, 2017. When it comes to a postpartum belly wrap or band Bellefit is the best. I’ve used it after both my pregnancies. Worth the investment especially if you plan to have more kids! Bellefit would like to give a warm ‘Thank you’ to all of the wonderful mamas who trust Bellefit with their postpartum recovery! These Happy Moms Are Wearing the Bellefit Belly Band! The great thing about them is they last forever. I’m wearing mine for the second time post pregnancy. I agree that they are a lifesaver. I feel normal when I’m wearing one. Meet the Winners of the ‘What to Expect Best Belly Band of 2017!

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