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Having a massage anytime is both relaxing and helps with tension release. Who doesn’t love a good massage? Getting a postpartum massage is equally as relaxing and very beneficial for relaxation, pampering, and healing alike. After giving birth, a new mother definitely deserves a soothing massage that will also lend to many benefits as well. Within the first twelve weeks postpartum, a massage has shown to be an excellent way for some much-needed healing for the women, and here is why. What are the Benefits? First and foremost, like any great massage, a postpartum massage will help ease the muscles that have been worked and overworked both during pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, a postpartum massage will also alleviate tension and lift your mood. Like any body massage, having a massage postpartum will relax and destress your body and mind and will release pain in your muscles. If a new mother is looking to get a massage, you will need to make sure the masseuse knows that you have given birth. There are some reasons, like having a cesarean delivery, then a postpartum massage may not be safe, so make sure to consult your doctor as well. On top of all these incredible benefits, and why so many love a good massage, there are some more specific benefits, especially for postpartum massage. Hormone Regulation Body massages and physical touch may help regulate hormone imbalances. A woman who has just given birth will still have extreme shifts in her hormone levels which in turn makes her body do a bunch of odd things. A body massage can help return balance to your hormones. Plus, essential oils and scented lotions can also help increase your mood. Reduce Swelling A massage can also help reduce swelling in the body that generally occurs when a woman is pregnant and even increasingly so after labor. Having a massage can help with circulating fluids that cause swelling within the body. This will, in turn, allow a new mother to be more comfortable in their body, especially after some significant physical changes. Reduce Depression and Anxiety Muscle massages and essential oils also are beneficial in helping to reduce both depression and anxiety. For a new mother, these emotions may also be heightened, and a massage is an excellent way to help keep these stressors at bay. Increase Milk Production It has been shown that having a massage can also help increase milk production for new mothers. This may also have to do with improved hormone imbalances. Some mothers have trouble with milk production, and added stress may also hinder this process. A massage could help improve milk supply for a variety of reasons. Increase Sleep Quality A massage will also allow your body to relax and, in turn, help you get a better night's sleep. A new mother will likely struggle with getting efficient sleep, a reality of parenting, but if a massage can help you have better sleep, that is definitely a great reason to try. Uterus Contraction Getting a specific uterus massage has also shown some benefits in helping to reduce the size of a woman's uterus after giving birth. This process, however, should only be performed by professionals and should be discussed with your doctor beforehand. When do I get a Postpartum Massage? If you receive a specific postpartum massage, it is generally within the first twelve weeks after a mother has given birth. Some mothers feel more ready after a few weeks, and others will enjoy a light massage the day after childbirth; it all depends on how you and your body are feeling. There is no exact time recommended, and both can be highly beneficial. There are, however, some exceptions; if a new mom gave birth via cesarean, then there are a few more things to consider. Generally, after having a c-section, you will want to wait a short period for your scars to heal, so we advise you to speak to a doctor prior to getting a massage. Many new moms will get a massage numerous times following their pregnancy. The frequency of getting your massages is also a personal preference, some like to have massages consistently, and others enjoy a few sporadic massage sessions. No matter how often, you are likely to enjoy some of the benefits of getting a postpartum massage. What should I expect with my Postpartum Massage? A massage is an experience set up for the client, and so it should be set up to how you are going to enjoy the occasion best. Like other massages, you may want to have a massage in the comfort of your home, mainly to keep your newborn baby close by, or you may wish for the time to get out of the house and have some alone time. After carrying a baby and giving birth, your body will feel different, and maybe specific areas will need more or less attention. All these details and preferences can be discussed with your massage therapist so that you are sure to have the best possible experience. There are different styles of massage that are appropriate for postpartum massage; both deep tissue or a lighter relaxing massage will be helpful, and all depends on a mother's preference. There are also some women who enjoy foot reflexology as well, especially after having a lot of weight and pressure on their feet and back throughout the nine-month pregnancy. A postpartum massage, similar to any other massage experience, should be calming and therapeutic, so it is up to you to find a peaceful space and type of massage that you like best. Satisfaction of Postpartum Massages Postpartum massages are an excellent way for new mothers to unwind, reduce tension in their bodies, and help to slowly get back to normal. For new moms, getting a massage can help with physical benefits as well as getting back to feeling more like you. Another way to help boost your confidence and get used to your new body after giving birth is to try wearing one of our girdles. There are many different styles to choose from that help shape your body after birth and are explicitly designed for new mothers. Giving birth is challenging and puts a lot of pressure on a woman's body. A new mother deserves to relax and to look and feel her best, especially after carrying a baby.

Puffiness and swelling are a perfectly normal part of the post-delivery experience. Let’s dive in and get informed. Where does swelling occur? After you deliver, many women notice puffiness on some part of their body which is called postpartum swelling. Typically, legs, arms, feet, and hands swell during pregnancy and it’s commonly worse at night and in later stages of the pregnancy as well as right after you deliver. Why does swelling occur? Swollen legs and feet are common during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is partly caused by the weight of the baby pressing on veins that return blood from your legs to your upper body so your heart. Also, as hormones go crazy during pregnancy, they can cause the body to produce and retain more blood. After pregnancy, many women still notice swelling which can be caused by pushing during labor, when fluids can move to your hands, feet, and face while you are pressing. Also if you receive IV fluids during labor the extra fluids might make you puffy and take a while to disappear. In addition, you cannot move around as much right after you deliver which makes it harder for your body to get rid of fluids cause your body still has water that is retained to support the baby. Is it normal? Having puffiness in your face, feet, legs, and arms is totally normal after pregnancy. No need to worry. Be patient, your body has just gone through a lot of stress and change in the last months. It does usually disappear within two or three weeks after delivery through sweating and urinating, yet there are ways to speed up the process. How to Speed Up The Process Drink lots of water Dehydration usually makes the body save water which can lead to swelling. Even though it sounds weird, drink 2-3 liters of water a day to reduce swelling in the legs, feet, and hands. You can also drink herbal tea as herbs have many great advantages to your health. Keep your feet elevated Many women experience swelling in their feet. To get the circulation moving, elevating the feet helps and makes fluids flow. Don’t cross your feet as this can cut off blood flow and make the swelling worse. Try to keep your legs elevated or apart when you sit. Don’t eat too much salt The more salt you eat the more water your kidneys save which can lead to swelling in your arms, legs, feet, and hands. High sodium foods are not ideal and can make the swelling worse. Exercise regularly Light exercise like walking will help the body get rid of fluids by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Use compression stockings Compression stockings increase blood flow and will assist in moving fluids from your legs to your kidneys. Be aware of your caffeine consumption Caffeine is making your body lose water which might lead to dehydration. Being hydrated tells your body to save water which then leads to swelling. Be aware of heat It’s also important to stay cool. Heat can worsen swelling so keeping your body at a steady temperature and staying hydrated will help solve this issue. Wear a Postpartum Girdle This form-fitting shapewear ensures support and shapes your body. It reduces swelling by compressing your tissue which helps your body retain fluids. As it is tightly fitting it also helps your circulation and can reduce blood clots. Another benefit of wearing girdles is the fast transition back into normal activities by giving your body enough support. Foam rollers Foam rollers are another great way to improve circulation. They are usually used for muscle tension and pain but help move blood and water through the body at a quicker pace. Massage Try a massage to get your body’s circulation going. There are many spas and massage therapists that offer mother massages. Foods that Fight Postpartum Swelling You are what you eat. Chances are you have heard this quote before and it shows to hold truth. That’s why you should eat potassium-rich foods to help your body with postpartum swelling. What is potassium? It’s a mineral that works together with sodium, helps your nerves to function properly, regulates the fluids, and also keeps your heartbeat regular. It can lower the sodium levels in your body if you eat enough of it. There are many choices when you want to eat more of the mineral, such as bananas, apricots, yogurt, lentils, prunes, raisins, avocado, mushrooms, kale, yams, oranges. Cooked spinach and broccoli also have a high potassium content as well as cucumbers, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and peas. You should also add vitamin-rich foods. For example, Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits which include oranges and lemons, strawberries and tomatoes, etc. Vitamin E is also very important. Foods that include this vitamin are almonds and sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, peanuts, spinach, etc. In addition, add foods that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Choose whole wheat instead of regular wheat flour. And don’t forget to drink water. How To Identify Non-Normal Swelling In some cases, swelling could mean different things and should be looked at by a doctor. Get checked if you notice the swelling starts to increase instead of decrease, if you feel pain or discomfort, or if you press your swollen skin the mark stays there for more than a few minutes. Please consult a doctor if any of these occur if one foot or arm is more swollen than the other, or if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like headaches, blurred vision or you have difficulty breathing. Even though you are busy looking after your newborn, your health is just as important. Be patient with your body and take the rest that you need. If your swelling becomes to much to handle, a postpartum girdle will help manage your symptoms and discomfort, providing you with the support you need.

As a normal part of the postpartum process, sweating is common during sleep. Although this uncomfortable period might affect your sleep and make you cranky, it is totally normal and has some very common causes. But, Why? Pregnancy hormone is responsible for this phenomenon. During pregnancy, your body was taking on and holding more fluid to nourish your baby. This was great for keeping you and your baby hydrated, but now your body doesn’t need to keep all those extra fluids. Postpartum night sweats are getting rid of them through sweating, usually at night. How long? This is a natural process that will eventually taper off, so there’s nothing to worry about. Eventually, the extra fluids from your pregnancy will be gone and the hormone will settle down. It can take a little while for this process to finish, but there’s nothing to worry about as it is completely normal and should be expected. Is there anything I can do? If you want to make yourself a little more comfortable or manage the night sweats you're experiencing, there are a few things that can help, and more that are pretty important for your overall health during this period. Lower The Heat Make sure the area you are sleeping in is cool and comfortable for you. Although you will continue sweating, a cool environment will help the sweat to dry and it will be less uncomfortable. Drink Up Remember that you are expelling excess fluid by sweating, and that means you are losing hydration. Being dehydrated can be dangerous, and it isn’t healthy. Track your drinking habits and try to drink immediately after you wake up if you have been sweating during the night to start your day off right. Keep drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you’re breastfeeding, as this is important for breast milk production. Soften The Experience Putting a soft towel or a pad on your pillow or under your sheets can help absorb some of the moisture leaving your body. Additionally, this will lessen the effect of the sweating on your bedsheets and you won’t need to change them as often during this period. Keep an Eye Out While night sweats are totally normal, if they become abnormal you should seek some help from your doctor. You’re feeling the heat, but you shouldn’t be feeling it so much that your temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Night sweats are a sign that something is going fine, but a fever might mean that you are sick. This Too Shall Pass While it can be uncomfortable for a while, this is a normal part of the postpartum process and will eventually pass. There is nothing to be worried about, and when it is over you will have the relief of getting back to normal (except for that demanding baby!). Any other discomfort you might be experiencing could be the result of something else, and you should ask your doctor about that, but if your night sweats are the only problem, that’s great. The Long Haul Try to remember that this is one stage in a long haul process while nursing your baby that will eventually finish. You’re now in the middle of an incredible moment for your baby and you; enjoy it! If you’d like more information about night sweats or other topics related to nursing and postpartum recovery, take a look at our site.

After reading all the books, attending all the classes, and consulting with all your family and friends you probably feel ready to take on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. But what about what happens after giving birth. Unlike most classes, books, and friends we are here to tell you about what they don’t talk about. In this article, we will get into the nitty-gritty, gross, dirty details of what happens after giving birth. What Happens After Giving Birth? You have finished the labor and delivery portion of your pregnancy and now you are officially a mother. Now what? Even with all the research in the world, you are still probably going to find yourself unprepared for the next portion of your journey. That’s okay, if no one else wants to talk about it, we will. So let’s get into the details of what to expect in the hospital and once you leave. What Happens After Giving Birth? In the Hospital Directly after the birth of your baby, you may be thinking you have the worst of it over with. I mean you did just deliver a child. Unfortunately for some women, the delivery of their child is not the worst of the delivery process. The Afterbirth Many women don’t talk about it, but the afterbirth can be one of the most painful portions of your labor and delivery. After the baby comes, your body still needs to get rid of the placenta. The placenta is the membrane/tissue that your baby developed in, in your uterus. So, not only do you have to give birth to your baby, but you also have to give birth to the placenta too. After the baby is born it typically takes about 30 minutes for the placenta to be delivered. This can be the most painful part of a woman’s labor (particularly if the placenta has to be manually extracted) or it can be super easy. The Tummy Massage In order to make sure that your uterus is contracting correctly and to make sure you deliver the placenta, you may be given a tummy massage. While the name may sound delightful--it is anything but. The nurse has to press down on your fatigued, sensitive stomach and push in all different directions. This is meant to stimulate contractions and help the uterus shrink back down after birth. It can be painful and uncomfortable. No Privacy After giving birth, you have probably gotten a little used to being on display for the whole world to see, but you’re not done yet. Every bodily function and every inch of you is being monitored and explored. There is no privacy--even your bathroom habits are monitored. The Shakes With all the medicine, hormones, stress, anxiety, and emotions your body can start to uncontrollably shake. For some women, this doesn’t happen, but for many, it can be a surprising after-effect of their labor and delivery. Can’t Shower So, you have delivered a baby, pushed out the afterbirth, possibly had to get stitches and everything. You are likely covered in blood, tissue, and discharge, but you can’t take a shower. Yep, after all that, you probably feel disgusting and self-conscious, but you can’t take a shower yet. You have to wait until you can be unhooked from all the machines and not under constant moderation. That can be hours after you have given birth. Can’t Walk In general, you won’t be permitted to walk for about 12 hours after your labor. Not only are your muscles fatigued, but all the medicine can prevent you from being able to walk in the first place. Farting Before you are released from the hospital there is a list of things that you and your baby have to complete. One of the things that you have to do before they release you, is fart. The nurses will constantly be asking “have you farted yet?” And you have to answer, again, no privacy. You Aren’t Ready You may think and believe that you are ready to have a child, but you most likely aren’t. No matter how many books you read, classes you take, and how prepared you feel, nothing compares to the real thing. Once you and your baby are released from the hospital you can suddenly feel like a deer in the headlights. Do I have to take care of this? By myself? I don’t know what I’m doing? Is there an instruction manual? Don’t worry, every mother has been there. You will get through it. Just take it one day, one hour at a time. What Happens After Giving Birth? At Home Once you get home, it is a whole other ordeal. Not only do you have to take care of your baby, but you have to take care of yourself too. Your body is still healing and so many changes occur in such a short amount of time--it can be overwhelming. Here are some of the things you can expect. You Will Bleed A Lot You’re not done with the blood yet. After birth, your vagina and uterus are going to take a while to completely heal. Mesh underwear and pads are going to be your best friend for a while. This blood and tissue, known as the lochia, will continue for up to six weeks after giving birth. Make sure you stock up on the pads and granny panties. All The Postpartum Cleanup In addition to the bleeding, your vagina will be akin to a crime scene. You may have sutures from tearing, your vagina will be sore and swollen, and you may have some gross discharge. It sucks dealing with that but in order to make sure you don’t develop an infection you will have to take care of it. This can include spraying it with a perineum bottle, changing out your pad every time you go to the bathroom, and even popping a little cold witch hazel into your underwear. A cold witch hazel-soaked pad can help reduce swelling and prevent itchiness. Pre-soaked pads such as those created for hemorrhoids are perfect! Your Boobs Will Get Huge Even if you don’t plan on breastfeeding your boobs will start to have a mind of their own. Between milk production and your hormones, your boobs will become huge. Not only this, but they will leak afterward too. Night Sweats As your body adjusts to not being pregnant anymore, it will begin to expel any excess fluids it was holding on to. This means frequent peeing and sweating. And just because you’re sleeping doesn’t mean they stop. You may wake up in the morning, covered in sweat, and with your pillow soaked through. Cute right? You Will Never Sleep Again Ok, that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but it’s not far from the truth for the first year or so. Your sleep schedule and your baby’s sleep schedule can be wildly different. They may be waking up every two hours, and then you may be waking up every hour in between to adjust yourself or go to the bathroom. This can result in restless nights and overly-tired days. Cramping While your uterus is still shrinking back to its normal size, you may experience some cramping and abdominal pain. This is normal and not anything to worry about--unless it becomes severe, then seek out your doctor’s opinion. Peeing Burns Of course, we had to leave the best ones for last, bodily functions are going to hurt. Because your pee is acidic, and because your vagina is still healing, this can cause some serious burning sensations when you pee. The best way to combat this is to use a perineum bottle and spray your vagina while you pee. This will keep the pee from burning and causing an infection. Constipation And Pooping At last, we have come to the number one thing people don’t talk about after giving birth--bowel movements. For real, this is one of the weirdest things about the postpartum period. Your first poop after giving birth is going to be difficult. Not only does pushing hurt, but so does your downstairs region. The best way to combat this is to take some stool softeners. You may be constipated for a few days after giving birth, but make sure you reach out to a doctor if you go past three days. Some hospitals may not even discharge you until you have gone poop. Key Takeaways There are a lot of things that women won’t tell you after giving birth. Either because they are taboo, or because they are embarrassed to talk about it. Hopefully, you feel a little more prepared after reading this for the journey ahead. While there are many things women don’t talk about, one thing is for sure--it is all worth it. Holding your newborn in your arms and watching them grow is one of the most rewarding experiences in the whole world. Don’t let the process prevent you from enjoying the reward. Make sure you have the best postpartum experience by investing in a postpartum girdle. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to ease movement and provide medical-grade compression to your abdomen. This helps you move around, feel less pain, and enjoy your time with your newborn. Get yours today!

Postpartum depression has been a common mental health problem among women for years. However, with the introduction of COVID-19 postpartum depression has just gotten worse. Navigating postpartum depression in a COVID-19 world can seem daunting and overwhelming, but you are not alone. In this article, we will talk about postpartum depression symptoms, treatment, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced postpartum mothers. Postpartum Depression Symptoms After giving birth many women experience feelings of sadness, mood swings, and stress. These feelings, also known as the “baby blues” are normal and typically go away within a few weeks of giving birth. However, for some women, these feelings don’t go away and can actually get worse if not treated—this is called postpartum depression or perinatal depression. There are many symptoms of postpartum depression including feelings of sadness, frequent bouts of crying, a loss of interest in things that used to bring you happiness, or even unhappiness with being a parent. Other symptoms of postpartum depression include: Feeling sad/depressed Having difficulty bonding with your baby Feeling anxious Panic attacks Abnormal eating or sleeping patterns Fear of harming the baby or yourself Intrusive thoughts that won’t go away Regret for becoming a mother Feeling more irritable and angry with others Postpartum depression presents itself in different ways to different people. No two women’s experiences are exactly alike but don’t worry, you are not alone—approximately one in five women experience postpartum depression. Thankfully, postpartum/perinatal depression is treatable with therapy and a strong support system. COVID-19 and Postpartum Depression The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced many people’s lives and caused an increase in mental health problems. One large demographic that has suffered from this is women in their postpartum period. According to one study performed by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that 1 in 3 women were experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. That is a significant increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 5 women. Thankfully, for the most part, COVID-19 has not prevented women from being able to seek postpartum depression treatment. Some treatment options may be a little bit different or restricted, but treatment is still available. Postpartum Depression Treatment Once a medical professional has diagnosed you with postpartum depression, there are several ways that you can be treated. Medication Many healthcare professionals treat postpartum depression with medication. Similar to depression, postpartum depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. In order to balance these chemicals again, medicine is taken. This medication is meant to provide you with the chemical your body is having trouble producing. There are several medications that your doctor may recommend. Make sure that they are safe for you--particularly if you are breastfeeding. Change with COVID-19: Medication is one of the things that has not changed because of the pandemic. You can still be prescribed and pick up medication. Therapy In addition to medication, a medical professional may recommend that you see a therapist. Therapy can be used independently of the medication or in conjunction with it. Therapy is used to allow you an outlet to explore your inner-most thoughts and feelings. It is a safe space where you can express your emotions with no judgment. It is also a good place to monitor if your medication is working or not. Your therapist is meant to help you process your emotions and learn how to combat them and work through them. It can also be particularly helpful if you do not have anyone you feel comfortable confiding in. Change with COVID-19: Thankfully you are still able to receive therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of therapists are offering virtual appointments. You can still schedule appointments online and visit your therapist from the comfort of your own home. Stay Connected Staying in touch with your friends and family is incredibly important. They are your support system through hard times. If you are having a rough day reach out to a friend or family member and vent about it. It is ok to be frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted but don’t bottle it up. Express your feelings and emotions to someone you know will be understanding and supportive. Change with COVID-19: Staying connected is challenging during this time. A large part of human interactions and comfort are non-verbal and physical. Unfortunately, you can’t give people hugs or hang out with your friends. Fortunately, technology is an option. Platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom make it possible to see and talk to your loved ones on a daily basis. They may not be able to offer you a reassuring touch or take care of your baby for a while, but they can offer their support in other ways. Take a Walk Postpartum depression can make it feel impossible to get out of bed some mornings. The very thing that can make you feel better also seems out of reach. It can be very hard and challenging but try taking a walk. It can just be around the neighborhood or down the block, but getting fresh air and getting your blood pumping can do a load of good. Change with COVID-19: Walking is another thing that is not too affected by COVID-19. You can still enjoy a walk in the neighborhood, just make sure you are maintaining social distance guidelines. And if you are in a more crowded city area, be sure to put on a mask before going out on a walk. Self-Care Prescription medication and therapy can be incredibly effective in working to reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. However, they are not the only ways and the only tools you have. Self-care is particularly important if you are struggling with postpartum depression. Your every waking hour can feel like it is consumed with taking care of your child. Make sure you set aside time (preferably once a day) to relax and take care of yourself. This can help you maintain your own independent identity. Change with COVID-19: Self-care can be a bit tricky. Some women like to go out and spend a day with their friends as an act of self-care, but that is not available currently. Instead, focus on things that you enjoy doing from your home. Maybe you want to bake something, maybe you want to take a long shower/bath, or maybe you just want to enjoy an episode of your favorite show. You can still practice self-care from the privacy of your home--your options are just a little bit more limited. Key Takeaways Postpartum depression is a problem that many women are dealing with--particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, many treatment options are still available and you don’t have to struggle through it. Make sure you are exploring all treatment options while remaining safe and healthy. Self-care is important in making you feel like your old self and maintaining your independent identity. One thing that you can do to practice self-care is investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is a garment that can be worn after giving birth that provides compression to your abdominal region. This garment helps your muscles fall back into place and prevents diastasis recti. Not only will this help you feel better, but it can also help you look better. Make sure you try out a postpartum girdle today and invest in your future.

Shopping for an after pregnancy girdle takes skills. It requires product knowledge as well as reviews and testimonials particularly if the item in question is sold strictly through online retailers.

This is your brief guide to hormones after pregnancy. Refer to it often for answers and advice.

It’s important that you steer clear of these things until your postpartum body has had time to fully heal!

The best postpartum belly wrap or post pregnancy girdle is the one you feel the most comfortable in. With Bellefit, the choice is yours!

To better understand the skepticism some people have about postpartum binders, you need to know how they work and what they aim to do for new mothers.

It’s important that you take action right away if you want to minimize the appearance of wider hips after pregnancy.