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It turns out that our grandmothers were right all along: Postpartum girdles are an important part of the recovery process. They can help you to stave off back problems, poor posture, and diminished muscle tone in the core region. However, they are not a miracle cure. Postpartum girdles will not restore your pre-baby figure in a week, and they are not a substitute for exercise. What they can do is give you an instant confidence boost and make it easier to get back to your daily life, including caring for your new bundle of joy. The History Of Girdles You may think that wearing girdles is a relatively new phenomenon, but the concept has been around for thousands of years. Girdles have been used by many ancient cultures worldwide, and were typically linked with fertility and childbearing. In fact, Ishtar – the Egyptian goddess of fertility – was illustrated wearing a girdle. The Difference Between a Girdle and A Corset Girdles and corsets have a similar purpose, to helps slim and support your core. In terms of their differences, the boning used in corsets makes them stiff enough to remain in place on your body. Because they lace up, corsets can be pulled extremely tight to temporarily or permanently reduce waist size and elevate the breasts. If used incorrectly, they can cause damage to vital organs, result in broken ribs, and can create breathing difficulties. Comprised of firm but stretchy material, girdles do not contain boning. The design allows them to provide compression and support without being so tight as to risk damage to your organs. What Can a Girdle Do For You? Following delivery, a girdle can help you to: Recovery faster Relieve diastasis recti (abdominal separation) Shrink the uterus Boost confidence Reduce pain Help protect C-Section incision Wearing a postpartum girdle can help you walk farther after delivery – getting you back to your normal activities faster. Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP) Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP) affects up to 25% of mothers after delivery. Although PPGP often resolves within 4 months, 20% of women may experience symptoms even 2-3 years later. Abdominal support, like a postpartum girdle provides, is one of the standard treatments for PPGP. It is believed to reduce intensity and duration of pain. Incidence of Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP) 25% of women experience PPGP after delivery. In most cases, PPGP resolves within 4 months. 20% of women still have symptoms and pain 2-3 years postpartum Choosing the Right Girdle For You There are several things you should take into consideration when you are choosing the right girdle for you. What’s Your Area of Concern? Some girdles are designed to give you lots of tummy support, but not a lot of back support. Others may give you firm compression in both areas. Most girdles will have compression panels, so you can easily see where they offer support. This is important not just for aesthetic purposes, but to help relieve pain. If you have pain in your abdomen, back, or both, you will want to choose a girdle that supports those areas. Hook and Eye Closure vs Zipper There are many different styles of girdle on the market. Some offer 3 rows of button-up closures in the front so that you can adjust their tightness according to your needs. These are a great option if you want to avoid having to purchase more than one girdle as your abdomen starts to return to its normal size. Some girdles come with a zipper on the side. Although these are convenient (easy to put on or take off) they are not adjustable. Other designs offer the best of both worlds, featuring an adjustable button closure and a zipper on the side. Alternatively, some girdles have no closures and are simply one piece. These can be more difficult to get into, but they stay in place and you won’t have to worry about the closures being seen under your clothes. Bathroom Consideration You’ll want a girdle that allows for easy bathroom access, especially considering how frequent your bathroom trips will be following delivery. Many girdles have snaps or buttons on the crotch, called a gusset, so that you can use the bathroom without removing the girdle. I highly recommend selecting a girdle with this feature. Bra or No Bra A majority of girdles will hit directly below your bust line. However, some are designed with shoulder straps for maximum support and to help with your posture. They can also prevent the girdle from moving out of place. Some girdles also have a built-in corset that functions as a bra. I do not recommend this type of girdle for postpartum wear, because your breasts will change sizes and likely much sooner than your waistline. In other words, finding a girdle that fits your breasts now and a few weeks down the road can be a difficult task. A better option is to choose a girdle that allows you to wear your own bra. This ensures the proper fit and support in all areas. This is also great if you are nursing, because it allows you to combine a nursing bra with your girdle. Full Rear? Are you feeling cheeky? If you enjoy wearing thongs or high cut underwear, you can find girdles with the same design. You can choose full rear coverage, or “cheeky” minimal coverage. Girdles are also available in thong, so you can choose the rear cut that fits your needs best. If your butt needs firming and shaping after your delivery, a full rear offers the lift and support that makes you look great. However, if your butt is already on the smaller side, a full rear can make it look flat. If you want to show off your natural curves, choose a cheeky cut or thong. Registered Medical Device Some postpartum girdles are registered medical devices. A registered medical device is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to diagnose, prevent, or treat a disease or other condition. When selecting a postpartum girdle, choosing one that is registered as a medical device to ensure that you get the support and quality that you need. Quality When you purchase a girdle, you will likely be wearing it up to six months after pregnancy. In fact, many women choose to continue wearing girdles long after they give birth. Simply put, you will want a girdle that can stand up to everyday wear. Some less expensive brands sacrifice quality for price. Bear in mind that it may fit well at first, but will likely become looser and less supportive over time. In addition to choosing a girdle with support panels (that is a registered medical device), there are a few other factors to consider. First, the best girdles have 3 different layers. It is unlikely that you will be able to see these layers, but the information will be contained in the manufacturer’s listing. Second, when shopping for a girdle, check the quality of the fasteners. Velcro is cheaper than other methods, and may indicate a lower overall quality. Hook and eye closures or a well-made zipper are better options, though a little more expensive to manufacture. Lastly, check the product reviews. A quality girdle will have honest testimonials attesting to its benefits, as well as how well it holds up over time. A postpartum girdle can bring you many benefits. They can relieve PPGP pain, diastasis recti, shrink your uterus, reduce postpartum bleeding, and protect C-section incisions. They can also help you to be more active and experience less pain following childbirth. Not Just Physical Benefits In addition to the physical benefits, wearing a postpartum girdle can give you a confidence boost. Your body performs a miracle throughout pregnancy and during childbirth, but all the changes your body goes through can be difficult to handle. After you give birth, you may experience frustration when your body doesn’t return to its pre- pregnancy state as quickly as you would like it to. No one wants to be asked “When is the baby due?” after giving birth. A postpartum girdle can instantly make you look slimmer and more shapely, which can give you the confidence to enjoy your postpartum life and focus on building a bond with your new bundle of joy. 8 Best Postpartum Girdles by Bellefit

Congratulations on the arrival of your new bundle of joy! No doubt you are eager to share your happiness with your family, friends, and social media followers, but are also hesitant for them to see photos of you so early into your recovery process. It is challenging to accept the postpartum stage – psychologically, emotionally, and physically. Well, what if I told you that you can have it both ways? Not only can you savor the joys of motherhood, you can get your body back. Although there are a variety of methods and products on the market that you can use to achieve this, I want to draw your attention to the postpartum girdle. It is cheap, easy to use, and it works. What is a Postpartum Girdle? Postpartum girdles are worn around the abdominal region to help the abdomen, hips, and bum regain their former shape. Not to be confused with waist trainers, girdles fall into the “shapewear” category. Tight yet breathable, they are made of medical-grade fabric, nylon, and spandex They have recently gained popularity after celebrities, like Jessica Alba, announced that she wore one following her delivery and that she achieved incredible results. Beyond celebrities, women worldwide are writing raving reviews about the benefits of Bellefit’s postpartum girdles: A Better and Immediate Alternative to Plastic Surgery Plastic surgery is expensive, often requiring a 5-figure budget for the (non-insured) procedure. In New York City, $9000-$12000 is the minimum budget required. A cheaper and comparable alternative is a $72 postpartum girdle from Bellefit. That same $10000 that had to be saved and set aside for plastic surgery can now be put into a college savings account for your new little bundle. The last thing you should do following childbirth is subject your body to an arduous surgery and a prolonged recovery process. It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to recover from plastic surgery, and it can take months before you start feeling like your usual self. Plastic surgery also comes with a number of side effects, including pain, numbness, and bruising that can last several weeks. Like any surgery, it also carries risks and complications. Your likelihood of experiencing complications increases if you have a history of poor circulation, liver disease, lung cancer, diabetes, or if you smoke. Complications can range from scarring, slow healing, altered pigmentation, infection, and bleeding to fluid build-up. One of the best parts of the postpartum girdle is that you can start wearing it the day you are discharged from the hospital. By contrast, doctors are skeptical about recommending a tummy tuck after a C-section, and even ideal candidates have to wait 6 months to undertake the invasive procedure. Why wait when you can benefit from your postpartum girdle? Our custom C-section girdle removes pressure from your incision, speeding up the healing process. According to the latest evidence, the postpartum girdle helps women experience less bleeding, pain, and to get back up on their feet quicker after a C-section. Speed Up Your Body's Healing Process If you experience diastasis recti, the girdle’s design helps to realign your over-extended abdominal muscles. Generally speaking, it allows women to quickly regain their natural body shape, relieves postpartum cramps, reduces pain, conditions you to become more agile, and steadies your pelvic floor. Some nursing mothers have also described how the girdle helped them to lose weight. However, there is no medical evidence to support this claim. In any case, one of your goals as a nursing mother should be to recover your core strength quickly and connect with your bundle of joy, and a postpartum girdle helps you to achieve this. Postpartum Girdles Support Well-Being A mother's mental stability and recovery after childbirth is just as important as her physical recovery. Although a newborn often brings unbridled joy, one of the most significant challenges today’s mothers face is accepting the incredible changes that happen to their bodies. Unfortunately, we live in a world where slim is the barometer for what is socially acceptable and sexy. Add social media to the mix, and a new mother’s self-esteem can take a considerable bashing. When you are regularly exposed to images of slim, sexy women, you are more likely to compare yourself to them and worry. A postpartum girdle gives new moms hope, confidence, and an effective tool they can use to get their body back to its former state. When you wear Bellefit underneath your clothes, you look slim and it provides you with an hourglass shape. That feeling of confidence and having a plan can give you a sense of achievement and a continued source of inspiration. It also helps you to accept the current state of your body and chart a course for recovery. After all, the postpartum period is a time to bond with your baby, regain your core strength, adapt to motherhood, and get back to your pre-pregnancy activities. Constantly staring at your abdomen in the mirror is not part of the list. Instead of worrying, focus on your goals and have something to look forward to by wearing Bellefit. How to Wear a Postpartum Girdle A postpartum girdle should be worn immediately after childbirth, as soon as your doctor allows. How NOT to Wear Your Postpartum Girdle Do not wear it while pregnant Avoid direct contact with the skin by wearing your girdle over an undershirt Do not wear it in the shower To avoid distress, ensure the girdle is loose enough and adjust it regularly to support healing and comfort Suitability for a Postpartum Girdle Women who have amnionitis, infections, or wounds from a C-section cannot wear postpartum girdles (or postpartum wraps). A postpartum wrap should be worn immediately; if your doctor permits you to proceed. Waist Trainers Should Not Be Confused With Postpartum Wrap What makes a postpartum wrap so effective is that it offers gentle compression and support to aid the healing and recovery process. The waist trainers you see some celebrities wearing on social media are made from dense materials, such as metal and latex, creating heavy compression. They are worn to reduce the size of your waist and are not medically advisable. We know that the postpartum period is never easy. That’s why we have created Bellefit’s postpartum girdle to help you through this process. With exercise and a balanced diet, your body should return to its normal shape in no time. Take it slow, and enjoy this blissful moment with your child.

As a new mother, you likely have questions about what you can and cannot do after giving birth. There will be a period of rest and recovery following the birthing process that you’ll be recommended to take. You’ll also want to be very careful with your physical body while bathing and dressing, particularly if you have sutures due to the surgical procedure you’ve just undergone. So, how do you know if a postpartum girdle is right for you or not? Do a lot of women find it necessary to wear such an undergarment? Are there risks involved in using a post-pregnancy corset for lower back and abdomen support? These questions may come to mind after you’ve delivered your child. Legitimate in every way, we’re here to help you come to the conclusion that girdles are, indeed, safe to wear after giving birth. That way, you’re able to decide which style best meets your needs physically and fashionably. Not for the Faint-Hearted According to an A-List Celebrity Take it from actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba that wearing a corset after having a baby isn’t for the faint-hearted. She wore a double-corset day and night to get back to her original pre-pregnancy shape. Her biggest complaint was how incredibly sweaty she was but then explained that it was doable for some women. Weighing the pros with the cons helps you determine whether wearing a girdle after birth is right for you. To better understand what you’re up against, let’s look at both sides in greater detail. The Pros of Wearing a Postpartum Girdle Among the many benefits that comes with wearing a postpartum girdle is how well it keeps things in place. With pregnancy weight being an issue for many women who have just given birth, a postpartum girdle helps compress the abdomen, giving you a seamless look that can be worn under dresses, skinny jeans, and even sweatpants. Next, it provides extra support for the lower back which has a tendency to hurt whenever weight is gained. Having a garment that keeps everything in place makes it easier for you to exhibit good posture and prevent muscle strain. That means that you won’t risk injuring yourself while you work to lose the extra weight you gained while pregnant. Corset-Wearing Cons Some of the negatives that come with wearing a corset include cost and restriction. Investing in a girdle can set you back quite a bit of money depending on the brand and style that you choose. It’s more expensive than any bra or pair of underwear that you’ve purchased but does offer durability which leads to its long-term use. The other thing you’ll want to be aware of is how binding a corset can be. It compresses the abdomen and back. Although there are many styles available making it easier to put on and take off a corset, it’s still very form-fitting and restrictive. Choose Bellefit for the Ultimate Comfort and Support Bellefit products are designed to maximize comfort while providing support in all the right places. We offer a variety of styles of girdles to choose from, too, making it easy to find one that you love wearing. See for yourself what selections await you by checking out our inventory today.

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.

Now that you know what to expect from a C Section, you’ll have an easier time preparing for and healing from the surgical procedure.

When International model Rose Bertram delivered a healthy baby girl on February 24, she was – and still is – at the prime of her modeling career. Although life in front of the camera began 10 years ago, Bertram’s rising stardom was most recently seen on several magazine covers, including Glamour, Esquire and Vogue. As a model, her job is to look amazing, so Rose Bertram wore a Post Baby Corset to Recover After Pregnancy. As a pregnant mother, Bertram, like most new moms, found herself stressing over the changes she was seeing. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram “You usually ask yourself the question if you’ll be able to get back in shape,” she posted to her Facebook page. “Well, I was kinda stressed, as it is also my job to be in shape.” She recognized that each journey is personal, with some bodies bouncing back to their pre-pregnancy shapes much quicker than others, but she was eager to take the first step for herself. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram About Bellefit Maternity Bellefit Maternity understands the physical and emotional toll pregnancy and delivery can have on new moms. That’s why, in 2008, founder Cynthia Suarez developed the company’s first girdle, in response to her own adult daughter’s postpartum suffering. The company’s girdles are different than most on the market, offering leading medical grade products that support and comfort moms. The compression provided by Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets quickly and comfortably reduce the pregnancy-related excess weight or skin, improve posture, eliminate back pain and allow for an overall faster recovery for the postpartum woman. How Did Rose Learn About Bellefit Girdle Bertram, who’s been with Dutch soccer player Gregory van der Wiel since 2013, discovered the Bellefit benefits five days after giving birth to Naleya Rose. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram “When Naleya was born, I needed support for my belly because it felt weak and, as a mom, you don’t get a break,” she said. “You have to take care of your baby and yourself. I wore the Bellefit Corset and it did two amazing things for me: It made me feel supported and it helped me get my belly back in shape in record time!” Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram Bellefit Results She began wearing a size large, sized down to a medium very quickly and was wearing a small in a matter of just 30 days. Bertram has an impressive social media presence and, at just five days postpartum, posted a photo on Instagram showing her nearly flat tummy, along with a second photo wearing the Bellefit corset. Just five days later, at 10 days postpartum, Bertram was thrilled to post a story to Instagram, amazed at the rapid results. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram “Thanks to Bellefit Maternity, I got some good results being five days postpartum,” she said. “Wearing this corset has helped me put everything back into place, as well as giving me great recovery!” As an added bonus, she said that a combination of coconut oil and the gentle pressure of the corset also helped her stretch marks nearly disappear, which will certainly benefit her modeling career, as well as her future in the film industry, an ambition that she plans to pursue. Photo Credit: Rose Bertram Instagram Rose Bertram encourages new moms to try the Bellefit products after giving birth. Those who do can enter her special code, rose20, for $20 off at Bellefit.com Bellefit Products

Figuring out how to regain your pre-pregnancy body is a common anxiety with new mothers. You've been through a lot. You gained weight, and then you lost it. You lived through soreness, heartburn, and exhaustion. Your body goes through significant changes during pregnancy and again after childbirth. Weight gain is an obvious hurdle to bounce back from. And it's no surprise that cesarean deliveries tend to be more demanding than natural births. The former involves an incision to the abdominal wall and uterus, which is no walk in the park. Because of this, you can expect healing and getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight to take some time, but don't fret. Pregnancy weight loss after a c-section is within reach with the right mindset and these actionable tips. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets — Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes Babies take a lot out of us—physically, emotionally and mentally—and although they bring us a huge amount of joy and fulfillment as we adjust to life with them in our arms, the process can be draining at times. It's important that we learn how to take care of ourselves after giving birth so that we have more energy for our babies. While some of these pieces of advice can be implemented before the baby arrives, others will require some time. Let's get into these 10 tips. 10 Best Ways to Lose Weight After a C-Section Photo credit: yourhealthsupport.in #1 Eat Healthy It should come to no surprise that an effective weight loss plan will start with a healthy diet. You must eat wholesome foods that fuel your body, so you can begin losing weight after pregnancy. Now is not the time to restrict your calories — your body needs the energy to recover from c-section surgery and nourish your baby. The basic idea here is to eat a wide variety of healthy foods that fill you up without over-consuming calories (which will depend on many factors). Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, protein, and fats, and avoid overly processed foods. Processed foods tend to lean high in unhealthy fats and sugars, and are difficult for the body to digest. Reach for whole grains, dark leafy greens, eggs, lean meats, low-mercury seafood, and high-fat dairy products with no added sugar to help you with milk production and fuel you with energy for exercise. Here's a shopping tip to making sure you go home with less processed junk — shop outside the grocery isles. The walls of the grocery store tend to stock fresh produce, meats, and dairy, while the isles have foods that require preservatives and extra processing to increase the shelf-life. Need some meal advice to help you plan your day? We've got you covered. Breakfast: Avoid filling up on pastries (croissants, muffins, danishes) or cereals for breakfast. They tend to be high in sugar and carbs, which can spike your insulin levels, leading to an eventual energy crash and can perpetuate sugar cravings. Try to include unprocessed foods from the five food groups. If you're opting for yogurt (a favorite breakfast food), look for brands that don't add any extra sugar. If you need a bit of sweetness, use fresh or frozen fruit or sweeten with a bit of honey. Lunch: Your lunch, like every meal, should be nutritionally balanced. Protein and fats are naturally satiating, meaning it will keep you feeling full for longer to avoid mindless snacking between meals. Dinner: Healthy doesn't mean it needs to take a lot of time. Prepare your own nutritionally balanced freezer meals that are preservative-free — soups, casseroles, quiches, and side vegetables are all freezer-friendly and quick to serve. Salmon is one of the best sources of proteins for breastfeeding moms because it's chock-full of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a form of omega-3 fatty acid. Omega-3 DHA is especially vital for breastfeeding mothers because it's critical for the growth and functional development of the brain and nervous system in infants. While eating right and exercising are two of the most important parts of losing baby weight, they're also two of the hardest. After all, you've probably gained some pounds during your pregnancy and now you have a newborn to care for—and while that adorable little bundle is a great reason to get up early, it's also an excuse to stay up late. Going from the time when you were pregnant and free to eat what you wanted to the time when you have a baby is difficult, because everything has changed. It's not just about what food is available anymore; it's about how much time you have and who might be hungry at any given moment. But there are some things that have remained constant: eating right is essential to losing weight, but it's also one of the hardest parts of the process. And it doesn't help that there are so many conflicting articles about nutrition for new mothers—some say that breastfeeding means you don't need as many calories; others say you can never eat too much protein or fiber again. While this isn't one of those articles, we can all agree that it's hard to figure out what's best when there are so many opinions on the subject. Coincidentally, eating a healthy diet will help with the next "weight loss after baby" tip. Photo credit: stylecraze.com #2 Breastfeed the Baby Did you know breastfeeding helps with weight loss after pregnancy? This is because your body burns around 500 extra calories to produce milk with life-sustaining nutrients — vitamins, fats, proteins — for the baby. How long does it take to lose weight after a c-section? Regardless of whether you've had a natural birth or delivered via c-section, you can expect to lose weight in as little as a couple of months after delivery if you breastfeed. Most healthy newborn babies are ready to breastfeed as early as an hour after birth. Studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers shed more weight quicker than mothers who don't, especially during the first three postpartum months. Breastfeeding also triggers the release of the hormone, oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract. This contraction helps the uterus shrink back to its pre-baby size, effectively making your belly look and feel smaller. Of course, there are many other benefits of breastfeeding your baby, including strengthening your baby's immune system, aiding in growth and development, and it's easier for your child to digest over formula. To go back to our first tip, make sure you're eating a balanced healthy diet so you can produce the best milk for your baby. Breastfeeding is an amazing way to nourish a child, but it takes some work. Some mothers find it easy and can do it without any discomfort whatsoever, but for others, it can be emotionally and physically draining. One of the biggest factors in how breastfeeding goes for a mother is the diet she follows -- what she eats directly affects the quality of the breast milk she produces. So, in order to give your baby the best start possible, limit your caffeine intake, avoid high-mercury seafood, and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol while breastfeeding. Photo credit: kinetic-revolution.com #3 Start Exercising Before we talk about exercising to lose weight after pregnancy, it's advisable to wear postpartum underwear — or, better yet, a supportive post-pregnancy girdle for your workouts. A high-quality post-pregnancy girdle squeezes everything around your belly in tight to support your abdominal and back muscles during your exercises. Now, let's get to the part about why this is the best tip for losing pregnancy weight after a c-section. There's simply nothing better than physical movement and training as far as weight loss is concerned — but be mindful of how your body feels. C-section deliveries require more time to heal. Typically, exercise should be avoided in the first six to eight weeks after giving birth — but it doesn't mean you shouldn't get moving. You can start by going for short walks. You'll start by walking short distances at first, and gradually build up to the point where you're walking at least 30 minutes three times a week. This might mean going for 5 minute walks 4 times each day or walking for 20 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes in the evening. You'll have to go at your own pace—there's no shame in taking your time getting there! Walking after abdominal surgery prevents blood clots and speeds healing. Before you start your walks, check with your doctor to make sure they're okay with it. After speaking with your doctor, and you no longer have any pain from your c-section incisions, it's safe to start with low-impact exercises such as yoga, low-resistance bands, the elliptical, pilates, swimming, or light jogging. What's the best exercise to lose weight after a c-section? As you gradually rebuild your strength in your body over time, you may increase the intensity of your workouts. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are excellent for burning calories to lose extra belly fat after a c-section delivery, and HIIT workouts don't take much time out of your day (20 - 45 minutes). After all, you need to make the most out of your time with a new baby in the house. Exercising with Diastasis Recti Diastasis recti, a condition in which the abdominal wall separates and allows the abdominal muscles to move away from each other, is a common pregnancy-related issue that affects many women. Diastasis recti is most commonly seen as a bulge or pouch in your lower abdomen and can sometimes lead to lower back and pelvic pain. Since it occurs due to the stretching of the connective tissue between the left and right side of your rectus abdominis (the abdominal muscle) during pregnancy, it can also be caused by heavy lifting or obesity in non-pregnant adults. Diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles (the 6-pack muscles) separate from the center, weakening your core. The condition also increases your risk of back pain and incontinence, and can make it difficult to lose weight after pregnancy because you're not supporting your midsection properly. Although in many cases a diastasis will correct itself after birth as you regain strength in your core, it could also require surgery to repair. Even if it does self-correct, women sometimes develop bulging or protruding abdomens that need to be repaired surgically through either a tummy tuck or an umbilical hernia repair. If you've experienced severe pain during pregnancy or notice large gaps in your abdominal muscles postpartum, talk to your doctor about whether you should schedule an appointment with a specialist for an evaluation. Getting rid of this extra pouch on your stomach after a c-section can be challenging, since you may be dealing with stitches. Before you get back to exercising, get the green light from your doctor, and start with gentle core exercises. Wearing a c-section corset immediately after surgery and during exercises can help mitigate pain from diastasis recti and help support the surrounding muscles in the core while you regain strength. #4 Limit Unhealthy Eating This may be an obvious tip — but sometimes unhealthy foods are hidden in plain sight and can be disguised as healthy options. The goal is not to stop indulging in delectable desserts. Because that's unachievable and unrealistic. Instead, try to reduce consumption. Candy, ice-cream, cookies, and cake are obvious junk foods that are abundant in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. Fruit juices, flavored yogurt, granola, diet foods are marketed as healthy, but they can contain a lot of hidden calories, extra sugar, carbs while offering minimal nutritional value. Fruit juice, for example, is an excellent source of vitamin C — however, it's packed with sugar and lacks the fiber from the fruit. The fiber balances the fructose (sugar) by helping slow the absorption. Without it, you may as well eat spoonfuls of sugar. When it comes to losing weight, being selective of where your calories come from is a must. You need to maintain a certain number of calories to fuel for your body for both breastfeeding and exercise — overconsumption will lead to weight gain. Unfortunately, processed food and sugar perpetuate a vicious cycle. The more you indulge in unhealthy food, the more often you crave it. To avoid sugar and carb cravings, reach for food high in healthy fats and protein. Fat and protein are naturally satiating, meaning it will keep your body feeling full for longer. When you feel full, you avoid snacking where you're more prone to give in to these unhealthy choices. Photo credit: globalwomenconnected.com #5 Remain Hydrated Regardless of whether you've just given birth or are only looking to lose weight, hydration is key to losing belly fat. Dehydration is often behind the scenes when we feel food cravings emerge. The body often confuses thirst for hunger, making you reach for food over water. This can lead to consuming more calories than you need in a day, delaying your fat loss goals. Hydration becomes so much more critical when you're breastfeeding to nourish the baby. One way to know that you're sufficiently hydrated is to have a peek at your urine when you use the washroom. If your pee is dark, you definitely aren't drinking enough water. Use a water bottle with measurements, so you can track your progress throughout the day. But not everybody likes to drink so much water. In that case, don't hesitate to jazz up your beverage with natural flavors. You can add lemon, lime, or fresh mint to the glass of water — You won't believe how delicious cucumber water tastes! Other options include brewing tea or eating fruits and vegetables high in water like lettuce, celery, cucumber, and watermelon. If you find you're not seeing the results you want with your c-section weight loss goals, try drinking more water and increasing your electrolytes to stay hydrated. Electrolytes are essential salts and minerals that the body needs to maintain the balance of fluids in our system. If you don't replenish your electrolytes via a balanced diet or oral supplements, you can feel dehydrated or experience several other symptoms of electrolyte imbalance. Coconut water, fruits like bananas and avocados, and dairy products contain high amounts of potassium that helps the body retain water and is involved with many other vital bodily functions. # 6 Don't Skip Meals Sometimes, we believe that in order to lose weight we must reduce the amount of meals we eat. This is absolutely false. It is extremely important to eat several meals during the day to keep your metabolism active, which will help you lose weight after delivery. With these small tips you can safely achieve your goals: Don't skip any meals. With a new baby, many new mothers forget to eat. This is very dangerous because if you don't eat your energy will be affected and that instead of helping you lose weight can cause the opposite. Eat 3 to 5 small meals a day. Instead of eating 2 or 3 large heavy meals during the day, divide your meals into small meals. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day; always eat it. Surprisingly, it is one of the most common meals that new mothers tend to skip. Snacks are great for keeping you energized before you get to your next meal. We recommend choosing snacks that have fiber and protein. This will help keep you satiated and energized until your next meal. It is best to have 2 of your 5 meals as snacks. #7 Perform specific exercises After a cesarean section you will probably have to take some time to recover and will not be able to exercise for a while. However, as you recover, you can perform low-impact exercises that will help you burn calories without overexerting yourself like when you go to the gym. When performing these exercises, it is important to remember to start slow and listen to your body. It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking water or other non-caffeinated beverages when doing any type of physical activity. As your body continues to heal, you can then work up to more strenuous exercises like running or taking an aerobics class at the gym. By waiting until your body has recovered at least partially before getting back into intense exercise, you reduce the risk of injuring yourself again and also prevent yourself from putting unnecessary strain on an area of your body that is still healing. Walking A benefit of this exercise is that you can join other moms so that you can motivate each other to do it and support each other in your weight loss after a cesarean section. Walking is one of the best exercises because it is easy on your muscles and joints which makes it great after surgery. Walking is also a good form of exercise because it gets your heart rate up so you can still get the benefits of exercising even if you are just beginning to get back into exercise after delivery. If possible, try walking around the block with your baby in their stroller. You can also walk around indoors with either an exercise machine such as an elliptical or treadmill. Stretching Stretching is one of the most beneficial exercises for health. It will help you with all the muscles in your body. Not only that, but stretching can help you lose weight and have a fit body. One of the reasons why stretching has gained popularity among people is because it can be done at any time of the day and in any place you want. When you stretch, you are making your muscles to become elastic again so it will make your body feel lighter, stronger and more flexible. Also, it will give your muscles extra energy that can burn more fat when you are doing other activities like working out or jogging. Of course, if you are not used to stretching regularly then it is going to be hard for you to commit to doing it daily. However, there are many benefits that could push you to do this every day once you learn about them. Some people say that stretching is just for relaxing or for warming up before exercising but that is not true at all. Stretching is actually an exercise itself and it can help improve your overall health in many ways. For example, if you have overworked your muscles and they are sore, stretching will help reduce the pain while improving your muscle strength at the same time. #8 Avoid Processed Foods Some processed food contains various chemicals and substances that are not entirely healthy for our body. Many times, we are unknowingly consuming extra sugars or even fats. So, how do we make sure that we are eating the healthiest food possible? One way is to look at the ingredients of the food that you consume on a regular basis. If you notice any words or additives that you don't immediately recognize, don't be afraid to look them up. Processed foods are not inherently bad for you! It's just like anything else we consume – moderation is key. Eating too much sugar or fat can lead to weight gain and risk factors for heart disease. The same goes for processed foods – if you eat too much or too often, you may increase your caloric intake without realizing it. This can lead to weight gain over time which can increase your risk of heart disease as well as other health risks such as diabetes. In addition, when breastfeeding your baby, you will be giving him/her better quality milk since our body absorbs everything we consume. The more natural our food is, the more quality nutrients we will have in our body. #9 Find Motivation When we try to improve our habits, it is very common that soon after we start we give up. It is important to stay motivated during the process so that you are able to be consistent and adopt new eating and exercise habits. The first step is to think about why you want to make this change. You may want to lose weight, look better or feel better about yourself. Or maybe you want to be healthier and have more energy. Whatever your reason, write down your goals and keep them somewhere that you will see them everyday. When you reach a goal, celebrate! Reward yourself with something that makes you happy—a massage, a manicure, a night out with friends—it will help reinforce your new habits by making them more fun and enjoyable. After having a baby, it is very easy for your attention and care to be focused on the new baby. However, you should keep in mind that your health and care are also important. Find a motivation like a dress you want to wear or that trip to the beach you want to take later. #10 Be patient One of the reasons why it is difficult to lose weight after a cesarean section is not seeing the results in a short time. As new mothers are recovering from surgery, it is important to remember that losing weight after a C-section takes as much time and effort as it does to gain weight. It is also very important to remember that the body changes during pregnancy and requires some time to get back into shape. After pregnancy, it can be difficult to lose weight because of the excess skin that has grown during pregnancy and the extra fat around your abdomen. While it's great that you're taking control of your eating habits and exercising, please don't put too much pressure on yourself by setting a deadline for weight loss. The key to losing weight is to make healthy changes day-by-day, following a nutritious diet and working out regularly. Take your time and go at your own pace. Enjoy each meal and your exercise routine, and you'll see that before you know it, you'll be on your way to a healthy weight loss. Takeaways: How To Lose Weight After C-Section Delivery Many women struggle to lose weight post-pregnancy, especially if you've had a c-section delivery, which often has a longer recovery period. The best pieces of advice are about building healthier habits to sustain your weight goals, and it involves understanding what your body needs to heal and nurture your new baby. Tips such as eating healthy, limiting junk foods, and staying hydrated are actionable before giving birth and can help you with fat loss success after delivery. However, you'll see the most results once you start exercising again. The key to all of these steps is consistency. C-sections are major abdominal surgeries and should not be taken lightly. It's important to know that a woman who has just given birth should wait at least six weeks before starting any sort of diet or exercise plan. You may have heard that you can start exercising right away postpartum, but doing so could cause further harm to your body and slow down your recovery time from surgery. The best thing for a new mom to do is rest, eat well and take care of her new baby—this will help her lose weight naturally over time. What's the Difference Between a Postpartum Girdle and a Normal Girdle? A postpartum girdle can be worn after you deliver your baby. It supports painful areas such as your abdomen, pelvis and back. The purpose of a postpartum girdle is to help you heal after pregnancy. Some women even wear them for a few months before they give birth, in order to help the abdominal muscles prepare for the stress of childbirth and recovery after birth. After pregnancy, your abdominal muscles have been stretched out from nine months of pregnancy and childbirth. In most cases, it takes nine months to a year to recover from your delivery, depending on how you take care of yourself.

Now that I’m officially a “twin mom”, I decided to start something I like to call Twin Mom Tuesdays were I share my favorite twin mom items!. A lot of new moms/soon-to-be-twin-moms have been asking me to review different products, so I’m excited to start! Today I started wearing something I SO wish I had bought with my first pregnancy, but didn’t— the Bellefit Dual Closure Girdle! mrskyleeaustin This thing is amazing for twin moms because we all KNOW that abs are totally none existent once those babies arrive! I also had a c-section so the girdle gives me the extra support I need right now! I can’t wait to share more about my journey with Bellefit and my transformation! #transformationtuesday The belly is SLOWLY deflating! Haha The bottom right pic is me now at three weeks postpartum with twins! Can you believe my belly was that huge only three weeks ago? With the help of my @bellefit girdle I feel my abs and posture getting stronger and uterus going back into place. Sure, I’ll be left with some crazy sagging skin, but time will tell what my final result will be! Stay tuned! (Can’t wait to add some working out back into the equation!) To learn more about Diastasis Recti, Click Here! She Used:

2 Weeks Postpartum and discovered this amazing @bellefit compression garment to help with recovery. Wish I had known about it since Day 1! Thankful for their super fast shipping. I haven’t been cleared to get back to my normal fitness routine yet and I am ok with that. Even though I feel great and totally like I could bust out some burpees, I definitely want to allow my body to heal and fully recover. That doesn’t mean that I have to sit idly by and wait to start the post baby bounce back journey. This medical grade garment is going to give me a much needed head start. I’ve only been wearing it for a few hours and I can already tell a difference in the support in my back and core. I am excited to see how it helps with swelling and bringing everything back together. Also, peep that pineapple bun. It’s my go-to mom hairstyle these days. To learn more about sizing, visit our Sizing Page! She Used:

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

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.

The buzz created after Fox TV’s Brittany Graham and Brooke Hackett spoke on-air about their experience with Bellefit® postpartum compression girdles got us thinking, Who’s Next? https://player.vimeo.com/video/250156441 Bellefit Maternity on FOX 13 News from Bellefit on Vimeo. We love that Brittany and Brooke gave us rave reviews. And we especially appreciate their willingness (and eagerness) to share their experiences on live TV and their blog. Checkout the beautiful photos of their growing family and while you’re at it, tell Brittany and Brooke how much you appreciate their stories on Twitter. Moms are eager to share their postpartum stories with one another, [including many of our own Bellefit® Ambassadors, but we don’t often see this from TV personalities!So we want to encourage and celebrate more to do just that. Any TV personality willing to follow in Brittany and Brooke’s footsteps, sharing a personal story with our Childbirth Recovery products with their TV audience, we want to encourage and celebrate. How? We’ll send a custom-package with the very best of our products for you or your expectant family member. Just send your request to press@bellefit.com. And you don’t need to be or know a TV reporter to share your Bellefit® story like Brittany and Brooke. Share your story online with the tag #mybellefitstory, and you may just find yourself featured on our site, or the winner of one of ten prizes/gift certificates/TBD. Not online? No problem: Share your story with us directly at MyBellefitStory@bellefit.com. We look forward to celebrating moms and their postpartum recovery success at #mybellefitstory and seeing more moms like Brittany and Brooke doing the same on TV. Until then, thanks for sharing your experience with the Best Belly Band of 2017. Moms Who Shared #mybellefitstory