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Postpartum Bleeding Lochia Bleeding is the name given to postpartum bleeding. It is the way in which your body expels excess mucus, placental tissue, and blood after giving birth. Lochia is very similar to the bleeding you experience during your menstrual period, however, it is much heavier. It typically begins in the hours immediately following birth and usually continues for two or three weeks. However, in some women lochia can last for up to six weeks. Your baby has arrived and you are probably waiting for your body to begin to go back to normal. Well, your body is on its way, but it may take some time to achieve. For the first few weeks you will have to deal with postpartum bleeding. Postpartum bleeding is a completely normal part of the postpartum period and goes away on its own. Symptoms of Lochia Lochia usually begins as a bright red discharge from the vagina. This blood typically continues to be bright red in color for between four and ten days. After ten days, your lochia will become a pink color, eventually changing to a yellowish-white color. This blood flow may be constant and even, or it may be expelled in intermittent gushes. Lochia bleeding may also be accompanied by numerous small blood clots, about a size of a grape. Dealing with Lochia Postpartum bleeding can sometimes be annoying to contend with, however, there are some ways to make the going easier: Rest as much as you can, and avoid excess standing and walking (this will exacerbate the blood flow) Use heavy duty maxi pads to soak up the blood. Do not use tampons for at least six weeks after pregnancy. Tampons can introduce bacteria in to the vagina and uterus, causing infection. Wear your Bellefit Girdle or Corset to get the compression you need, which is great for lymphatic drainage, decreases the risks of fluid collection, and gives you access to the groin with convenient flap with hooks to easily change your pads without taking off your girdle.

First off, what is an abdominal binder? Turns out, a whole lot more than immediate waist reduction — as made popular by Kim Kardashian. The abdominal binder is not a new invention. Just as women's bodies come in all shapes and sizes, abdominal binders come in many sizes, designs, and materials. Sometimes called a belly binder or an abdomen belt, they're designed to speed healing from abdominal surgery or after childbirth. An abdominal binder is meant to be quite tight — though not so tight that you can’t breathe or sit comfortably. Some abdominal binders are simple swaths of thick fabric that you wrap around your belly area, securing the wrap with velcro or a series of snaps. Other binders are more like a bodysuit that you step into and pull up around your midsection. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles, Corsets & Abdominal Binders In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of wearing an abdominal binder, answer common questions, and guide you through shopping for the best products on the market. Let's get into it. Table Of Contents Overview: Top Reasons for Wearing an Abdominal Binder Women Wearing Abdominal Binders After Pregnancy Postpartum Abdominal Binder May Increase Blood Flow Provides Abdominal Support During Exercise Abdominal Binder After C-Section Surgery to Relieve Pain If you had a c-section, an abdominal binder after surgery is a must for your healing process. Wear an Abdominal Binder to Readjust to Your Pre-pregnancy Clothing The Benefits of Abdominal Binder After Hysterectomy Common Questions About Abdominal Binders When to start wearing postpartum girdle? Can you sleep in abdominal binders? How long to wear postpartum girdle? Can you wear a belly binder after abdominal surgery? How To Shop And Compare The Best Abdominal Binders In Conclusion Overview: Top Reasons for Wearing an Abdominal Binder Provides abdominal support after childbirth, hernia, tummy tuck, hysterectomy, and other abdominal surgeries for increased range of motion and comfort Compression increases blood flow and reduces swelling to the abdominal region to promote healing Helps you get exercising sooner to recover from diastasis recti Save your abdominals and back muscles from pain A post pregnancy binder tucks in the belly, helping you fit into slimmer clothing to regain confidence in your body Women Wearing Abdominal Binders After Pregnancy Postpartum Abdominal Binder May Increase Blood Flow Your uterus pre-pregnancy is the size and shape of an upside-down pear and can stretch up to 500 times its original size during pregnancy. After your child is born, it takes approximately six weeks for this organ to shrink back to its original size — an abdominal binder can speed this process along by compressing the organ into place and increasing blood flow. Wearing an abdominal corset after delivery — vaginal or c-section — works wonders for your healing process. Compression therapy isn't a new invention. Compression bandages and socks apply even, gentle pressure to the affected area to reduce soreness, inflammation, and increase range of motion. The gentle tension from a high-quality abdominal compression garment increases blood flow to the region, bringing a fresh supply of oxygen and nutrients to the abdominal organs to speed healing. Bellefit® Postpartum Abdominal Binder Provides Abdominal Support During Exercise Hormonal changes and uterine growth causes stretching in the abdominal muscles. Roughly two out of three women will experience a separation of their abdominal muscles during pregnancy, which is undoubtedly painful. Diastasis recti is a condition where the muscles that make up the wall of the abdominals — also known as the "six-pack" — separate from your midline, making you look like you're still pregnant as the intestines and abdominal organs distend into the space. Diastasis can aggravate lower back pain as it has to compensate for the weakness in your core. Treatment can sometimes include surgery, such as a tummy tuck, or you can go a less invasive route with exercise and a strict diet. Wearing a postpartum binder while you exercise may increase your range of motion and ease your comfort in your workouts to regain tone and strength in your abdominals. A 2013 study found that starting your abdominal exercises from the second day after delivery is an effective method for restoring postpartum abdominal efficiency — a binder was worn for immediate waist reduction and to hold the muscles at the right tension to prevent them from sagging and expanding. Helps to Relieve Pain from C-Section Surgery Cesarean delivery is major surgery — an incision is made to the abdomen and into the uterus. It's no wonder why people often report a sore recovery for up to six weeks. Everything can feel loose and out of place — standing for too long is painful, bending over is painful, going to the bathroom is painful. It can make every day tasks a daunting experience, especially with a newborn. An abdominal binder is designed to support your abdominal and back muscles by holding everything together, so you're no longer feeling like everything is hanging and loose. It can even open your airways to improve your breathing, as it naturally straightens your posture, bringing more room into your diaphragm for lungs to fully expand. If you had a c-section, an abdominal binder is a must for your healing process. More than just a luxury item, an abdominal corset can get you back into a routine quickly while feeling comfortable and supported. Wear an Abdominal Binder to Readjust to Your Pre-pregnancy Clothing Sick of people asking when your baby is due after giving birth? One of the fastest benefits of wearing a post-natal binder may be a superficial reason, but it's important for your improving your confidence nonetheless. It's okay to feel different after giving birth, your body has undergone an incredible change — give yourself permission to heal with your new, temporary body. Abdominal binders are elastic, often made from soft, breathable materials that can be worn comfortably under your clothing, so no one will have to know you're wearing one. The binder will reduce the appearance of your tummy, so you can feel confident while you transition from your pre-baby body to post-baby bod. The Benefits of Abdominal Binder After Hysterectomy A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the uterus. An abdominal hysterectomy is much more invasive than a vaginal hysterectomy (where part of the uterus is removed). For some patients, it can take six to eight weeks to recover from an abdominal hysterectomy. The hospital will often provide you with a binder — but don't expect it to be the most comfortable fit. Investing in a high-quality binder will make all the difference for your recovery. Wearing an abdominal binder after surgery can help relieve pain, speed the healing process with compression, and provide back support. Common Questions About Abdominal Binders When to start wearing postpartum girdle? You can use your post-pregnancy binder immediately after delivery, even after surgical c-section. Can you sleep in abdominal binders? Depending on the type of surgery you've had, you can wear your abdominal binder 24 hours a day, and many patients choose to sleep with them to get the maximum benefits of compression. This is why it's important to compare and shop for high-quality garments, so you can feel comfortable in the material throughout the day and even as you sleep. How long to wear postpartum girdle? It's recommended you use your belt for the whole duration of your recovery. As your body changes during the weeks, you may need to size down in your abdominal binder to one that fits snugly. Shop with brands that offer multiple sizes in the style of girdle you like, so you can make each transition between sizing a breeze. The best options are often sold online for competitive pricing. Can you wear a belly binder after abdominal surgery? It depends on the abdominal surgery, but most belly binders are suitable to wear after surgical procedures. How To Shop And Compare The Best Abdominal Binders “Where Can I Purchase an Abdominal Binder?” How To Shop And Compare The Best Abdominal Binders. Before you shop, you should know the difference between the best postpartum belly wrap and postpartum girdles. Let's quickly compare the two. Girdles will offer much more support to your abdominals over a wrap, and it's often are made from stronger material and last longer. Wraps often have bulky velcro closures that don't conform to the natural curves of the body — making them more noticeable beneath clothes and can sometimes rub against the surgical incisions. There are so many options for post postpartum girdles or abdominal binders on the market today. Search for the best garments that offer the following features: A combination of comfort and support — breathable fabric is a must, especially since you will be wearing it for hours at a time. It should feel like a snug second skin. A hook and eye closure on a corset make it easy to use the restroom without taking the entire garment off. Reinforced panels in the front and back of the abdominal binders support the pressure points in your midsection as you heal. A snug fit ensures that the belt will not slip off, even as you care for your new baby and resume your normal daily activities. While you may find a few abdominal binders sold in a baby and pregnancy store, your best option is to purchase online, where you have a wide range of garments to choose from at a better price point than offered in store. Before you purchase your abdominal binder, ask friends for recommendations, read its product review, and compare quality and price on the market. When it comes to your health, you deserve only the best. In Conclusion By now, you should understand why so many women are sold on the abdominal binder pregnancy savior. It's more than just an item for aesthetics. The period after childbirth is a special time to connect with your new baby. Beat the baby blues and get back to feeling like your normal self by making your health and recovery a priority with one, high-quality item. An abdominal belt is a multifaceted tool — it provides stomach support after pregnancy or abdominal surgery and can help you gain confidence in your transition into your post-baby body. You'll quickly see the investment in your body and health is worth every penny.

Each woman's pregnancy, birth, c-section recovery, and motherhood experience is as unique as she is. And recovering from a c-section can be very difficult - with a c-section recovery belt/band, it can be much easier. Table Of Contents "> C-Section Recovery and Discomfort What Happens 24 hours After a C-Section? When to Seek Medical Attention After a C-Section Post C-Section Recovery Symptoms How Soon Can I Exercise and be Active After C-Section? Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help with my C-Section Recovery? A c-section is a surgical birth; an obstetrician makes an incision in a woman's lower abdomen and removes the baby through this opening. A C-Section is a very different process from a vaginal birth experience. Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, the recovery is quite different from a woman experiences after a vaginal birth. Women who have unplanned or emergency c-sections following a trial of labor may experience more challenges after their babies' births than those who had scheduled c-sections in advance. We've put together a C-section recovery guide to help you understand what to expect during your C-section recovery and how to make it go as smoothly as possible. C-Section Recovery and Discomfort There are varying degrees of discomfort for women during the c-section recovery period. In general, it takes women a longer time to recover from c-sections than from vaginal births. There are two incisions which need to be closed. Typically the inner incision - the one in your uterus - is closed with stitches that will dissolve away. The outer incision - the one you can see on your skin - is closed with stitches or staples. Stitches will usually dissolve on their own, but staples must be removed by the doctor. What Happens 24 hours After a C-Section? After the first 24 hours, you will be encouraged by your nurses to get up and walk around. Gentle movement like this helps jump start the healing process by increasing your circulation. If you feel up to it, hold your baby as soon as you can to facilitate bonding. The first two hours after your baby is born is a magical time to connect with your newborn! Babies are remarkably alert during this time, so it is a natural opportunity to spend private time with your child and your birth partner. If you plan to breastfeed your baby, ask the nurses to help you get started in the recovery room. Make sure you have support available to you. Lactation consultants and postpartum nurses make wonderful teachers and helpers in those early days of your baby's life. They can show you how to use pillows to ease some of your discomfort as you nurse your baby. Though it can be difficult, if you want to breastfeed after your c-section, you can do it! Chances are good that you had a catheter inserted during surgery to collect your urine. Sometime in the first 24 hours after surgery the catheter will be removed and you will need to practice using the bathroom on your own before you can go home. As crazy as that sounds, using the bathroom can be tough for new moms, no matter what type of birth you had! Because your abdominal wall has been significantly affected by your pregnancy and the surgery, you may find it difficult to move to a sitting position from lying down. Rolling over, laughing, and crying may also be painful for a while, too. When to Seek Medical Attention After a C-Section If you notice anything strange about your incision, call your doctor immediately: The incision feels warm or painful to the touch, If it is getting more red and tender, Or if it is leaking any sort of fluid, These are signs that you could have an infection. Call your doctor immediately. Post C-Section Recovery Symptoms You May Feel Nauseous Immediately following your c-section, you may feel nauseous. In fact, you might even vomit. Nausea is a common side effect to anesthesia, so your nurses will be ready for this reaction. Pain Many women will want or need to take a prescription pain medication to manage the pain associated with the early stages of their c-section recovery. Sometimes women going through a c-section recovery find it hard to breastfeed. This is because it is challenging to position your newborn correctly at the breast when your abdomen hurts! How Soon Can I Exercise and be Active After C-Section? Most of the time, women who have had c-sections should stick to light exercise during the first six to eight weeks after their babies are born. If you've had a C-Section, keep these recommendations in mind: Light walking is fine, as long as you feel up to it. It is important that your doctor check your incision area and clear you for moderate exercise before you resume your workout program. The most important thing to do as you recover from a c-section is to take it easy for a while. Let other people do your housework, and try not to lift anything or anyone heavier than your newborn. Be patient with yourself as you recover, too. The process is sometimes slow, but if you do too much too soon, you will only exhaust yourself. Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help with my C-Section Recovery? One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use a postpartum girdle for c-section, an abdominal binder, c section recovery belt/band, or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend a post maternity girdle to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Bellefit offers the best medical grade postpartum compression garment that is perfect for women who are going through c-section recovery. Some key features of Bellefit Postpartum Girdles are: The c-section recovery belt/band speeds healing. It also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. A c-section recovery belt/band improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Do your very best to enjoy your brand new baby and just allow yourself to heal! Bellefit Has the Best Postpartum Girdles

What is a Cesarean Section? A Cesarean Section definition according to Miriam and Webster is, “a surgical procedure involving incision of the walls of the abdomen and uterus for delivery of offspring.” This means that the baby is taken out of the mother’s uterus by a surgeon. Why you may need a Cesarean Section Planned C-Sections have been on the rise for many decades. While some women may never have to give birth through Cesarean Section, others may only be able to do it in this way. There are several reasons why a mother may have a Cesarean Section. Some mothers may choose to have a C-section, some may develop medical complications that require a Cesarean Section, and others may be rushed into an Emergency Cesarean Section. Elective Cesarean Section Definition An elective Cesarean Section is when the pregnant woman chooses to have a Cesarean Section, not because of medical need, but because they would prefer it. Some women may not want to go through the pain of a vaginal birth and so they decide they would rather deliver their baby through Cesarean Section. Most doctors advocate for women to give birth vaginally, especially if there is not a medical reason for the Cesarean Section. Doctors vary in their thinking on these issues, but all obstetricians are trained as surgeons, so they tend to be quite comfortable with surgical birth. Planned Cesarean Section Definition A planned Cesarean Section is when a pregnant woman is advised by her physician that a Cesarean Section would be beneficial for the health of the child or herself. Planned Cesarean Sections are actually quite common, and typically are determined a few months before the due date. Sometimes there are complications that could lead to problems with a vaginal birth, and in these cases, your doctor will suggest you consider a Cesarean Section. Some of these problems include: The baby is in an abnormal position The woman is carrying more than one child The baby is too large for vaginal delivery The woman has a medical condition that could lead to problems during vaginal labor. This includes: high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or herpes in the vaginal area The mother has had a C-section before Emergency Cesarean Section Definition An emergency C-section occurs when a woman was planning on having a vaginal birth but complications occurred. Usually, the physician decides to perform a Cesarean Section. Emergency C-Sections often occur when either the mother or the baby is in distress. Some reasons for an Emergency C-Section include: Labor is not moving as quickly as it should . This usually is if the mother has been in labor for multiple hours and there has been little to no change in dilation. The baby’s heart rate is abnormal. According to Stanford Children’s Health, “the fetal heart rate during labor is a good sign of how well the fetus is handling the contractions of labor. The heart rate is monitored during labor, with the normal range varying between 120 to 160 beats per minute.” Complications involving the placenta Complications involving the umbilical cord Recovery from C-Section Recovery from a C-Section is going to be very similar to recovery from a major surgery. You will need to take it slow and steady. Your body knows what it needs to heal - so listen to it. Many doctors will suggest you: take pain medication - as instructed by your doctor avoid sex - this can lead to rupture in the stitches at the incision site, and can also lead to infection avoid strenuous activity - try not to lift anything other than your baby, and try to avoid any twisting movements A doctor may also suggest you aid your recovery with a postpartum girdle. At Bellefit, we have postpartum girdles designed specifically for women who have had to have a Cesarean Section. These girdles help support your muscles as they strengthen. And they compress the incision site which can relieve pain, and aid your recovery by relieving tension. But don’t just take our word for it! Feel free to read some glowing reviews from mothers just like you. We know you want to get back to feeling your best, and we want to aid you along the way. Invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle today and get back to doing the things that matter most.