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What are Abdominal Binders? Abdominal Binders, also known as belly binders, are medical compression garments worn around the abdomen. They are used to apply light pressure to the abdominal region to speed up the recovery process after a major abdominal surgery. Abdominal binders are becoming more widely used, and many women will use them after surgery’s such as a hysterectomy or a cesarean section. Do Abdominal Binders Work? The short answer is, yes, abdominal binders do work. Abdominal binders are an effective pain reliever since they help take the pressure off of the abdomen region. There are multiple studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of abdominal binders on relieving pain. Studies such as one published in Cureus found that “The use of abdominal binder postoperatively significantly reduced pain and improved mobility in both obstetric and surgery patients.” Still another study published in Physiotherapy, found that the use of binders helped patients walk further than other patients without them. This means that after any abdominal surgery, patients experienced less pain and greater movement when using an abdominal binder. In addition, many doctors, including Jay Goldberg, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist in Beverly Hills stated “We’ve been prescribing abdominal binders for a long time… with obstetrics, these wraps help women recovering from a vaginal delivery or a c-section with their posture, abdominal support, and self-confidence.” How do Abdominal Binders Work? So what exactly does an abdominal binder do? Abdominal binders are wrapped snugly around the waist and hip area. The light compression they provide relieves the weight and pressure off of your surgery incisions which then reduces your pain. Not only that, but the compression is also thought to shrink your uterus faster. This gets rid of your unwanted belly fat and that still-pregnant look after giving birth. In addition, they force your abdomen to remain in a certain position, this reduces the risk that you may move in an abnormal way and cause pain. The fabric protects your surgery incision from snagging on anything and causing problems. Essentially abdominal binders are a great resource that doctors, scientists, and patients have found to help in the postpartum recovery process. Benefits Get rid of unwanted belly fat/Shrink uterus There are many benefits to using an abdominal binder, one of which is that it helps to get rid of belly fat. Now, the binder itself won’t get rid of belly fat, but with the decrease in pain you will be able to exercise your muscles. This goes for mothers who have just given birth, mothers who went through a cesarean section, and women who had a hysterectomy. New mothers can also experience a faster recovery when it comes to their uterus shrinking. This also starts to help them feel more confident in their changing postpartum body. As Donnica Moore, MD, states “You may feel more comfortable and may feel like moving more and the more you move and exercise, the quicker you get your figure back.” Prevent Diastasis Recti Another problem many women face is preventing diastasis recti after giving birth. Diastasis recti is pretty common and according to an article on Parents it can be described as “a gap in between your right and left abdominal wall muscles that can result in a rounded, protruding belly ‘pooch.’” Diastasis recti makes it incredibly difficult to lose the belly fat that stubbornly clings to your body after pregnancy. So, having help preventing it from happening in the first place is a great benefit to using an abdominal binder. If you think you may have diastasis recti, please look at our case guide, to determine a good course of action. Less Pain Many women who use an abdominal binder after surgery claim to experience less pain. This can probably be caused by the light compression, the support, and the relief that abdominal binders provide. Heal Faster Closely related to having less pain, abdominal binders also help the body heal faster. Essentially what happens is your body is experiencing less pain. So now you feel comfortable enough to move around and exercise your abdominal muscles. Through this exercise the ab muscles strengthen more and heal from any trauma. Meaning that the use of an abdominal binder allowed your body to heal faster than if you hadn’t used one. How to Use In most cases your healthcare provider will show you how to use your abdominal binder for the first time. They may also give you directions on when to clean it, and when to loosen the pressure. But if you are looking for a little guide here is what you should know. Abdominal Binders go over bandages and under clothing. Many times you may have an incision which you need to have bandaged and you don’t want the blood to get on your binder. Fasten your binder as directed. Some binders have two fasteners. Make sure you read the directions for each binder to ensure you are properly fastening it. Make sure you feel comfortable. The abdominal binder should be snug and provide some support, but you should not feel uncomfortable or like you are being squeezed into a sausage casing. Make sure you are wearing the right size binder. You don’t want the binder to be too loose, and you don’t want it to be so tight you can’t breathe. You also might want to consider your body type when purchasing an abdominal binder. Luckily we have a great guide to choosing the right postpartum garment for you. If you are looking for more detailed directions on how to use a binder check out this website. Risks For the most part, the majority of people can use abdominal binders without experiencing any problems. In some cases abdominal binders may not be a good option for you. The following are some risks that could potentially occur if you decide to use an abdominal binder. Some people experience pain. For some people the pressure on their surgical area is not tolerated well. If you experience pain with the pressure that comes from an abdominal binder, stop using them immediately. You may want to contact your doctor. Some people may get skin irritations. For some, the contact of the material with their skin can cause irritations such as allergic reactions, itchiness, redness, or a rash. To decrease the odds that this occurs, find a fabric that is non-irritating or hypoallergenic. You can also make sure to create a layer between your skin and the binder. Some people may be at an increased risk of DVT (deep-vein thrombosis), to find out more about this, please visit the healthline website. Best Abdominal Binders There are a lot of abdominal binders on the market, but we at Bellefit truly believe in quality. We know that there are a ton of options available to you but we think ours are the best. Our abdominal binders are: medical grade FDA-Registered recommended since 2008 available in 8 styles and in plus sizes made from non-irritating, breathable, flexible fabric compression adjustable We want to make sure you have the best postpartum recovery available, that’s why we create what we do. We hope this has given you some more insight into how abdominal binders work, and why they are a good investment. Sources: https://www.cureus.com/articles/22849-use-of-abdominal-binders-after-a-major-abdominal-surgery-a-randomized-controlled-trial https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml https://www.lucieslist.com/c-section-postpartum-bindersgirdles/ https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/belly-wraps-post-pregnancy-hit-or-hype#1 https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/diastasis-recti-the-postpartum-body-problem-no-one-talks-about/ https://www.drugs.com/cg/abdominal-binder.html https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-binder#risks-and-warnings

Baby is coming soon! What happens next?! Well, while you are still “patiently” waiting for your little bundle of joy, you may realize a new era is about to begin. And just like most things in life, preparation is the name of the game here. This is why putting together a postpartum recovery kit will make your life SO much easy as you’ll appreciate having your needs covered. Your postpartum care is just as important as your baby’s first smiles and cuddles. Table Of Contents 1. Maternity Pads For Postpartum Bleeding","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"2. Disposable Underwear ","link":"2-disposable-underwear","content":"2. Disposable Underwear ","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"3.Perineal Spray ","link":"3perineal-spray","content":"3.Perineal Spray ","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"4. Padsicles or Cold Packs","link":"4-padsicles-or-cold-packs","content":"4. Padsicles or Cold Packs","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"5. Perineal Irrigation Bottles, aka Peri Bottles","link":"5-perineal-irrigation-bottles-aka-peri-bottles","content":"5. Perineal Irrigation Bottles, aka Peri Bottles","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"6. Medical-Grade Postpartum Girdle","link":"6-medical-grade-postpartum-girdle","content":"6. Medical-Grade Postpartum Girdle","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"7. Nursing Bras","link":"7-nursing-bras","content":"7. Nursing Bras","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"8. Sitz Bath Bowl","link":"8-sitz-bath-bowl","content":"8. Sitz Bath Bowl","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"9. Skincare Products","link":"9-skincare-products","content":"9. Skincare Products","level":1},{"tag":3,"text":"10. Nursing Pads","link":"10-nursing-pads","content":"10. Nursing Pads","level":1},{"tag":2,"text":"More Optional Products For Your Postpartum Recovery Kit","link":"more-optional-products-for-your-postpartum-recovery-kit","content":"More Optional Products For Your Postpartum Recovery Kit","level":0},{"tag":2,"text":"What's Essential For New Mums","link":"whats-essential-for-new-mums","content":"What's Essential For New Mums","level":0},{"tag":2,"text":"Keep Your Postpartum Girdle Handy!","link":"keep-your-postpartum-girdle-handy","content":"Keep Your Postpartum Girdle Handy!","level":0},{"tag":2,"text":"Sources: ","link":"sources","content":"Sources: ","level":0}]"> How To Put Together A Postpartum Kit List The 10 Essentials Of A Postpartum Recovery Kit 1. Maternity Pads For Postpartum Bleeding 2. Disposable Underwear 3.Perineal Spray 4. Padsicles or Cold Packs 5. Perineal Irrigation Bottles, aka Peri Bottles 6. Medical-Grade Postpartum Girdle 7. Nursing Bras 8. Sitz Bath Bowl 9. Skincare Products 10. Nursing Pads More Optional Products For Your Postpartum Recovery Kit What’s Essential For New Mums Keep Your Postpartum Girdle Handy! Sources: In this article, you’ll find all the essentials for a top-notch postpartum kit, for both vaginal and C-section childbirth. From keeping it all together with a postpartum girdle to helping you heal from ‘classics’ like hemorrhoids and sore nipples, we cover it all! At the end of the day, every woman out there with a newborn has gone through this. Have fun and savor the joys of baby-prep! How To Put Together A Postpartum Kit List Ask your friends and family and jot down all the things you’ll need before the baby arrives. We know this is not like grocery shopping but here’s where fans of lists can go all in! It’s not a matter of buying heaps of products. It’s about knowing the main things that may or will happen once your baby is born. You will experience vaginal bleeding, maybe get hemorrhoids or sore nipples, feel your body swollen -and you’ll definitely need to keep good hygiene as you you begin to heal. Always try to get either natural, recommended, or medical-grade products. Talk to your doctor, your friends, and the ladies in your family to get a better perception of what’s coming next. For example, some women suffer from swollen legs after delivery, which may be a condition running in the family, and you’ll need to act on it. Always try to get good advice, and then make your own decisions. Good research and checking testimonials about products can also help, as you’ll find out the ins and outs of each item. This is not about becoming obsessed, but to get clear on what you really need. It’s best to start months ahead, so when the time comes you’ll have all your postpartum essentials waiting to assist you! The 10 Essentials Of A Postpartum Recovery Kit Creating a postpartum kit list beforehand is the best way to ensure there are no hassles when the baby finally arrives. 1. Maternity Pads For Postpartum Bleeding After your baby is born, you’ll start experiencing postpartum bleeding, known as lochia. To keep you covered, you’ll need maternity pads, like…heaps! It’s recommended to start with 2 or 3 packs of 12 pads each. Right after childbirth, you’ll need to change these every couple of hours -the quantity will decrease as days go by. Keep in mind, maternity pads are much more absorbent and bigger than your average sanitary pad. This type of postpartum bleeding is absolutely normal and will happen regardless of the type of delivery you had. As days go by the amount of blood will decrease, but you can expect heavy bleeding for the first 10 days. Lochia usually lasts from 4 to 6 weeks. 2. Disposable Underwear Give your sexy undies a break and focus on panties that will keep you clean and comfy through messy times! Postpartum panties are bigger, keep your pads in place, stretch wider on the legs, and can be quite absorbent. You can get mesh disposable panties or just buy cheap ‘granny’ underwear. Always make sure the fabric is soft and breathable as you don’t want to promote sweat down there! 3.Perineal Spray The perineum, the area between the genitals and the anus, is oftentimes cut during childbirth. This practice is called ‘episiotomy,’ and is done by your doctor or midwife to ease the baby’s birth and prevent future tissue tearing. Even without an episiotomy, it’s very common to feel pain in the area, so there are several things you can get to help your perineum heal and stay clean. A Perineal Spray made of natural and organic soothing and anesthetics ingredients will help calm the discomfort and keep the area fresh. 4. Padsicles or Cold Packs Keeping an ice pack handy is a great idea to soothe pains and aches that may occur after childbirth. A ‘padsicle’ is, basically, a DIY frozen sanitary pad which, combined with some scent-free essential oils and natural products, helps your perineum heal, and reduces swelling. Another option is to apply cool packs in the perineal area for about 30 minutes every couple of hours. The packs shouldn’t come into touch with your skin as this can cause damage and hygiene issues. So always wrap the pack with a clean piece of fabric! 5. Perineal Irrigation Bottles, aka Peri Bottles Here’s our third recommended postpartum kit essential for your perineum! As we mentioned before, keeping your perineum clean is a must during the first stages of postpartum recovery. Peri Bottles are simply hand-held squirt bottles that make rinsing the perineal area way easier. With a simple jug, you may need to bend uncomfortable to reach this stretch of skin, and that’s precisely what you want to avoid! 6. Medical-Grade Postpartum Girdle Having a compression garment in your postpartum recovery kit is a must. Think of all the little things you’ll need to do after childbirth, like…cleaning your perineum -dah! Or even getting dressed or going to the toilet. If on top of all the cares and precautions you need to take, you add a lack of support, you are not doing yourself any favors! Choose the best postpartum girdle for you, and free time and mind space to take care of the important things. 7. Nursing Bras Make sure to add two nursing bras on your list – one for the day and a comfy one for bed. If you don’t have this in your postpartum kit list yet, you need to add it ASAP! You could even have 2 different types of nursing bras. One to wear during the day, and another one designed for sleeping and late-night feedings. Some of the main benefits of wearing a nursing bra are ease of access for breastfeeding, and flexibility plus support for holding enlarged breasts. It can be very painful to feel your tender boobies heavily pulling down! 8. Sitz Bath Bowl Let’s talk hemorrhoids. Let’s just say it, these swollen veins around the rectum and anus are a hideous byproduct of an amazing feat like giving birth. They can be annoying and just so painful! A great tip for relieving pain and also help with your perineum postpartum recovery are sitz baths. A sitz bath is simply sitting in warm, shallow water to reduce pain and keep the genital area fresh and clean. A great essential item for this is a sitz bath bowl -a container designed to be put inside your toilet, sitting inside the edges. If you have a bathtub you may skip this, but if not, we highly recommend it! 9. Skincare Products Don’t forget to pamper your skin! Soothing, hydrating and natural products will help your skin recover its glow and texture over time. Feeling your skin fresh and hydrated can go a long way. More so when your hormones are working 24/7, and you may even be sleep-deprived, which is not ideal for your skin! Try to find Vitamin-rich creams and/or serums, organic belly butter, coconut oil, eye contour creams with decongestive. Focus on skincare products that will revitalize your skin. 10. Nursing Pads How do breast pads work? Well, these little godsends are designed to aid your nipples, big time! You can either get reusable or disposable ones and also get them in different materials like hydrogel and silicone. What makes nursing pads a must for every postpartum recovery kit is how they absorb the milk that leaks from breastfeeding. The key is to find highly absorbent pads that cover your whole nipples and fit comfortably. If you prefer silicone pads, note these are not designed to be absorbent, but to pressure your breasts gently to prevent leaks. If you are suffering from sore nipples, then you may want to go for a hydrogel cooling pad that will alleviate the pain. Another great tip for sore nipples is to spread a few drops of your own milk to help your skin stay hydrated. More Optional Products For Your Postpartum Recovery Kit Make sure to keep some pain killers handy for abdominal cramps and aches that may occur post childbirth. Of course, we could keep adding to this amazing care package! But we wanted to cover the 10 main items you should absolutely have. Every woman is different or has a different approach to taking pain killers, or reading books, or focusing on a certain type of product. Here are some final recommendations to finish putting together the best postpartum kit any new mom could wish for! Painkillers – Keep some Ibuprofen handy to help with abdominal cramps or general discomfort. Always consult with your doctor though! Stool Softener – After giving birth, many women experience constipation on top of feeling abdominal weakness, hemorrhoids, and an impossibility to push -like you didn’t push enough, right?! Check with your doctor and find out if a stool softener is the best option for you. Herbal Teas – Herbal teas can help improve mood, digestion, sleep, encourage milk production, rebuild iron levels, and are just healthy all-rounders that will help you stay warm and cozy. Nipple Shields – If you find breastfeeding is painful to the point you wish to give up, you are not alone! Although nipple shields are not a long-term solution, these silicone pads are placed over the nipples when breastfeeding. Their main function? To avoid getting your areola hurt while your baby gains more practice. Before using them, learn how to do so correctly with the help of your doctor or midwife. If the nipple shield is not placed correctly, it can be hard for your baby to get the right amount of milk. What’s Essential For New Mums Beyond all the products we’ve shared with you, we recommend you list all the little things that give you comfort and keep you happy. Is it reading a book? Is it the smell of lavender? Or maybe taking great care of your skin, your hair…Whatever it is, and whenever possible, try to take some time for yourself, even if only 5 minutes, and celebrate this stage of your -and your baby’s- life. At the end of the day, you’ve prepared for this. And you are now as ready as ever! Keep Your Postpartum Girdle Handy! Last but not the least, make sure to wear your postpartum girdle regularly after the birth of your baby to speed up the recovery process. You’ll be surprised to see how fast those inches fall once you make it a habit to wear one! Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles as well as Plus Sizes. Sources: https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/survival-kit-recovery-after-vaginal-birth/ https://www.mother.ly/life/your-postpartum-recovery-kit-feel-your-best-after-a-vaginal-birth https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/survival-kit-recovery-after-c-section-delivery/ https://mommyonpurpose.com/postpartum-care-kit/https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/ob-gyn/obstetrics/after-delivery/common-conditions.aspx https://themamanotes.com/19-postpartum-essentials-every-new-mom-needs/ https://theexperiencedmama.com/after-birth-care-kit/https://www.drugs.com/cg/postpartum-perineal-care-aftercare-instructions.html https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x553475/how-many-maternity-pads-will-i-need-after-the-birth https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/lochia https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/10929Pperineum.pdf https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/taking-sitz-bath# https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/postpartum-care/art-20047233

Believe it or not, when it comes to the most common pregnancy myths -or truths?-, many of them have not 100% conclusive evidence debunking or proving them right yet! Science is always evolving and changing our beliefs. Think about some ideas that hit the ground running back in the 1950s! Did you know that women back then were prompted to light a ciggy as a way to calm down? Or that breastfeeding wasn’t encouraged because formula milk was supposed to be better? Table Of Contents Hot Tub Pregnancy Myth Pregnancy Glow Myth Hairy Baby And Heartburn During Pregnancy Myth Guessing Gender In Pregnancy Myths Cat Litter Pregnancy Myth Full Moon Myth On Pregnancy Pregnancy Myths About Food A Final Word On Pregnancy Myths Sources In this article, we’ll share with you some of the most common myths about pregnancy, and where science stands nowadays! Hot Tub Pregnancy Myth Will using a hot tub increase the risk of miscarriage? According to this study and other trusted sources, using a hot tub can increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects. This is due to the rising body temperature hot water causes –hyperthermia-, not because of being submerged. The American Pregnancy Association and the Organization of Teratology Information Services also advise that a pregnant woman’s body temperature should never rise above the 102F. Most experts recommend setting the bath on a lower temperature and staying for 10 minutes or less. Keeping an eye on your body’s and water’s temperature is also a must! For more information, read Bellefit’s guide about Pregnancy and Hot Tubs. Pregnancy Glow Myth That pregnancy glow Oh…this is a good one. For starters, don’t take it like pregnancy will make you incandescent! There are both supporters and detractors of the ‘magical’ pregnancy glow, which basically asserts that pregnant women’s skin looks radiant and replenished. Some say this glow comes from the happiness of carrying a child. Others believe it can actually predict your bub’s gender even though there’s no proof for it. At the end of the day, what doctors do know is that an increased blood flow running through your vessels and hard-working oil glands can cause shiny skin that looks flushed. It’s important to say that not all women experience this! Pregnancy can also cause flaky, dry skin. There is a lot of shame around this topic though. Pregnant women are still ‘supposed’ to look fabulous and glowy when the truth is…that’s such an unrealistic expectation! Hairy Baby And Heartburn During Pregnancy Myth Heartburn and Pregnancy Is heartburn a sign of a hairy baby? This old wives’ myth had been debunked by professionals over and over. But, surprisingly, a 2006 study done on 64 pregnant women, actually found a relation between heartburn and babies born with a bit of an Elvis Presley style in their little heads. What scientists have come to fully understand is that high levels of estrogen can increase the levels of heartburn. Heartburn is simply what happens when the sphincter at the base of the esophagus relaxes and lets stomach fluids back into the esophagus. Funnily enough, the scientists that planned and carried this study, did it so to debunk this myth once and for all…so after the unexpected results, who knows? Guessing Gender In Pregnancy Myths Will it be a boy or a girl? “Girls’ heart rates are faster than boys’ heart rates.” “Carrying low means it’s a girl, carrying high that’s a boy.” “Cold feet mean it’s a boy.” What about testing the electromagnetic field with a golden ring or a needle suspended above the belly? “If you experience morning sickness it’s a girl…” So many of the myths about pregnancy that we still hear nowadays are related to guessing the baby’s gender! We are sorry to say, but there’s no conclusive information proving any of these myths! Pregnancy is such a complex process, and there are still many questions without answers. But in this case, it looks like the classic midwives’ tales about gender guessing have received a major blow! Cat Litter Pregnancy Myth Toxoplasmosis and pregnancy There’s a difference between not being able to pat your cat and being mindful of how you change your cat’s litter. The Toxoplasma Gondii is a parasite that lives in cat litter and poo, and can potentially cause an unborn child to get sick and show symptoms of the illness during growth. But, what are the chances of getting Toxoplasmosis while pregnant? First of all, this parasite doesn’t live only in your kitten’s poo. It can also be found in uncooked meat -more on that below! Many people around the world carry the parasite without developing any symptoms, but the underlying worry can be if a woman gets infected while pregnant. As experts from Harvard University recommend, you should avoid eating raw or rare meat. Also, try to avoid changing your cat’s litter box on your own. If you don’t have anyone to help you do this, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Keep your cat indoors, and avoid feeding him raw meat -stick to canned or dried cat food!. With all these precautions in place, you are still free to pat your kitten! Full Moon Myth On Pregnancy Full Moon and Pregnancy Nowadays, we have some answers about the effect of the moon and its gravitational pull moving tides across the world. But when it comes to the moon’s effect on humans, there are still many questions without certain answers. As this study explains, our biology is related to seasonal, lunar and circadian rhythms -the sleep-wake natural rhythms and cycles we go through every day. But what about the old wives’ pregnancy myth that says a full moon can send you into labor? By the looks of it, it’s definitely a myth! Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology concluded there were no noticeable differences in the frequency of births across the different phases of the moon. The study compared the birth certificates of over 500.000 babies born over 62 lunar cycles. Pregnancy Myths About Food Food Pregnancy Myths There’s so much information out there! It can be just-so-easy to get confused or paranoid without really understanding the logic behind some of the most common pregnancy myths around food… “Eating spicy food can harm the baby” Spicy food won’t hurt your child. It can cause heartburn and make you feel uncomfortable, so you may want to skip it, but it’s not going to harm your baby! “You should be eating for 2” It’s not that you should ‘eat for 2.’ It’s true that your body needs as many nutrients as it can get to grow your baby, but eating for 2 it’s not a free card to give in to sugar cravings every day -that’s a tough one, right? “It’s not safe to eat fish” Raw fish and high-Mercury fish can lead to complications during pregnancy. For starters, raw fish is a common cause of food poisoning -so you should avoid it whenever possible. The same goes for uncooked and rear meats, and fish with high levels of Mercury. For more information on this, check out Bellefit’s guides: Foods you should avoid during pregnancy Best foods for pregnant women Beyond myths, truths, and facts, getting clear on the best pregnancy nutrition you can get is the most important thing! A Final Word On Pregnancy Myths Common Pregnancy Myths We’ve walked you through some of the most common pregnancy myths and, as you can see, there’s some truth behind most of them. The problems start when beliefs and ideas are taken out of context or don’t have a proper explanation. In the end, it all comes down to learning over and over what’s best for you and your baby! What’s NOT A MYTH after pregnancy? It’s the postpartum belly! Bellefit postpartum girdles were made especially for women after they’ve given birth, who need that extra boost of confidence which usually becomes “lost” after pregnancy. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets – Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes Sources https://www.healthxchange.sg/women/pregnancy/pregnancy-food-myths-busted https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-32033409 https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/2/421S/4686960https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/hot-tubs-during-pregnancy/ https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/is-it-safe-to-use-a-sauna-or-jacuzzi-if-i-am-pregnant/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-and-hot-tubs/faq-20057844 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-glow/faq-20115104 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-glow/faq-20115104 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5715231/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17150070 https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/health/20really.html https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_qtd1io6q https://www.medicinenet.com/is_it_a_boy_or_girl__myths_and_facts/views.htm https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/toxoplasmosis-a-to-z https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16407788 https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms.aspx https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(05)00005-0/abstract

In recent years, food preparation has become widely popular – and for good reason. Food preparation makes it easy for you to create meals in a timely manner. From prepping lunches for the week, to making hearty and healthy soups – meal prepping is a great way to save time and stay healthy. So it’s no wonder that more and more women are making food prep a priority in their baby preparations. Healthy meal prep containers: Couscous with grilled chicken breast, salad, avocado, berry, apple, nuts and dry dates. Keto, ketogenic diet, low carb, healthy food concept. Top view Why you should food prep before the baby comes For many people food/meal prep is not a priority when getting ready to have a baby. Usually that isn’t even something you think about. You come home and make dinner; or you make breakfast the morning you get up. And typically, that is fine and works, but when you are bringing home a new baby lots of things are going to change. You Don’t Know When that Baby is Coming So why should you put meal prep on your baby prep list? Well, for one, you don’t know when the baby is coming. Sure you have their due date, but unless you are being induced or having a planned c-section, you can only guess when they will actually come. That means that at any moment you can go into labor, and may not have any food in the house. When you come back from the hospital you won’t have any food for yourself, and now you have to scramble at the last minute to find something. Focused on Baby, Not on Yourself Maybe you do have food in the house or maybe you do know when the baby is coming, but if you don’t do some food prep you may not find the time to make anything. Taking care of a newborn is a lot of work! And we know that you are doing your best and being the best mother and sometimes that means you end up neglecting your own needs. By doing some food prep before the baby comes, you are ensuring that you have healthy and ready to go meals that you can grab and eat. That way you don’t have to rely on take-out or quick microwave meals that may not be the most nutritious. To make sure you are getting the best foods for yourself check out our blog on the best foods for pregnant women; and try incorporating them into your meal prep ideas. Food Prep before Having the Baby Puts Those “Nesting” Urges to Good Use If you are a first-time mother you may not have experienced the urge to “nest,” but trust us it’s a real thing. As you get closer to your due date, you may start experiencing some weird feelings and overwhelming need to clean and do things. This is called “nesting.” This feeling is meant to help you get your house ready for the baby to come, but sometimes you are already ready. And now you just have this overwhelming urge to do something with nothing to do! Well, if that’s the case you can always meal/food prep as part of your need to “nest.” Tips and Tricks for Food Prep before Baby Comes Ok, so now that you know why it is important to meal prep before the baby comes, we wanted to give you a few tips and tricks. It can be a little overwhelming to start with meal preparation because you don’t really know what you need to prepare. You may be asking yourself – what should I make? How far in advance should I make it? I don’t know what I’ll be in the mood for! Well, don’t worry we live and we learn and we have some tips that can help. Make meals you can eat while multitasking This is the most important tip we can give! Your first few days/weeks after giving birth are the most amazing and stressful times in your life. Newborns need constant care, and you are still recovering from giving birth so taking care of yourself and your baby is incredibly time consuming. Let’s say the baby finally falls asleep and now you have an hour to eat, shower, do laundry, and take out the trash. That’s incredibly stressful! Not to mention that you are probably sleep-deprived and just want to take a nap with them. So to make sure you make the most of your time, prep meals that you can eat while also doing other things. Don’t forget snacks and dessert It may sound dumb, but snacks and dessert are essential. Snacks are one of those small meals that you can eat while multitasking and they are easy to eat while taking care of the baby too. It’s hard to feed your baby while eating a bowl of hot soup, but you can eat a granola bar, or trail mix. And yes it may seem like dessert isn’t essential, but I certainly feel like it is. After a long day, all I want is a nice warm cookie, or brownie, or cupcake. And if you are worried about your figure or calories you can always make low calorie alternatives. It is just nice to have something to look forward to at the end of a long day. Slow Cookers are your best friend I’m sure if you have been on any mommy-blogger website you will have heard the same thing – slow cookers/crock pots are your best friend. And all I will say is, it’s true. Slow cookers are the gift to mothers everywhere. You can throw in a bunch of ingredients, set the time and temperature, and forget about it. You can literally forget about dinner until it is dinner time, and then all you need is a serving spoon and a bowl. Slow cookers aren’t just great for soups and stews, you can make brisket, chili, pulled pork, the list goes on endlessly. So if you are looking for a good investment, slow cookers are a great idea. Recipes for Food Prep before Baby Comes So now that you know why you should food prep before the baby comes, and have some tips and tricks, what should you prepare? Well we came up with a few quick and easy ideas and links to recipes that stick to our tips and tricks and make your life a little easier. Pregnant woman cutting cucumber for fresh green salad, female prepares tasty organic dinner at home, healthy nutrition for future mother Breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It starts your metabolism and gives you energy to get through your morning. So when it comes to breakfast you want to make sure it is ready to go quick and easy. Stock up at the Grocery Store: granola, yogurt, breakfast bars, and muffins. Food Prep: smoothies, overnight oats, and breakfast burritos. Lunch/Dinner Lunch and dinner are the meals where you want to get the most calories and your hearty protein and vegetables. They are hard to eat while multi-tasking but they are essential to your health. Prepping them before the baby comes is necessary so that you don’t spend a long time making them and can just pop them in the microwave or the oven to heat and eat. Stock up at the grocery store: frozen/steamable veggies, canned foods, pasta, and rice/grains. Food prep: chili, slow cooker pulled pork, and meatballs. Snacks/Dessert An easy go-to small meal perfect for multitasking is essential. It’s a quick burst of energy that you may need throughout the day as you go about your daily tasks. And dessert is a great treat to look forward to after a long day. Stock up at the grocery store: Trail Mix, Popcorn, and Cookies Food Prep: Protein Balls, Roasted Chickpeas, Protein Brownies Takeaways – Food Prep is Essential Food prep is a great way to make the most of your time in the first few days/weeks when you get back from the hospital. Not only do you save time, but you are also making sure you stay healthy for yourself and your baby. Food prep helps limit the amount of fast food and unhealthy meals you eat, which helps you get back to that pre-pregnancy body. Food prepping before the baby comes helps to set you up for success after the baby comes; but some women may need a little extra help along the way. If you are dealing with pain or discomfort after giving birth, a postpartum girdle can help. Our postpartum girdles reduce abdominal pain associated with giving birth and help speed up the recovery process. We hope that this little guide helped you decide if/how you should food prep before the baby comes. Sources https://www.dashofevans.com/freezer-smoothie-kits/ https://everydayeyecandy.com/banana-nut-bread-overnight-oats/ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/my-favorite-slow-cooker-chicken-chili-recipe/ https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a51267/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/ https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/easy-no-bake-protein-balls-4-ways/ http://barktime.co.uk/2017/01/15/honey-mustard-roasted-chickpeas/ https://thebigmansworld.com/4-ingredient-flourless-protein-brownie-bites/

What is Postpartum Shapewear? What is postpartum shapewear? Is it the same thing a corset? Or a waist trainer? Or a Belly Wrap? There are so many different types of compression garments it can seem impossible to get them all straight! What should I be wearing? When should I wear it? Is it safe? Does it work? These are all questions that you are probably asking yourself, and trust us, we’ve been there. There is so much going on in those first weeks after giving birth – it’s overwhelming! Worry not, we made a trusty guide to make sure that you are wearing the correct garments, at the correct time, and making sure you remain safe and healthy while doing it. We’re going to break down the different types of garments into their main function so you can make an informed decision. Waist Trainer You have probably heard people like Kim Kardashian and other influencers talk about waist trainers in the past. These are compression garments that are used to slim the waist while also “training” it to appear smaller. There is no current scientific “proof” that waist trainers work, and they compress your waist so tightly that they can cause nausea and even fainting. Waist trainers are non-medical, and high compression, making them very dangerous to use after pregnancy. Corsets Corsets are also not a medical compression garment, and are used under or over clothing to make the waist appear slimmer. They are tightened using strings or clasps in the back and are high compression. They are also not recommended as post-pregnancy garments. Belly Wraps Belly wraps or belly bands are used during a woman’s pregnancy. They are used to relieve back pain and tailbone pain off of a woman’s abdomen while she is pregnant. Postpartum Binders Postpartum binders are compression garments that are used once the woman has given birth. They are used to provide support and light compression to the abdomen while the woman is recovering. It is typically worn under clothing and has clasps or velcro in the front that can be adjusted. Postpartum Shapewear Postpartum shapewear is a light compression garment that is used to slim the body, while also providing support. It is specifically designed to help women recover from giving birth, while also helping her look/feel her best. Does Postpartum Shapewear Really Work? Well I guess that depends on what you mean by “work.” Postpartum shapewear by itself will not cause you to lose weight. The only way to get back to your pre-pregnancy body is to exercise your muscles and get them strong again. It can be very difficult to do that right after you have given birth. Everything hurts and you don’t want to move or do anything – not to mention you have a newborn to take care of. Your body will lose weight naturally after giving birth. However, postpartum shapewear can help you get back to feeling better faster. According to one study, published in Physiotherapy, people wearing abdominal support were able to walk farther and experience less pain than others without it. So while postpartum shapewear will not make you lose weight, it will help you feel better. And when you feel better you are more willing to exercise and do the work to lose weight. Benefits of Postpartum Shapewear Stabilizes Abdomen Postpartum shapewear can help your body heal properly. Think of it this way – when you get a cut on your finger it will heal eventually. It may take a while, and you may have a small scar when it does. If you put a bandaid on it, your cut won’t be exposed to bad bacteria that could infect it, and it pulls the edges of your skin together. When it does finally heal, with the bandaid, you probably won’t have a scar and it will heal a little faster because it wasn’t fighting gross particles. That is kind of how postpartum shapewear works. It makes it easier to walk around and exercise your muscles without pain, and it holds your stomach in place so it can heal properly. Provides Compression Postpartum shapewear provides light compression that aids your uterus in shrinking back down to its normal size. This compression is also helpful with providing support to your abdomen and other areas. Supports Lower Back In addition to supporting your abdomen, postpartum shapewear also supports your lower back. This lower back support works to relieve pain in the area and benefits your posture. This also prevents you from making any moves that could potentially cause more harm to your abdomen, such as twisting or stretching too far. Prevents Diastasis Recti Another great benefit or postpartum shapewear is its ability to prevent diastisis recti. You can ready more about diastasis recti on our website. It is a pretty common problem that many women face, and using postpartum shapewear can help prevent it, or make the recovery process faster. Aids C-Section Recovery Finally, postpartum shapewear can aid c-section recovery. If you have had a c-section not only are your muscles healing, but your skin and tissue are too. This can cause a lot of pain and can make the healing process longer. Using a postpartum compression garment helps reduce the pressure on your incision, and prevents your stitches from snagging on clothing. According to one study in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, some women even had less pain while using a postpartum compression garment in regards to their c-section incision. Happy maternity leave. Portrait of adorable baby playing with his mother in bed, side view with copy space Choosing the Shapewear Right for You Now that you know a little bit about all the different types of postpartum compression garments, you may be wondering which one is best for you. To make sure you are getting the best postpartum shapewear for you, make sure you consider the following things: Color of Fabric Many women prefer darker fabrics so that any staining is not as noticeable. Type of Fabric In addition many women prefer lightweight fabric so that they don’t get hot and sweaty. Closures in Crotch You want to be able to use the restroom easily without having to take on and off the whole garment. What type of support you want Do you want a little additional support in the butt and leg area, or is just the abdomen ok? Best Postpartum Shapewear At Bellefit, we have multiple types of shapewear and other compression garments so you can be supported in whatever way is right for you. If you are looking for a full-body support shapewear try out our new Bellefit Power Shaping Bodysuit. Or if you are just looking for a little bit of abdomen support, try the Seamless High Waist Control Thong. Not only do we have shapewear, but we have postpartum binders as well. Check out our Bellefit Dual-Closure Girdle. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets — Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes We hope that this has been a helpful guide. Sources https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314102718_Randomized_controlled_trial_of_abdominal_binders_for_postoperative_pain_distress_and_blood_loss_after_cesarean_delivery

Almost every mother has some type of souvenir from their pregnancy; whether that be stretch marks, loose skin, or in some cases c-section scarring. Cesarean sections are more common than you may think, nearly one third of pregnant women will have to get a c-section. Here’s a little guide on what to expect after having a c-section, and how to minimize scars. What is a C-Section? A cesarean section is a type of surgery that is performed on pregnant women. The surgeon will create a small 4-6 inch incision and then reach into your stomach to remove the baby. Types of Incisions There are typically two types of incisions that a surgeon may use to open up your uterus. A vertical incision and a horizontal incision. Vertical Incision - Usually used in an emergency c-section delivery. This incision runs from the belly button area to the top of the pubic bone. Typically these incisions are more painful and more noticeable. Horizontal Incision - Also known as the bikini line incision, runs from one side of your abdomen to the other. It is usually around the top of the pubic bone and is generally considered less painful and less noticeable. How they are Closed There are two incisions the surgeon has to close, the one in your uterus and the one in your skin/muscle. The incision in your uterus is always closed with dissolvable stitches, but the one in your skin can be closed in a few different ways. Just like in all surgeries your surgeon may choose from a couple different options when closing the incision. There are usually three different methods for your doctor to choose from. Staples - considered the fastest way to close an incision and the easiest. The staples will need to be taken out by the doctor about a week after the surgery. Stiches - takes a longer time to close the incision, usually about 30 minutes, but is widely considered to be the least likely to cause complications. They also will have to be taken out by the doctor about a week after the surgery. Glue - surgical glue is applied to the skin and brings the two sections of skin together. It dissolves by itself and does not wash away. Some believe that this method leads to the least visible scar. If you have a specific preference of how you would like the wound to be closed, please speak with your doctor before your surgery. Sometimes you may not have an option, but it never hurts to ask. How to Heal to Reduce C-Section Scarring The most effective way to reduce scarring is by making sure your incision heals properly. The best way to heal your incision effectively is to follow your doctor’s instructions. But in case you need some help, we put together a little guide. Cleaning Make sure you are cleaning the incision daily. You do not have to scrub or put soap directly onto the area, just letting soapy water run over the incision should do the job. Apply Ointment You can also apply some light antibiotic or a thin coat of petroleum jelly, but some women may not need ointment. Talk to your doctor for your specific regimen. Air it Out Make sure you are letting your incision breathe. You don’t need to walk around with it hanging out all day, but be sure to wear loose clothing and allow air flow to the area. Move Around You don’t want to be performing rigorous exercise or stretching in any way, but make sure you are moving around. Keeping your blood pumping and moving in the affected area helps to stimulate healing. To help you move around without fear of stretching your incision, try wearing an abdominal binder. An abdominal binder holds the area together and makes it so that you aren’t able to do too much activity. So go ahead and take a walk, but make sure you talk to your doctor for when you can resume activity as normal. Keep Out of the Sun During the main healing period (first six weeks) you will want to avoid having any sort of sun exposure on your incision. If you are unable to avoid it for some reason wear an SPF so you reduce the amount of UV exposure. Reduce C-Section Scarring (Non-Invasive) If you are really worried about the appearance of your scars there are ways to reduce them. There are two ways that you can reduce your scars with non-invasive procedures and with invasive procedures. You will want to try all non-invasive ways before you try any of the invasive options. Time No matter what type of scar it is, the best way to reduce the appearance is time. Yes, it sucks, but you really won’t know how well it heals until it has been a while. C-section scar in particular can take a while. And any sort of discoloration or raised areas will most likely take a year to completely disappear and heal. Silicone Treatments If you really want to be proactive about treating your scars, you can try using silicone treatments such as silicone gel or silicone sheets. According to one study published in the Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery “Topical silicon gel is safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic and keloidal scars.” Check with your doctor to see if this could be an effective treatment for you. Scar Massage According to one article in Parents, a scar massage is an effective way to help your scar heal. “Beginning four to six weeks post-surgery (get your doctor's clearance first), massage the scar, working it with a rubbing motion—first side to side, then up and down; then diagonal. ‘You can also lift and roll the scar between your thumb and forefinger,’ says. Doing this two to three times a day for five to 10 minutes at a time can keep the scar pliable, soft, and cosmetically appealing.” Problem Scarring Most people do not have any problems with their incisions healing properly. However, there are a couple different types of scarring that are incredibly difficult to heal on your own. These types of scars are keloid and hypertrophic scars. Both of these types of scars occur when the body goes into an “overdrive” healing mode and heals skin. Keloid Scarring - is characterized by Everyday Health as a “thick, irregular scar that rises above the skin level and extends beyond the original wound boundaries.” Hypertrophic Scarring - is characterized in a Clinics study as “visible and elevated scars that do not spread into surrounding tissues and that often regress spontaneously.” The main difference between the two is that hypertrophic scarring will not extend outside of the incision area while keloid scarring will. Both keloids and hypertrophic scarring typically have to be reduced using more invasive procedures. Reduce C-Section Scarring (Semi-Invasive/Invasive) If you have run out of no-invasive options or you are dealing with problem scarring you may want to speak with your doctor about invasive procedure options. Laser Therapy Laser therapy treats discoloration and abnormal texture. The laser promotes healing and can help reduce the appearance of scars. According to an article on What to Expect, “You can begin once any stitches are removed from your C-section (and your doctor clears you) — and you’ll likely have a better outcome if you get laser therapy sooner rather than later.” Steroid Injections Another option to reduce your scars and promote healing is with steroid injections. The injections will reduce inflammation allowing your scar to flatten and become less painful. They are typically required monthly until the problem has subsided. Surgery - Scar Revision If your scars are significant and not decreasing you may want to talk to your doctor about scar revision surgery. As described by a Parents article, a scar-revision surgery “takes place under local anesthetic or sedation, involves opening the scar (but not the underlying muscle) and re-closing it.” No matter what type of scar reducing techniques you want to use, talk to your doctor to make sure it is the right choice for you. Takeaways on C-Section Scarring The best way to make sure you don’t form a scar is by following your doctor's healing instructions. If you are looking for more proactive ways to reduce scarring, there are a variety of options available to you. One way you can reduce c-section scarring is by limiting your stretching and protecting your scar while it is healing. A great way to do this is by using a postpartum girdle. We make our Bellefit postpartum girdles specifically with c-section incisions in mind. The light breathable fabric allows air flow, which is essential in the healing process. The light compression reduces the amount of pain in the incision area. The structure supports your abdomen and helps you heal faster. And finally, our postpartum girdles make sure to hold you in place so you can’t stretch your scars by accident. We hope that you have found some helpful tips to reduce your c-section scarring. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/ https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/cesarean/c-section-scar-care/ https://www.everydayhealth.com/keloids/guide/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4129552/ https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/c-section-scars#closed https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/cesarean/c-section-scar-care/

Learn how to find your body type and the ideal maternity shapewear for you! Choosing the right postpartum girdle for your body shape it's not just about the looks. It's also a way to help you stay comfy, snug, and confident to move around. Wearing a compression garment that looks and feels like it was designed just for you it's a huge game-changer! For starters, let's agree on something: every single type of body shape is gorgeous as it is. However, your needs may differ from the ones of other women. And just as that refers to the type of activities you do, your diet, your genes, and so much more, it also applies to how your maternity shapewear fits your body. If you are a petit new mum with a short torso, why choose a postpartum girdle that's designed for women with a longer upper midsection? In this article, we show you how to find your body type! We'll also explain the specifics for each of the 5 most common shapes, and which models of maternity shapewear and postpartum girdles will help you ease your way into child birth recovery. How To Find Your Body Type Your body type is going to influence your decision to buy the best maternity shapewear. If you are already way into your pregnancy and planning for your postpartum recovery, it may be hard to be too specific on your measures as your body is already changing, so just focus on the overall proportions of your body. New mums that have already given birth and are still losing weight, take this just as a reference for gaining knowledge on what will suit you best. We'll show you how to take your measures, but in reality, most people can guess their body type just by taking a good look at themselves in the mirror! If you are comfortable with it, grab a measuring tape! You'll need to find out the relation between the different parts of your upper body -these are shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. We'll also tell you how to figure out if you have a long or a short torso! Bust Measuring your busts carefully will get you the best fit maternity shapewear Take the measuring tape and place it gently around the fullest part of your bust. It's up to you to wear a bra or not for this, but remember the tape needs to be just a little bit tight -don't compress it against your chest. Shoulders Choosing the best maternity shapewear needs you to take the right body measurment. Same here! Wrap the tape around the top of your shoulders, at their widest point above your shoulder blades. Check that it doesn't slip off! Waist Measure your waise size carefully as it will help you decide the best size of maternity wear you need. Place the tape on the narrowest bit of your waist, which usually is just above your belly button, and below your rib cage. Hips Postpartum girdles are one of the best fit maternity shapewear for pregnant ladies. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Find the broadest point and wrap the measuring tape around it. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose! For accurate measuring, always make sure the tape is placed horizontally, parallel to the floor. In this video, we show you how to measure your hips for ordering your Bellefit Postpartum Girdle. Knowing The Length Of Your Torso Measure the length of your torso to get the best maternity shapewear to fit your body type. Getting the right compression garment for your body type is also closely connected to the length of your trunk. To get your torso's measurement, find where the neck connects with your shoulders. Measure down along your spine up to the base of your back, which is where your hips start. Place your hands on your hip bones and extend your thumbs towards your back to find the exact spot! The average torso length for women of " 5'2" to 5'6" height is 15" to 17." Identify if your torso stands within these measures and use it to understand which type of compression garment will suit you best -more on that below! What Are The Different Body Types (And Why It Matters When Choosing Maternity Shapewear) Analyse and understand your body type to buy the best fit maternity shapewear for yourself. There are many different body types as we are all different and come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. With the purpose to help you choose wisely, we've selected the 5 Main Body Types and which specific compression garment to use for it! The most likely is that after child birth, you'll try your best to get back into your pre-pregnancy body. Each type of shapewear is functionally designed to compress certain areas of your trunk and back to give you both the right support and a slender look. Some will also press your hips and hold your bum, which comes very handy when your hips have widened or if you suffer from back pain! 1. Pear Shape Or Triangle Shape Pearl shaped body needs different kind of maternity shapewear fit. The main characteristic of this body type is that shoulders and bust are narrower than hips. You may also have a defined waist that softly leads into your hips and a full rear -sexy momma! Another trait of the Triangle Shape is weight gain around the hips, bottoms, and thighs. Best Maternity Shapewear For Pear Body Types For Pear Shape or Triangle body type, we recommend wearing the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset! Its adjustable and removable straps and upper back coverage will help enhance your breasts and offer support along your whole spine. The corset will also keep your bums and hips covered, protected and contained, which is great for women with wider hips and a curvy rear! This bodysuit is also excellent for women with a long torso. Check out the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset here! Another great option for women with this body type is the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up -only after natural child birth. This girdle offers a high level of compression designed to protect your back and core, but also has full rear coverage. The best thing about it is how the tension is distributed evenly along your trunk. This is very important as for this body type, the center of gravity revolves around the hips. Balancing your torso will give you more comfort. Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up here! 2. Apple Shaped Or Inverted Triangle Body Type Apple shaped bodies have wider hips and narrow shoulders, so different kind of fitting shapewears required. The main characteristic of this body type is that your shoulders are wider than your hips. Plus, your waist may not be too defined and your hips may not be as curvy. Women within this body type usually have thin legs and thighs, with weight being evenly distributed across the trunk and average-sized breasts. Best Maternity Shapewear For Apple Body Types We've chosen 2 different types of maternity shapewear to help you feel curvy-licious while you recover from child birth! The Bellefit Corset Thong has adjustable and removable straps that will help your breasts stand out if you wish so. Plus, its thong rear will help shape your bottoms. This girdle will also keep that annoying back bulge and muffin top on check! You can wear it when swelling is at its peak, both after natural birth or a C-section. Check out the Bellefit Corset Thong here! The Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper is another sweet choice if you are not a big fan of thongs and prefer full rear coverage. This compression garment will help shape your waist harmlessly as it's been designed for new mums with gentle curves. Check out the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper here! Both of these compression garments are great for apple shape or inverted triangle body types because they help to softly define your waistline giving the firm compression of a medical-grade girdle. The Bellefit Corset Thong will also focus a bit more on your bust and bottoms, so of course, it's up to you to decide what suits your recovery better! 3. Oval And Diamond Body Types Choosing best maternity shapewear is all about identifying your body type. These body shapes are all very similar as they refer to women who gain most of the weight across their midsections -stomach and back. Diamond-shaped bodies have broader hips, and narrow bust aligned with the shoulders. However, if you have a prominent bust your body type could be the Oval. The other only main difference is Diamonds carry a bit more weight on their thighs, where Ovals have thinner hips and slender legs. Best Maternity Shapewear For Oval And Diamond Body Types One of our new mom's favorite comes up again! The Bellefit Bodysuit Corset is great for Oval and Diamond body types because it's full back coverage help dissipate the wicked back bulge and love handles! Also, it's removable straps and rounded front helps enhance your bust. Check out the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset here! Our second top choice is the Bellefit Abdominal Cincher Corset -which is also good for ladies with long trunks! With 2 front and 2 rear bonings and powerful compression panels, it helps to define your waist shape -big time! Its frontal 3 rows of hooks also let you keep up with your progress as you start getting back into your pre-pregnancy shape. Check out the Bellefit Abdominal Cincher Corset here! 4. Rectangle or Straight Body Type If you have almost similar sized shoulders and hips, you have rectangular or straight body type. Are your shoulders the same width as your hips? Is your waist not hugely defined? Maybe your buttocks are not too curvy? Then you may have a rectangle-shaped body. Some people refer to this body figure as the "athletic type" as the waistline looks quite straight and your general measurements are quite uniform. Best Maternity Shapewear For Rectangle or Straight Body Type Mums with straight body shape, check out the Bellefit's Pull Up Girdle or the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper! Both compression garments offer full support and are designed to fit bodies that are not that curvy. The Bellefit Pull Up Girdle is recommended after natural child birth, whereas the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper is meant for both types of deliveries. Both garments will accompany the natural shape of your body and flatten your tummy for a slender look and feel. Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up and the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper! 5. Hourglass Body Type If you have a hourglass body type, the need of your maternity shapewear would be different. Women with this body type have a wide bust, wide hips, and a narrow waist. As shoulders and hips are the same widths, and the waist is quite defined, this is the body type that's usually taken as a referent when styling and finding flattering outfits. Keep in mind this is not a very common body type. Sometimes a pear-shape body can be confused with an hourglass, but the actual most common shape is the straight type! Best Maternity Shapewear For Hourglass Body Type We have our Nr 1 bestseller for you, mostly because it's a postpartum girdle that can suit every single woman on Earth! The Bellefit Postpartum Corset with full rear coverage will accompany the natural curves of your body and help flatten your tummy as you recover from child birth. Check out the Bellefit Postpartum Corset here! If you had a natural birth, then we'd recommend the Bellefit Girdle Pull-Up, so you can go back to wearing those tight dresses in no time -while you wear a compression garment that's completely invisible under your clothing! Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull-Up here! Sources: https://www.sportsrec.com/tell-long-short-torso-8251478.html https://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes https://www.stitchfix.com/women/blog/fashion-tips/find-fit-for-your-body-type/ https://www.metdaan.com/5-common-female-body-shapes/ https://shopyourshape.com/body-shapes/oval-body-shape/

The novel coronavirus of 2019 or COVID-19 rapidly moved from epidemic to pandemic status within a matter of months. Understandably, countries, including the United States, are taking emergency measures to slow the infection rate of this highly contagious illness. There's a lot of information floating around the internet on this matter — some great and others not so good — and we've gathered the most credible sources available on what exactly is COVID-19, what it means for your pregnancy, and how you can protect yourself and family from the coronavirus. While we strive to present only the most credible news on COVID-19, the information in this article should not replace the medical advice provided by your doctor, the WHO, CDC, or other international health organizations. Because this is a new virus, health experts are still working hard to understand this virus. Table Of Contents What Is COVID-19? What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19? Are You More At Risk Of Contracting COVID-19 While Pregnant? Can You Pass COVID-19 To Your Baby While Pregnant? How COVID-19 May Affect Pregnancies What Can You Do To Protect Yourself And Your Family From COVID-19? Clean Your Hands Often Practice Social Distancing Clean And Disinfect Your Home Daily The Takeaway: What COVID-19 Means For Pregnant Women Sources: What Is COVID-19? What is Covid-19? COVID-19 is short for coronavirus discovered in 2019. COVID-19 comes from a large family of viruses called the Coronaviridae, which are estimated to cause about 33.3% of all cases of the common cold. COVID-19 infects the deep lungs where oxygen exchange takes place. It's believed to spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets in close contact with an infected person. These droplets can land on someone's eyes, nose, or mouth in close contact. Droplets containing the virus can remain airborne for up to 30 minutes (or more depending on weather conditions) before falling on surfaces, where it can linger for much longer and can be picked up by someone touching these surfaces. What makes this virus particularly dangerous is the rate it spreads and how long it takes for infected people to show symptoms. People who have contracted COVID-19 may not show symptoms (asymptomatic) until days later, making tracing COVID-19's movements very difficult. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reported cases of children and infants who have contracted COVID-19. However, adults make up most of the known cases to date. The most susceptible to severe symptoms of COVID-19 are the elderly and those who are immune-compromised with conditions that make it difficult for their body to fight off infections. This population of immunocompromised may include those with heart disease, lung conditions, diabetes, cancer, and lupus. What Are The Symptoms Of COVID-19? Covid-19 Symptoms The symptoms of coronavirus can range in severity. And as we briefly mentioned, people infected with COVID-19 don't always show signs and are the most considerable risk for spreading the virus. Here are the common symptoms of COVID 19 that may appear 2 – 14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses): Headaches Cough Fever Shortness of breath Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face If you believe you've been exposed to the coronavirus or are showing these symptoms, you should manage the symptoms at home in self-isolation to avoid spreading the virus. If you're immunocompromised or at a higher risk for severe symptoms, it's a good idea to let your health care provider know you're sick and pregnant. They may offer some valuable advice. If your symptoms worsen and you feel that you need to see a doctor, call them ahead of time so that they can make the necessary preparations for your arrival to avoid contamination. In case of any medical emergency, call 911 and let the operator know that you believe you are pregnant, how far along your pregnancy is, and that you think you have COVID-19. If possible, wear a face mask and unlock your front door before medical help arrives. Are You More At Risk Of Contracting COVID-19 While Pregnant? Pregnancy and the Risk of Covid-19 As COVID-19 is a new disease, there is still a lot to uncover about the virus. At the time of writing this article, March 19, 2020, the CDC currently does not know if pregnant women are at a higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19 or if they're more susceptible to severe illness from the virus. In general, pregnant women's immune systems are undergoing many changes — one of the most common myths is that pregnant women's immune system becomes suppressed during pregnancy. However, this is a broad-sweeping oversimplification of the immune response, which may prevent experts from creating adequate guidelines for treating pregnant women during pandemics. The immune system is, in fact, active. In essence, it behaves differently (some parts of the immune response slow down, while others activate) to support and protect both the growing fetus and mom. There are factors during pregnancy that may result in a weaker immune system, including stress and changes in hormones. One of the best ways to ensure your immune system is running at its best is to practice stress management techniques, eat nutrient-dense foods, and to stay active while pregnant. Can You Pass COVID-19 To Your Baby While Pregnant? Can newborn babies have Covid-19? While certain viral infections can get passed to babies from the mother during pregnancy or birth (vertical transmission), there's no research supporting that pregnant women who have contracted COVID-19 can give the virus to their baby during pregnancy or delivery. There are currently no infants born to mothers with COVID-19 who have tested positive for the virus themselves, and the small samples taken of amniotic fluid, breastmilk, umbilical cord blood, and babies' throat swabs did not test positive for containing the virus. COVID-19 doesn't seem to be vertically transmitted. However, it's worth mentioning that mothers with COVID-19 may experience complications that may affect the health of her baby. Again, studies on this topic are minimal as COVID-19 is a new disease. There are many health professionals studying the effects of COVID-19, and it's essential to remain up to date on the news from credible sources such as: The World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The New England Journal of Medicine Elsevier Novel Coronavirus Information Center How COVID-19 May Affect Pregnancies How Covid-19 affects Pregnancy There have been reported cases in China of premature deliveries due to the COVID-19. It's unclear whether or not the coronavirus itself induced early labor or if doctors made the decisions to deliver these babies because the mothers were unwell. One of the foremost health concerns for both pregnant women and babies born to mothers infected with COVID-19 is the reduction of oxygen supply to the body. The COVID-19 attacks the cells deep within the lungs where gas exchange takes place. A severe case of coronavirus may result in viral pneumonia, which can drastically reduce lung capacity making it difficult to get an abundant supply of oxygen into the bloodstream. There's also research that supports that COVID-19 interferes with blood production by attacking heme that forms blood cells (hemoglobin) that carry oxygen. A healthy supply of oxygen is critical during pregnancy as the lungs provide oxygen for both mom and baby. If the fetus doesn't receive enough oxygen, they have an increased risk of congenital disabilities. What Can You Do To Protect Yourself And Your Family From COVID-19? How to protect yourself and family against Covid-19? There is no vaccine or cure to prevent the COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19 is to avoid exposure to this highly contagious virus. Here are some of the CDC recommended steps you can take to protect yourself: Clean Your Hands Often It's all about good hygiene One of the best ways to protect yourself from COVID-19 or other infections is to practice good hygiene — wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If you don't have water on hand, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% or more alcohol content. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, and make sure to always clean your hands after being in public, using the restroom, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Practice Social Distancing Social Distancing for Covid-19 prevention COVID-19 mainly spreads from close person-to-person contact (within 6 feet) through respiratory droplets containing the virus. Pregnant women should place more distance between themselves and others as a precaution and limit exposure to crowded areas. If you need groceries or have other errands to run, see if these services are offered online, or have someone in your household run the errand for you. Clean And Disinfect Your Home Daily Home disinfection & cleaning tips Use household disinfectants to clean frequently touched surfaces in your home daily, such as doorknobs, light switches, counters, your cellphone, and fridge handle. You can use beach and water solutions on certain surfaces at a ratio of 1:9 or purchase household cleaners after cleaning dirty surfaces with soap and water. The Takeaway: What COVID-19 Means For Pregnant Women Pregnancy and Covid-19 There currently isn't any research to support that pregnant women are more susceptible to COVID-19. Still, you should take the necessary measures to protect yourself, your family, and other vulnerable people in your community. At Bellefit, we're dedicated to supporting women during their pregnancies and postpartum recovery with high-quality undergarments and helpful information through our blog posts. COVID-19 has caused a lot of uncertainty and anxiety for many families around the world. Let's all do our part to support each other and our communities by radiating positivity and doing our part to stop the rapid spread of this virus. Sources: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/basics.html https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children-faq.html https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/what-is-immunocompromised https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00836.x https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/6/20-0287_article https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/ https://chemrxiv.org/articles/COVID-19_Disease_ORF8_and_Surface_Glycoprotein_Inhibit_Heme_Metabolism_by_Binding_to_Porphyrin/11938173 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

You may be wondering if your postpartum belly will ever go away, and it's taking a toll on your self-esteem. There is no definitive answer to when you'll regain your pre-pregnancy body, as every woman's pregnancy experience and body is unique. However, we're confident you can bounce back to your former self with the right mindset, some hard work, and the right equipment. It's common to end up with stubborn belly fat after pregnancy. What's more, this extra weight seems to creep up on you while you're pregnant—it doesn't come off with breastfeeding and even if you work out, no matter how often or how hard. If you're one of the many women who have experienced this frustrating scenario, don't worry; we're here to help. Our article covers why it's common to gain belly fat during pregnancy and what you can do to get your pre-pregnancy body back sooner. If you're still in your pregnancy and looking to plan a head, you should check out our other articles on 10 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy Guide and these 5 Tips for a Holistic Approach to Pregnancy to make losing weight after pregnancy much easier. Tips For Flat Tummy After Pregnancy - How To Get Rid Of Belly Fat? Table Of Contents Understanding The After-Pregnancy Belly Enlarged Uterus Accumulated 'Baby Belly Fat' Separated Abdominal Muscles Post-Pregnancy Belly: Loose Skin 5 Tips For A Flat Tummy After Pregnancy 1. Breastfeed To Promote Weight Loss 2. Get A Postpartum Massage 3. Wear A Postpartum Girdle to Support Your Stomach After Giving Birth 4. Eat Clean to Slim Your Belly After Birth 5. Postnatal Fitness for Post-Pregnancy Belly Post-Pregnancy Exercises To Flatten Your Stomach After Giving Birth Pelvic Floor Exercises for How to Get Your Stomach Back After Pregnancy How to Lose Pregnancy Belly - Go For Walks Post-Pregnancy Yoga Or Other Low-Impact Activities Focus On Core Strength for Your Stomach After Pregnancy Tips On Firming Loose Skin After Delivery Nourish Your Skin With Hydrating Products Drink Plenty Of Water Get A Skin Wrap Treatment Wear A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle To Get The Most Benefits Summing Up: Reducing Belly Fat Naturally Sources: @jenniferaffleckk Nora & I sending out good vibes weekly💓 #momsoftiktok #utahmom #postpartum #postpregnancyweightloss #postpregnancy #bounceback #babiesoftiktok #fyp #pregnancy #youngmom ♬ Wanna Be Startin' Something - Michael Jackson - livethelifethatyoudread Understanding The After-Pregnancy Belly One of the most common complaints we hear from new moms is the dreaded "jelly belly" or "mommy pooch" that just doesn't seem to go away. The basic idea behind it is that after pregnancy, your stomach flab hangs on for dear life and won't go away no matter how much you exercise or diet. The culprits behind this are the same ones responsible for stretch marks: hormones, skin elasticity, body fat distribution and genetics. The truth is that two-thirds of women who have given birth to a child will be diagnosed with postpartum weight retention up to 5 years after delivery. Postpartum weight retention refers to the excess weight a woman gains while pregnant, which she cannot get rid of in the weeks and months following giving birth. It's also known as post-pregnancy belly fat or pregnancy pooch even though you may be months or years past your pregnancy. Here are some of the main reasons why your belly is looking a little bigger than you'd like after pregnancy. Understanding the After Pregnancy Belly Enlarged Uterus The uterus that first housed your baby started out as the size of a large plum (3 – 4 inches), and it stretches up to 500 times its size during pregnancy. Just as the uterus didn't grow overnight, don't expect your uterus to shrink back to its original size so quickly. The process of your uterus transforming back to its original size is called involution and the whole process can take anywhere from 6 – 8 weeks after giving birth, which may leave you feeling quite large for longer than you'd like — luckily, the female body is designed to bounce back to shape eventually. After your baby is born, you may experience cramping and uterine contractions, called "afterpains" — which shrink the uterus back to size — from around 72 hours after delivery until involution is complete. 'Afterpains' aren't really pains at all. They can feel like mild menstrual cramps and can be quite uncomfortable—but they're an expected part of the postpartum recovery process and nothing to worry about. Afterpains often start out as a twinge, then feel like a tightening sensation that lasts for about 30 seconds, before subsiding again. 'Afterpains' will probably start between 24 to 48 hours after you give birth. As your uterus begins to involute (meaning it returns to its normal size), 'afterpains' are a result of the contracting muscles pulling on the connective tissue in the uterus. Usually you feel mild discomfort and occur every 15-30 minutes for no longer than 10 minutes at a time. The intensity of afterpains can vary depending on how quickly your uterus has shrunk back down to its pre-pregnancy size, how much your baby nursed or was fed during her first three days of life, and whether or not you've had stitches following the birth. Some mothers find breastfeeding to help with the afterpains and wearing a postpartum girdle can also reduce these pains. There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not to wear a postpartum girdle, including personal preference, comfort, and cost. Some women choose to wear girdles during pregnancy and continue to use them after delivery to help support their abdominal muscles as they heal. Your Enlarged Uterus Accumulated 'Baby Belly Fat' There are several factors that come into play for the stubborn belly fat that accumulates as a result of pregnancy. The first trimester is the most difficult to stay in shape because your body is adjusting to the hormone changes of pregnancy. Your estrogen and progesterone levels are fluctuating, which affects how much you're eating. You may be hungrier than usual or in need of more frequent meals. Either way, it's important to understand that you'll likely gain weight during this time, as your baby needs extra calories for development. Accumulated Fat in the Abdominal Area Belly fat has also been shown to increase when a woman is pregnant, due to hormonal fluctuations. Human bodies generally put on weight around the belly (rather than the hips or thighs) when they consume more calories than they're burning. That's why it's so important to eat right and stay active during your pregnancy to help combat extra body fat. The second and third trimesters are easier because you're getting into a regular routine with meal times and exercising habits by then. However, don't forget that while your body is making room for a baby, you still need to make room for yourself! A few extra pounds won't hurt—the average woman gains 25-35 pounds while she's pregnant—but excessive weight gain can lead to health issues like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Most women will find that a significant portion of their weight gain happens in the third trimester. Those same hormones also cause you to hold on to calories and store it as fat to nourish and protect the growing baby. The extra fat is also used for nutrients for when it's time to breastfeed. Separated Abdominal Muscles Diastasis recti is the separation of your ab muscles caused by pregnancy or trauma to the muscles, and 66% of women experience abdominal wall separation in their third-trimester. For starters, you should know where your muscles are and how they work. The right and left sides of your rectus abdominis meet in the middle at the linea alba (the white vertical line running down the middle of your abdomen). If you feel above this line with your fingers, you're feeling above where your ab muscles meet; directly below this point is a gap between the muscles where they are connected to the pubic bone. Diastasis recti can be found in both men and women, but it is more common in women due to pregnancy. The condition can occur with or without symptoms, such as pain, bloating, and digestive problems. If you are experiencing these symptoms and want to get a diagnosis, you should go see your doctor who can determine if you have diastasis recti using an ultrasound or an MRI machine. If you do have diastasis recti, there are exercises you can do to help bring your stomach back together. The most important thing is consistency with your exercises. You should be doing your exercises at least three times per week for best results. Exercises such as planks and side plank variations will help strengthen your transverse abdominus muscle which not only helps stabilize the core but also helps bring the separated muscles back together. Diastasis recti may be responsible for the belly pooch even after you've lost most of your pregnancy weight. There are varying case severities of diastasis recti, but luckily the most common cases don't require surgery to treat. Diastasis Recti — Abdominal Wall Seperation Post-Pregnancy Belly: Loose Skin Loose skin after pregnancy is amongst one of THE most common issues new moms face when working on getting back to their pre-pregnancy shape. When you're pregnant, your body does some really cool things. It grows a tiny human inside of it, and it gets the hang of making milk for feeding the tiny human after he or she is born. Then the baby is born, and suddenly, those same parts of your body have to do some other really cool things: they have to feed that baby with milk from your breasts. A lot of women experience something called "loose skin" as a result of these processes. That's when after you lose fat, your skin doesn't shrink back down to where it was before. Loose skin can sometimes make it so that bras or clothing feels loose or hangs differently on you. If your belly button is stretched out, it may not look like your belly button anymore. This can be hard to deal with emotionally if you're used to seeing yourself one way, and all of a sudden, that way is different. Because pregnancy affects every woman differently, loose skin varies widely in how much it affects each person. Some people deal with a small amount of loose skin after pregnancy; others have a very hard time with a lot of loose skin after pregnancy. The intense 9-months stretch your skin undergoes causes collagen fibers to break due to overstretching. However, there are natural ways to minimize loose skin that doesn't always require surgery — more on that below. Ways to Minimize Loose Skin After Pregnancy View this post on Instagram A post shared by KATY ✨MOTHERHOOD ENCOURAGEMENT ✨ (@katy.fassett) 5 Tips For A Flat Tummy After Pregnancy Now that we've taken a closer look at some of the main reasons for that stubborn mummy-tummy, we'll share our tips on how to slim your belly and waist line. Our advice should never replace the recommendations given to you by your healthcare professional, so before you begin exercising or making any substantial changes to your health regimen, please consult with your doctor. 1. Breastfeed To Promote Weight Loss New mom breastfeeding her baby There are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby — from providing the ideal nutrients, bonding, and strengthening their immune system. But did you know that breastfeeding also promotes post-pregnancy weight-loss? It's true. Breastfeeding requires 300 – 500 calories per day. Studies show that moms who breastfed their babies lost weight faster than women who didn't. For advice on getting your baby to latch, check out our top breastfeeding tips.

Let’s talk about the most common postpartum body problem no-one openly talks about — diastasis recti. You might recognize it as the stubborn jelly belly after pregnancy.It’s a condition resulting from the abdominal muscles stretching and separating at the midline to accommodate the growth of your baby. If you're reading this article, chances are you or someone else in your life has a diastasis recti. Not to worry–you're not alone! The condition is very common, especially among women who have given birth and/or experienced weight fluctuations. How common is abdominal muscle seperation? The likelihood of developing diastasis recti in the third trimester is as high as 66%.What it looks like is an unwanted belly “pooch” that can last even after you’ve lost the pregnancy weight. And in rare, severe cases, diastasis can evolve into a painful abdominal hernia. This isn't surprising when you consider how much abdominal muscles are taxed during childbearing and childbirth—not only do they have to work hard to support the growing baby, but they also have to stretch to accommodate the ever-expanding uterus. While this condition is commonly referred to as "tummy pooch" or "mummy tummy" by women who've been through pregnancy, abdominal muscle separation can be a serious matter. Muscle weakness can lead to back pain and other musculoskeletal issues—and it can even make it more difficult for you to lose weight after the baby comes. So, what does diastasis recti look like, what is normal, how do you know if you have diastasis recti, and what are effective treatments for postpartum women? We’ll get into all of this and more in this article. Table Of Contents Beneath The Skin: What Exactly Is Diastasis Recti? Narrow-Normal Diastasis Open Diastasis Open Above Navel Diastasis Open Below Navel Diastasis Completely Open Diastasis What Increases The Risk Of Diastasis Recti? Is Diastasis Recti Dangerous? Symptoms Of Rectus Abdominis Diastasis How To Check Yourself For Diastasis Recti How Do You Treat Diastasis Recti Abdominis Without Surgery? Avoid Heavy Lifting Or Straining Exercises Practice Good Posture Strengthen Your Core Muscles Nourish Your Body With Whole Nutritious Foods Bellefit Postpartum Girdles And Corsets For Treating Diastasis Recti And Abdominal Separation To Sum Up: Diastasis Recti Beneath The Skin: What Exactly Is Diastasis Recti? It's helpful to have an understanding of what's happening under the skin to safety treat abdominal muscle seperation. We'll start with a comprehensive and brief anatomy lesson and dive into the different case types of diastasis recti. Diastasis is not exclusive to pregnant women, although highly probable during pregnancy. Your abdominal muscles protect your vital organs, allow trunk movements, and support the spine. In the center of your trunk is the muscle group called the rectus abdominis — a.k.a, your six-pack muscles. It runs from beneath your pectorals to your pelvic region. There's a left and a right side of the rectus abdominis, and holding these two sides together is a white connective tissue called the linea alba (Latin for white line). Its job is to keep the two sides of the six-pack muscles at a certain proximity from each other. Around the third-trimester, this line may appear on the skin as a darker line, sometimes called the linea nigra (black line). The reason it darkens is due to pregnancy hormones that can cause hyperpigmentation. It should fade on its own in a few months after the baby is born. Women's bodies are incredible. Those same hormones also allow muscles (notably, your abdominal wall) connective tissues, and joints extra flexibility to house your growing baby, especially in the third trimester. Diastasis recti happens at the linea alba midline around the belly button, above or below the navel, and in some severe instances, postpartum women may experience completely open diastasis recti. Trauma in abdominal region is an important cause behind Diastasis Recti. The linea alba can stretch about 1 – 2 inches, so you can understand how pregnancy can extend past the limits of the abdominal rectus, causing an opening at the midline. Diastasis is not exclusive to pregnant women. There is a common misconception that diastasis recti, also known as abdominal separation, is only a problem for women. While this condition is most common among women who have had children, men can suffer from it as well. Diastasis recti can be caused by trauma to the abdominal region — such as when a person lifts heavy weights with poor form, yo-yo diets, or suffers an injury. It might sound like a serious issue, but in many cases, diastasis recti can be treated with exercises to strengthen the core muscles and other simple lifestyle changes. Newborn babies can also have diastasis recti, but this is a result of the underdevelopment of abdominal muscles, and it will correct itself on its own. Before they reach full maturity, infants are unable to control their core muscles. Therefore, their growing belly can protrude outward (and cause the appearance of an umbilical hernia), and their belly button can be retracted because it is being pulled inward by the two separated muscle bellies. Once a baby begins to develop control over their deep core muscles (at around 4-6 months), the muscles will slowly come back together and the baby's belly button will start protruding outward again. People with a diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) are often desperate for solutions because the condition can become more severe over time. While abdominal muscle separation in adults won't correct itself, luckily, most cases are reversible without surgery, but it's crucial to get a head-start on your diastasis recti recovery plan. Let's go over the different types of diastasis. Narrow-Normal Diastasis It's no surprise that growing a baby is extremely demanding on the body — your uterus can grow up to 500 times its pre-pregnancy size! normal postpartum separation It's perfectly normal to experience some muscle separation at the midline. Most of the time, these minor gaps (up to 1 inch) are nothing to be concerned about, and it's considered "normal postpartum separation" or "normal diastasis." Open Diastasis In the case of open diastasis, you'll experience a wide (3 finger lengths or more) opening in the abdominal walls around the navel/ belly button. Open Above Navel Diastasis This separation is above the navel/ belly button. You will need to do exercises to target the upper abdominal muscles to help close this gap. Severe case of diastasis recti can result into a hernia. Open Below Navel Diastasis As the name implies, the gap appears below the navel. To close this gap, you'll need to focus on lower abdominal exercises. Completely Open Diastasis Completely open diastasis recti means that your linea alba is compromised throughout the midline of your abdomen, making you more vulnerable to a severe case of diastasis recti that can result in a hernia. What Increases The Risk Of Diastasis Recti? Contrary to what many people once believed, the mother's age or weight doesn't have a significant correlation with increasing the chances of diastasis recti. Carrying large baby, twins/triplets, weak abdominal wall or genetics increases the risk of Diastasis Recti. There are a few factors that can contribute to the severity of diastasis recti, and understanding some of these factors may help you better prepare for your post-pregnancy recovery and what you can expect. Carrying a large baby Carrying multiples (twins or triplets) Having a weak abdominal wall Genetics Is Diastasis Recti Dangerous? Thankfully, most cases of postpartum diastasis recti aren't dangerous. However, because your abdominal muscles play a significant role in trunk control and function, a compromised abdomen can reduce your strength, range of motion, affect breathing, and weaken your pelvic floor. A weak core can also result in lower back and leg pain, as other muscles compensate for the lack of strength in the abdominals. Even if Diastasis Recti isn't dangerous, it is quite uncomfortable. Severe cases of abdominal muscle separation in postpartum women are susceptible to herniation of the abdominal viscera. An abdominal viscera herniation happens when abdominal organs or tissues are displaced from their normal anatomical position and protrude through the weak points or holes in the abdominal wall. Treating severe diastasis recti that result in an abdominal hernia requires laparoscopic surgery. If it gets to this, you can expect a longer postpartum recovery even with the help of physical therapy. Diastasis recti does not pose a serious health threat, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable. Many of us with diastasis recti have learned this the hard way, with stomach pain that leaves us doubled over and gasping for breath. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic website, "Pregnancy-related diastasis recti is more common and more severe among women carrying more than one baby." Here are common symptoms that can result from post-pregnancy diastasis recti. Symptoms Of Rectus Abdominis Diastasis Back pain Poor posture Digestive issues: bloating or constipation Bulging belly Pelvic pain Urine leakage Painful sex Trouble breathing Decreased range of motion How To Check Yourself For Diastasis Recti Checking yourself for Diastasis Recti could be difficult but not complex. It can be difficult to tell if you have abdominal separation immediately after pregnancy because while there is no longer a baby growing in your belly, you still look about eight months pregnant. Most of this weight comes from your enlarged uterus — that will naturally shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size — excess fluid retention and healthy weight gain from hormones. But after a few months, with regular exercising and a well-balanced, nutritious diet, you still find a jiggly tummy pouch, you may be experiencing diastasis recti. Now that you have a deeper understanding of diastasis recti, and how it can happen as a result of pregnancy, we'll walk you through how you can check to see if you have it. Lie comfortably on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent. Take deep breaths and use your three fingers (index, middle, and ring) to feel the firmness of your linea alba (the center of where your six-pack muscles are). Feel up to just under the rib cage to the pubic bone Feel for any soft/squishy areas and pay attention to how deep your fingers can push into the muscles (but don't force it). Repeat the same examination, but with your chin tucked and your head lifted off the floor to activate the core muscles. Keep your shoulders on the floor, and you can rest your raised head in your hand to avoid straining your neck. Feel for the left and right sides of your abs coming together and make a note of any gaps. If you feel pain or anything out of the ordinary, stop the self-examination and contact your OBGYN. For a more, in-depth explanation for checking to see if you have abdominal separation as a result of pregnancy, we have an article for you. How Do You Treat Diastasis Recti Abdominis Without Surgery? You can easily treat Diastasis Recti Abdominis by following some simple tips. Avoid Heavy Lifting Or Straining Exercises Avoid movements that strain your abdomen, forcing it to protrude. Some exercises like crunches, planks, sit-ups, and lifting heavy objects can worsen the condition, increasing the length of recovery time. Don't stress your stomach with heavy body straining exercises. Practice Good Posture You want to practice good posture, whether sitting or standing. In essence, it's being mindful of your body's positioning and making sure you're carrying your body in the best alignment to reduce the symptoms of diastasis recti like lower back and pelvic pain. Practicing good posture during pregnancy reduces your risk of Diastasis Recti. Practicing good posture certainly isn't always easy. Wearing a corset improves your posture without you having to think about it. It helps to keep muscles, ligaments, and bones aligned, so you can stabilize the core and pelvic muscles in your everyday movements. Strengthen Your Core Muscles One of the most effective treatments for diastasis recti is exercise to rebuild strength and the integrity of your abdominal muscles. A strong core reduces back pain and diminishes the stubborn mummy tummy. When exercising, many women find it helpful to wear a postpartum girdle to feel supported in their foundational movements. Some easy abdominal strengthening exercises can help you reduce the risk of Diastasis Recti. A postpartum girdle can be helpful whether you're planning on getting back into your pre-pregnancy exercise routine right away, or if you're recovering more slowly. It can improve posture, help with returning your body to its proper alignment while you're exercising, and help with building up abdominal muscles again after they've been stretched out by pregnancy. Using one of these garments can also be an important first step when you have absolutely no motivation to work out at all or you're having trouble getting yourself into gear for exercising for some other reason—the physical support it provides can make it easier for you to move around in the way that's necessary for working out without increasing your anxiety about how you look doing it. Traditional ab-strengthening exercises are out of the question when you've got postpartum diastasis recti, but several abdominal strengthening exercises are safe and ideal for treating abdominal separation. We recommend consulting a physiotherapist who specializes in postpartum diastasis recti correction for a customized abdominal strength workout that's safe for your recovery. Nourish Your Body With Whole Nutritious Foods Healthy diet consisting of nutritious food saves you from many health issues during pregnancy. All recovery treatments should include an element of nutrition. Eat plenty of fresh, whole foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and collagen to support skin and muscle elasticity. The linea alba is made from connective tissues, so eating foods rich in vitamin C can also help ramp up the body's production of collagen to build new tissues. Collagen is found in connective tissues throughout the body, but it's most predominant in the skin. Our body produces mainly type I collagen and a little bit of type III, but the primary reason for this imbalance is because of our diet. Type I collagen is made from proline and lysine and can be found in foods like fish, chicken or turkey, spinach or nuts. Type III collagen is made from hydroxyproline and glycine, which are usually found in beef, pork and dairy products. To help keep the body's production of collagen at optimal levels, it's best to make sure your diet consists of adequate amounts of both types of collagen building blocks. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles And Corsets For Treating Diastasis Recti And Abdominal Separation Bellefit postpartum girdles are FDA-approved and doctor recommended. Bellefit's North-star as a company is to provide women with support and comfort post-pregnancy with high-quality postpartum garments. While you have many options on the Internet, we want to point out a few features you should look for when shopping for a postpartum girdle to support your recovery. FDA-Registered Medical-grade compressions Non-irritating, breathable, flexible fabric Adjustable compression Available in a wide range of sizes, as you may need to size down as you continue to lose baby weight The Bellefit postpartum girdles and corsets tick off all the boxes above — best of all, they come in eight styles from sizes XS – 3XL. The full-coverage girdles and corsets are excellent for wearing days after delivery as they offer the most support and can accommodate heavy-flow pads for leaking. The post-baby period is a time of recovery and readjustment, but it's one that can be eased a bit with the right undergarments. Some women will even choose to buy two girdles — one for up to three months following childbirth when swelling is at its peak and another as they size down months later. The best girdle for pregnancy provides support, control and comfort (and has a zipper in the side for easy access!). It also helps to improve posture by providing increased support for the back and bust, which helps you feel more confident during this time. Many moms will choose to buy two girdles — one for up to three months following childbirth when swelling is at its peak and another as they size down months later. Another

When it comes to after-delivery healing, people tend to focus much more on the outward physical aspect of postpartum recovery, like losing pregnancy weight and reducing the appearance of c-section scarring before bringing attention to the mother's mental health. In the United States alone, the reported rate of clinical postpartum depression among women is between 10 –20%. However, it's believed that postpartum depression affects significantly more women, but it often goes unreported, undiagnosed, and untreated. In this article, we'll discuss the difference between the baby blues and postpartum depression, cover the common symptoms, and what you can do if you're experiencing this condition. Table Of Contents "> Baby Blues And Postpartum Depression — What's The Difference? Common Postpartum Depression Symptoms Postpartum Psychosis And Symptoms How Can You Tell If You Have Postpartum Depression? What Causes Postpartum Depression? Risk Factors For Postpartum Depression What Can You Do To Treat Postpartum Depression? Professional Counseling Group Therapy/ Support Groups Medication Getting Practical Help With Childcare And Other Demands Of Daily Life Exercise Daily Bellefit Postpartum Girdles And Corsets To Wrap Up: Postpartum Depression Baby Blues And Postpartum Depression — What's The Difference? Baby blues is normal post pregnancy but postpartum depression isn't. Up to 80% of mothers experience negative feelings, mood swings, and anxiety after childbirth. This collection of symptoms is called the "baby blues," and it typically surfaces a few days after your baby is born and can last up to 2 weeks after delivery. While it's certainly not pleasant, the baby blues are a completely normal experience post-pregnancy. For many women, the early days of motherhood is a challenging time. In essence, you're experiencing the aftermath of hormonal pregnancy changes, adjusting to life with a new baby, and recovering from labor. The most crucial distinction between the baby blues and postpartum depression is the intensity and duration ofthese symptoms. The baby blues shouldn't last longer than a few weeks. If your baby blues intensify or don't fade, you may be suffering from postpartum depression, which does require professional attention. Common Postpartum Depression Symptoms Make a note of some common symptoms observed during postpartum depression. It can be challenging to differentiate between the baby blues and postpartum depression because many of the symptoms overlap. Additionally, each woman's case varies drastically, which is why it's such a challenge to pinpoint whether or not a mother is experiencing postpartum depression, a symptom of another illness, or a side-effect from medication. What you can do is make yourself aware of common symptoms of depression, monitor your mental health, and reach out for help when you need it. Here's a list of common postpartum depression symptoms from the National Institute of Mental Health: Difficulty concentrating and impaired decision making Decreased libido Oversleeping or insomnia Frequent and extreme mood swings Irritability Restlessness Feeling overwhelmed and hopeless It can manifest in physical aches such as frequent headaches, digestive issues, and muscle pain Having trouble bonding with the baby Experience social anxiety, which may result in withdrawal from family and friends Change in appetite (overeating or complete loss of appetite) Doubting ability as a mother to care for the baby Thoughts of self-harm or hurting the baby Suicidal thoughts Postpartum Psychosis And Symptoms Watch for some of the most common postpartum psychosis symptoms. Postpartum psychosis is rare, but it is a serious condition as the woman is experiencing a separation from reality. The onset occurs in the first two weeks after childbirth and includes the following symptoms: Delusions and hallucinations Paranoia Hyperactivity Insomnia Drastic mood swings Difficulty communicating The good news is that postpartum psychosis is temporary and treatable — but it requires immediate professional help. If you know someone or believe you're experiencing postpartum psychosis, contact your doctor or an emergency line if anyone is in immediate danger. How Can You Tell If You Have Postpartum Depression? Take a simple questionnaire to diagnose the presence of postpartum depression. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a questionnaire designed to screen postpartum depression. If it gives you peace of mind, we recommend taking the screening for yourself, but you should still bring your concerns regarding your post-pregnancy mental health to your doctor. Only a professional health care provider can diagnose you for postpartum depression. Still, it's good to make yourself aware of the symptoms and reach out to a health professional right away. What Causes Postpartum Depression? Extreme physical and emotional demands of pregnancy causes postpartum depression. There isn't a single cause for postpartum depression, which is another reason why it's difficult to recognize. Postpartum depression is likely a result of a combination of the extreme physical and emotional demands of pregnancy. Immediately after childbirth, progesterone and estrogen levels drop to their lowest points. Low levels of progesterone and estrogen can lead to mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, and other symptoms of depression. Your progesterone and estrogen levels will balance out on their own, but it can take up to six weeks to feel like yourself again. Hormone imbalances, adjusting to motherhood, sleep deprivation, and physical discomfort can all contribute to the symptoms of depression. Baby blues is quite common in ladies post pregnancy. As you can see, the baby blues and postpartum depression don't discriminate. But certain factors can put you more at risk of experiencing postpartum depression. Risk Factors For Postpartum Depression History of depression Genetic predisposition First-time motherhood Life stress: financial worries, relationship problems, work stress, death of a loved one Not prepared to care for this baby Medical complications during childbirth Substance abuse problems What Can You Do To Treat Postpartum Depression? Postpartum depression usually requires professional treatment because it's a serious condition that can impede a woman's ability to care for herself and her family. If you are experiencing postpartum depression, you're not alone, and there is a world of support ready to help you. Professional Counseling Counselling with mental health professionals can help you deal with postpartum depression. There is no shame in reaching out for the help that you need. If you're diagnosed with postpartum depression, your doctor may offer recommendations for a mental health professional who specializes in postpartum depression. Alternatively, the Postpartum Stress Center can connect you with specialists for treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders in your area. Group Therapy/ Support Groups Group Therapy or Support Groups are quite effective. Many women find support groups extremely helpful for their postpartum depression recovery. It's healing to take off the "perfect mother" mask society expects of you, share your experiences, and support other women who understand what you're going through. Medication A mix of therapy and medication could be quite helpful for you. It's not uncommon for women suffering from postpartum depression to go on a treatment that includes therapy and medication. You'll need to talk to your doctor about this treatment option, but the most common prescriptions for postpartum depression address sleep and appetite changes, like antidepressants. Getting Practical Help With Childcare And Other Demands Of Daily Life Friends and family could be of great help to deal with baby blues or postpartum depression. You don't have to go through this alone, but sometimes new mothers don't know where to go for help. Tell your partner, parents, family members, or close friends that you're experiencing postpartum depression, and accept the help they offer (babysitting, preparing meals, laundry, and house chores). The lending hands will allow you to take time to catch up on the rest, go to your support groups, and exercise to prioritize your health. Exercise Daily Physical exercises are known for releasing many feel-good hormones. Some studies show that physical exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period is a safe and effective strategy for reducing anxiety and depression. Exercising releases feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins that combat anxiety and can change the perception of pain. Bellefit postpartum girdles and corsets can help you get to exercising sooner and help decrease your post-pregnancy recovery period. Medical grade compression garments like the ones we offer at Bellefit helps to protect the lower back and abdominal muscles for improved posture increased range of motion, and feel supported in your exercises. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles And Corsets Bellefit Girdles And Corsets Are FDA-Approved and Doctor Recommended At Bellefit, our number one priority is helping women feel supported and confident after pregnancy with a range of high-quality post-pregnancy recovery garments like girdles, corsets, and waist trainers. We have a fantastic community of Bellefit moms who share their postpartum recovery journeys, using our girdles to help them get back to their pre-pregnancy bodies sooner. Our post-pregnancy girdles and corsets come in eight styles from sizes XS –3XL. Each garment is made from breathable, flexible, hypoallergenic fabrics and uses medical-grade compression to reduce pain, swelling, and increase your trunk range of motion to speed your recovery time. If you're looking for the perfect accessory for getting you back into the gym to fight off symptoms of postpartum depression, our girdles and waist trainers are excellent investments in your health. To Wrap Up: Postpartum Depression Don't neglect the needs of postpartum recovery. Stepping into the chapter of parenthood is a significant transition in one's life, and the physical and emotional demands are arduous — but it does get easier. It's essential to understand what your body is going through post-pregnancy to grasp what you'll need for your postpartum recovery. There is often so much emphasis on the pregnancy that post-pregnancy mental health is often overlooked. Only a doctor will be able to diagnose you with postpartum depression. Still, it's a good idea to look out for the signs of postpartum depression so that you can seek the support you need to overcome it and get back to feeling like your usual self. When it comes to caring for your body post-pregnancy, we've got you covered with our medical-grade, doctor recommended girdles and corsets. One of the best ways to look after your mental health is to make sure you get regular exercise, and our compression garments can help support you through your movements by keeping pain at bay and increasing mobility. You don't have to go through postpartum depression alone, and there are many helpful resources and support networks we recommend you join. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kaCdrvNGZw

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.