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Table Of Contents Your Emotions During IVF IVF 101: The Basics Preparing for an IVF The IVF Procedure The Egg Retrieval The Egg Transfer Increasing your Odds of IVF Success The Costs of IVF The Physical Stuff The Two Week Wait After Fertilization Getting The Results A Positive Result: A Negative Result: Your Emotions During IVF Your emotions will be the hardest part of all of when going through an infertility treatment like IVF, and if you have been struggling with infertility for any amount of time, you already know this. One negative pregnancy test can feel like your heart is being ripped out of your chest, yet each month, you manage to put it back together and open that same heart up to the same exact thing that tore it up. Add a bunch of jacked up hormones to the mix, and then you are really feeling ALL the feels. When we invest more money into our fertility treatments, the cost of our emotions goes up too, and as we just discussed, IVF ain’t cheap. During this time, it’s incredibly important to find support. Whether it be a friend, an infertility group, or even a cyber buddy. You will need someone to help you through this time. I promise you that. Many doctors believe that depression in infertile women is vastly comparable to the same levels of those suffering from heart disease or cancer. So if you are feeling any of this, know that it’s completely normal. I also want you to know that the more you survive, the more you will trust yourself to survive whatever is coming. Take it from me, someone who has survived 5 years of treatment, and even a failed egg donor cycle. Your heart gets stronger. Your mind gets stronger. You get stronger. It’s important to have a plan for either outcome, negative or positive. I always told myself before any procedure that I was going to believe it worked, because I could always cry later when I had a real reason to cry. This worked for me. I would literally grab a bottle of booze and have it nearby before peeing on the stick, so that if the test was negative I put that bottle to the face fast and hard. And if it was positive, then my husband got to drink it. Make sure to have a few days to yourself open in your schedule for after testing. You will need time to process the results, good or bad. Please take this part seriously, your mental state is very fragile during this time, and above all, YOU need to be cared for. Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com Infertility treatment is a big undertaking and your entire world will revolve around it, understandably so. You will learn an entirely new vocabulary - things like TTC, IUI, IVF, FSH, PUPO etc. The new lingo on it’s own can be overwhelming. You will learn things about reproduction that, if you are like me, never learned in Sex-Ed class. You will start noticing things about your body you never realized before, because quite frankly the texture of your discharge just wasn’t important until now. You will have to work hard and contribute to your TTC plan every dang day - whether it be doctors visits 5-6 times in a two week period, setting 3-4 alarms a day to remember your injections, choking down 35 different supplements every night, sticking suppositories and other weird stuff up your coot-coot, and examining your panties for egg whites like a mother-effing panty hawk, infertility will be your life. Because if you want to become a parent, it has to be. Here are a few basics to help you understand IVF better. Oh, and by the way, IVF stands for "In Vitro Fertilization", but I’m sure you’ve got that one down by now. IVF 101: The Basics Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com Preparing for an IVF Once you have decided to move forward with IVF (in vitro fertilization) you will need to start preparing. Your mind, your body, your schedule, your life. Especially if you want this to work, and I know you do. Preparing your mind is one of the most important parts to this process. Start creating a peaceful place for the embryo to live. Meditate, take deep breaths, try acupuncture, diffuse and breathe in essential oils, take a walk on the beach. Start visualizing the baby growing inside of you. The hormones are going to try to tell you otherwise, but don’t listen to them. They will try to stress you out, make you anxious, and bring you down. Find a good meditation app or peaceful music to drown out those nasty thoughts. Have those ear buds on lock at all times! Your body will take a lot of preparation, and your doctor will direct you on very specific treatment of ovarian stimulation for approximately 10-12 days with the goal of maturing several follicles (ie. eggs). You will most likely be sticking yourself with needles during this time, so if you and your partner aren’t comfortable doing this, you will need to phone a friend. It’s important to stay organized and set alarms for your injections and medications. Our days can easily get away from us and it’s easy to miss one. And let me tell you, when you miss one, the guilt is real. Been there, done that. Many women like to prepare by gearing up with what I like to call “infertility armor” before going into battle. I sure did! Whether it be socks that say “hatch and attach”, a tank top with powerful infertility statement, or simply just rocking some fertility beads, find whatever makes you feel best going into your procedure. You are a warrior after all! Make sure to arrange your schedule accordingly. Some doctors require a 3-5 day bed rest after the transfer procedure. If that’s the case, make sure you have someone to help take care of you. My mom flew out and cooked me delicious meals during my bed rest, and I definitely think that contributed to my success! There are a lot of old wives tales about eating McDonald’s french fries and pineapple cores, but in my experience, Mama’s home cooking was all I needed! Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com The IVF Procedure With IVF, there are actually two procedures. The retrieval and the transfer. If you are doing a fresh transfer, these two procedures will happen a few days apart, but if you are doing a frozen transfer, you will have plenty of time to schedule the second part. Once the doctor has determined that your eggs are mature, you’ll be asked to take one “trigger shot” in the arse that causes ovulation to happen exactly 36 hours later. Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com The Egg Retrieval This is the more invasive of the two procedures, where you are hooked up to an IV, which is used to deliver a local anaesthetic and put you under. Using a needle attached to a catheter, the doctor will suction the mature eggs out of each follicle and store them in tubes, where they await fertilization. The procedure itself only takes about 15-20 min. You will be kept for a little while longer for recovery and will then go home. The Egg Transfer The retrieved eggs are then introduced to your partner’s (or sperm donor’s) sperm in a petri dish to do the dance and ultimately fertilize. Your male partner will likely need to be “on call” for this, if you know what I mean. A fertilized embryo (or two) is then implanted in your uterus, usually the MVP player is selected, and the rest of the team is frozen. You will get a photo of your beautiful, chosen embryo prior to transfer, and then most clinics allow you to watch the process on a monitor in the exam room to see the process happening. If you are anything like me, prepare to get emotional! There is something really beautiful about the process of watching your baby be placed inside of you. Increasing your Odds of IVF Success When going the IVF route, you are likely faced with this dilemma - to genetically test your embryos or not? Genetic testing (otherwise known as PGS, preimplantation genetic screening) is when one more cells are removed from an IVF embryo to test for chromosomal normalcy, the genetically normal embryos are kept for transfer, and the abnormal embryos are discarded. Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com The idea is that if you transfer genetically normal embryos you have a much better chance at getting pregnant, staying pregnant, and delivering a healthy baby without disease, disorder, or mutation. This is usually an optional step, however, some doctors are now requiring it. Mine did, and I’m glad he did. Implanting genetically normal embryos increases your odds of a positive pregnancy significantly. It also increases your odds of staying pregnant! It does cost extra to do this testing, but had we skipped this step, and implanted abnormal embryos that didn’t stick, we’d be shelling out extra expenses for additional IVF transfers, more medications and injections, more doctors visits, etc. not to mention the cost of our emotions having to go through that all over again. You can’t put a price on that. The Costs of IVF Spoiler alert - IVF aint’ cheap! Duh, y’all knew that. Everybody knows that, right? Average IVF costs are around $12k-$13k, however if you add in some of the “extras” the price goes up. Here are a few extras you may encounter…. Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com ICSI treatment – This is where a single sperm is injected directly into a mature egg, as opposed to placing many sperm together with the egg. This is typically done if there is an issue with the sperm, but some doctors, like ours, are using it as their go-to method. This could be an additional $1,500-$2k. PGS/PGD Testing – As noted above under “increasing your odds” is an additional cost, but in my opinion, good money spent. Depending on how many embryos you have tested, this could get pricey. The cost is determined per embryo, and from my experience could range from $300-$500 per embryo tested. Embryo freezing – Including the initial freezing and annual storage, this could cost an additional several hundred dollars. Yearly storage fees range anywhere from $200 to $800 per year. Think of it like paying rent for your babies. Additional Transfers: If you have additional frozen embryos and want to use them, doing so is significantly cheaper than doing a complete IVF cycle the first time with the retrieval costs. The average cost for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) is about $3,000 – $5,000. Egg Donor: If you plan on using an egg donor, like I did, the cost goes up significantly. I would plan on adding another $25k-$30k on top of the IVF cost. For our last, successful round with our egg donor, we ended up paying $45k all in, including the retrieval, meds for the donor and for me, the transfer, agency fees, legal, etc. Sperm Donor: Using a sperm donor is much less expensive than an egg donor, costing anywhere from $200 to $3,000 extra. It depends on how many vials you purchase, how much info you get on your donor, etc. Surrogacy: This is the MOST expensive add-on you can possibly encounter with IVF. If you include all the legal fees, agency fees, IVF costs, and payment to the surrogate, the cost can range anywhere between $50,000 to $100,000. Embryo donation: This is the least expensive of the donor options, where you are purchasing a fertilized embryo that already exists. An embryo donor cycle costs anywhere between $5,000 and $7,000. The Physical Stuff Infertility is physically challenging and exhausting. Your body takes a beating on a regular basis and you are left with bruises and sometimes lifelong scars. Fertility medications can cause weight gain, water retention, insomnia, pelvic pain, headaches, hot flashes, hormonal rage, etc. It’s an evil way of your body making you think you are pregnant, but soooo not. The physical pain is hard, but remember, it’s temporary and your scars could be someone else’s sign of hope one day. Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com The Two Week Wait After Fertilization After your IVF transfer, the waiting begins, and, it’s effing brutal. It’s termed the “two week wait” but some doctors will do the hCG blood test at 10-12 days after the transfer depending on the stage of your embryo when implanted. It might not seem like a long time, but when that’s ALL you can think about, it’s the longest two weeks of your life. It’s important to stay busy, and do things that keep your mind off it. For me, I just decided that the moment that embryo was inside of me, I was pregnant. I’m an all or nothing kind of person, so I just acted like a pregnant woman. Even though I didn’t really have any “symptoms” yet, I still believed it was happening. It was my only option. I told myself that I could cry later if I had a reason to, but for now, I’m going to live in this joy. It was the only time I got to “be” pregnant and I was going to live it up! Many women can’t hold out to the date of the blood test and end up peeing on a stick at home way before it’s time. The problem with this is that you could get false results and end up heart broken for no reason, or falsely excited. And remember, your primary job during this time is to create a happy, peaceful environment for that baby to snuggle in. Why stress yourself out for no reason? I ended up peeing on the stick, but only 24 hours before my blood test, so I figured I was in the clear. I wanted the joy of seeing the two pink lines. Boy, was I glad I did this. I had NEVER seen two lines before this day, and we got to have our own moment, in the comfort of our own home, the way “normal” couples do it. Photo credit: jenperezphoto.com Getting The Results After the two weeks, you will be scheduled for a blood test to determine if you are, in fact, pregnant. Typically the doctor will test you in the morning and call you with the results that evening. This blood pregnancy test is frequently called a “beta” because the test measures a beta chain portion of the human chorionic gonadotropin or hCG hormone emitted by the developing embryo and is officially named a “beta hCG” blood test. A Positive Result: If your beta test is positive, your doctor will tell you the hCG level that your test showed. The beta test result is stated as a number that indicates the level of hCG found in the blood and this number will increase pretty rapidly in healthy pregnancies, so multiple beta tests will be ordered over the next few days to confirm the pregnancy is proceeding normally. You’ll repeat the test in 2 to 3 days. The goal is to have the level of hCG double every 3 days. If it does, another beta will be ordered for 2 to 3 days later. If all three betas show a healthy pregnancy, then an ultrasound will take place between the 6 to 8 week mark of the pregnancy. At that time, your doctor will be looking for a heartbeat and a gestational sac to confirm the pregnancy. This is typically when the celebrating begins! A Negative Result: If you get a negative result on your beta test, no doubt, you will be crushed. Cry your eyes out if you have to. You have a reason to be sad. You are grieving another loss. Allow yourself the time to work through emotions and grieve before you decide what to do next. Sometimes this is a good time to take a break and reset. Others, will jump right back on the saddle the very next month. Find out what happened in your cycle that may have led to a negative. Be your own advocate and ask lots of questions about how you can improve your protocol for next time, should you continue. Think of all the worse things in life that could be happening to you right now. I bet you can think of a lot, right? Be grateful you weren’t given one of those. Be grateful for all the other amazing things in your life that others dream of having. Accept that this is your struggle, and own it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn’t define you. It is NOT your fault. You will survive this. Fight on Warrior! Your baby is worth fighting for. You are a mother in the making. You are a warrior. I can honestly say, that after all we have been through, all the pain, the financial debt, the deep emotional sadness, I still wouldn’t change a thing. My baby wouldn’t be the same person if I hadn’t experienced infertility, my marriage wouldn’t be as strong, and neither would I. I survived infertility, and so will you. About the author: Victoria Nino is the creator of ExpectingAnything (an infertility blog and resource site) and ExpectingEverything (a pregnancy and parenting blog). She started her infertility blog merely as a means to cope with her own infertility through writing and with the hope to give other women a voice who need it. After almost five years of struggling to conceive, and multiple attempts at fertility treatments, she and her husband finally got pregnant via an egg donor IVF, and is “expecting” July 24, 2018. She keeps it 100% real and has a way of finding humor in the crappy things in life. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Some women seem to gain very little weight while pregnant when others put on visible pregnancy pounds. If you’re not sure how much weight gain to expect now that you’re carrying a child, you’re not alone. It’s a subject worth discussing because many women just aren’t aware of what is deemed a safe amount of weight. Too much excess weight increases risk factors for hypertension, gestational diabetes, and complications during labor and delivery. In fact, in 2015, 47% of American mothers gained more than the recommended amount of weight suggested by their physicians. If you don’t put on enough pounds, however, your child can be born prematurely or have a low birth weight. That’s why it’s so very important to track your weight at home and with regular doctor’s visits while pregnant. You can avoid the complications that occur with too much and too little weight gain. Here is what you need to know about weight gain and pregnancy. The normal range for weight gain is between 25 to 35 pounds but BMI is just as important. Body Mass Index or BMI is very important in determining what is a safe amount of weight to gain according to your build. It is calculated by your height and weight which helps you understand what a safe amount of pregnancy weight to carry is. Pacing your weight gain is imperative to prevent disease and complications. You should only see a three to four pound weight gain during the first trimester. By the second trimester, however, you’ll gain more. Most women gain up to 14 pounds during this time. By the third trimester, there may be some weight loss, but the amount gained with the pregnancy should be about 10 pounds. This amount increases if you’re carrying more than one child at a time. Keep in mind that multiples change these estimations. When in doubt, ask your physician for guidelines to follow if you’re carrying twins or triplets. What to Expect states that a 30-pound weight gain consists of the following: The baby himself or herself weighs 7.5 pounds. The placenta weighs 1.5 pounds. The amniotic fluid weighs 2 pounds. The uterine enlargement weighs 2 pounds. The maternal breast tissue weighs 2 pounds. The maternal blood volume weighs 4 pounds. The maternal fat stores weighs 7 pounds. This gives you an idea of where your weight gain comes from. Making sure your baby is getting adequate nutrition. Nutrients and calories are essential for your baby’s health and growth. Make sure that you’re eating a well-balanced diet and taking the prenatal vitamins that were given to you by your OBGYN. That way, you’re protecting your child from birth defects, illnesses, and diseases. Be conscientious about the food you consume while pregnant. Don’t give in to every craving that you have. Although you’re “eating for two,” be aware that there is too much of a good thing. If you have concerns that you’re gaining weight too rapidly or haven’t reached your goal weight gain despite being pregnant for a while, speak to your physician. He or she will give you advice about diet and exercise.

Being anxious often comes with being pregnant. After all, you want to deliver a healthy baby despite environmental concerns. Knowing the difference between normal pregnancy fears and abnormal pregnancy fears helps you determine when to seek professional help. Being a Model of Perfect Health Being healthy doesn’t just refer to your physical state. It also refers to your mental health and emotional well-being. When you feel your best and have positive ways to deal with anxiety, you’re able to put your mind and body at ease which benefits both you and your unborn child. You may feel anxious, but you know exactly what you need to do to calm yourself down and manage your stress. Normal Pregnancy Fears The average person has anxieties. As a parent, you may be worried about how well you’ll handle your role or if you’ll get back into shape after giving birth. You may have financial fears that manifest with the approaching birth of your child or concerns that your other child won’t be accepting of his new brother or sister. It’s very common to think about these things because you’re facing a significant life change. Not knowing the details of any new scenario can be daunting. You want to do this parenting thing right and that’s something you should be concerned with because of how it affects your present and future. Stress Management Techniques to Use Throughout Your Pregnancy If your fears are unsettling you, it’s time to employ some stress management techniques to settle your nerves. Joining a support group online allows you to share your anxieties with other parents going through similar issues. You’re able to discuss the things that are on your mind without fear of judgment which often helps you gain perspective. Other things that can help you ease your pregnancy fears are reading everything you can on the subject of parenting and taking notes of what concerns you most, asking your physician for suggested exercises you can do while pregnant because physical activity produces endorphins which are the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, and deep breathing. Learning to recognize physical and emotional triggers gives you time to calm down using the mindfulness techniques you just learned. Abnormal Pregnancy Fears If fear has you paralyzed, you’ll want to seek the counsel of a mental health professional. They’re trained to deal with far more than a mild case of anxiety. If left untreated, it can seriously impede on your daily routine and cause you and your child issues. Women at greatest risk for abnormal pregnancy fears are ones that have suffered from anxiety problems in the past, who had worries during their previous pregnancies, had a miscarriage or took a long time to get pregnant, and who are in stressful home or work environments. Long-term stress takes its toll on your body and can seriously affect the health of your unborn child. Babies whose mothers were extra anxious during pregnancy often weigh less at the time of their birth and have emotional issues as they grow and develop.

Your first pregnancy was quite an experience, and now you’ve got another bun in the oven. https://youtu.be/6m1L6bxt0dg Now that you’re a seasoned pro and you’ve seen it all before, you might notice that a few things have changed since last time. Morning Sickness differences in morning sickness during first pregnancy vs second pregnancy 1st Pregnancy You were surprised to find that you didn’t just feel pukey in the morning—it was all day, everyday. Every cure under the sun, from ginger tea to soothing lollipops, hoping to find relief. 2nd Pregnancy Now that you’ve been through it, you know that there’s no magic cure. You’re ready to chase your kid around and roll with the punches—or waves of nausea—as they come. Feeling kinda crummy just comes with the territory of pregnancy, right? Maternity Clothes Its so much easier to shop for maternity clothes in your second pregnancy/ 1st Pregnancy Between smart eating choices and exercise, you were sure you were going to get to stay in your normal clothes until your third trimester. No weight gain, no problems, no need for stretchy elastic-waist jeans! 2nd Pregnancy You’re genuinely excited to pull those stretchy elastic-waist jeans out of storage and start leaning in. Sure, you’re still going to eat healthy and exercise for your kid’s sake, but you know your body isn’t going to obey when you tell it to avoid bloating at all costs. Maternity clothes are a blessing, not a curse! Nursery Planning During the First Pregnancy the Nursery Planning is a big deal for new moms 1st Pregnancy Everything in the nursery needs to be just so, with pristine white bedding and gorgeously designed furniture to make the space feel like something out of a stylish magazine photoshoot. Your baby’s room is going to stay neat and gorgeous from day one, and all your organizing efforts now will pay dividends in the future. 2nd Pregnancy You know exactly what matters and what doesn’t. White bedding? Forget it. You want the busiest patterns in the darkest colors to hide any stains that might occur—and you know they will. It’s just a matter of time. Gone are the days when you put style over substance in the nursery. Now you’re going for full functionality and just a little bit of cuteness where it counts. Delivery Every delivery is different but you are more prepared for your second delivery 1st Pregnancy Every little detail is in place: your delivery playlist, the fashionable custom hospital gown, the matching monogrammed pajama and robe set to slip into immediately after delivery. Natural lip gloss and some tinted moisturizer will help you look amazing for the photo shoot. Your hospital experience is going to be like a fancy spa vacation. 2nd Pregnancy The hospital go-bag is packed and ready to go, and it’s got essentials only. No makeup, no fancy PJs…just a scrunchie and a comfy nightie that’d make your grandma jealous. You know you aren’t going to look like a supermodel in your pictures, and that’s OK. The smile on your lips and the love in your eyes are all the beauty enhancement you need. Everyone has a different experience of pregnancy, and your first and second may be more alike than you expected. At the very least, you’ll venturing into known territory, and that can provide a lot of peace of mind for second-time mamas. You Might Also Like: Second Time Mom Flattens Her Postpartum Tummy in Three Weeks This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features a triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

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

Celebrity moms set unreasonable standards when they show off their firm, shapely bodies just days or weeks after giving birth all over social media. How do they do it? They're likely wearing a postpartum waist trainer under that designer gown. The compression around the belly gives the appearance of a smooth and trim waistline. The most important question, of course, is, are waist trainers harmful? This article will set out to answer all your concerns surrounding the benefits and potential dangers of wearing a waist trainer post-pregnancy and how to shop for the best products. Let's start with where the anxiety around women's waist training comes from. Table Of Contents "> History of Waist Training Are Waist Trainers Safe To Wear After Pregnancy? Tips For Waist Training Safely Post-Pregnancy: Is It Safe To Wear My Abdominal Binder With Diastasis Recti? How Long Can I Wear My Waist Trainer? Can A Waist Trainer Help Me Lose Weight? How To Shop For Waist Training Garments: What Makes For A High-Quality Women's Corset? History of Waist Training Waist trainers, including corsets, belly bandages, and girdles, have been around since the 16th century. Unfortunately, the level of compression used in those days was far too intense and highly unsafe. And it's no wonder the 16th-century corsets caused so much grief for women — they were constructed from stiff fabrics, wood, whalebone, and iron. These pre-modern waist trainers significantly compressed the abdomen for an exaggerated, unnatural cone shape, leading to permanent health damage. It caused ribs to break, organs to become displaced, and put so much pressure on the diaphragm and lungs that women would often faint. This was too steep a price to pay for beauty. Much of the anxiety around the safety of waist training today comes from this history. Thankfully, modern-day corsets are much safer. High-quality abdominal binders come in a variety of comfortable, breathable fabrics with safe compression levels for a broad range of body types. Plus, they come in a wide range of styles — from wraps, girdles, corset bodysuits, and thong-style underwear. Now, let's get into those most common questions. Are Waist Trainers Safe To Wear After Pregnancy? Yes, abdominal binders designed explicitly for the postpartum woman's body are safe to wear after pregnancy if used correctly. Mom wearing the Control Vest Waist Trainer in Black Tips For Waist Training Safely Post-Pregnancy: Your waist trainer should feel tight but not painful If wearing a stomach binder makes you feel dizzy, it's too tight and should be loosened to allow for deep breathing If you've had a c-section delivery, look for a garment that has extra padding to protect your incisions Make sure the postpartum girdle is made from a flexible and breathable material Many post-pregnancy moms will wear a corset to alleviate abdominal and back muscle strain. A medical-grade corset can help new moms into an active lifestyle sooner by increasing the range of motion and comfort. Is It Safe To Wear My Abdominal Binder With Diastasis Recti? Absolutely! As long are you're not wearing it too tight, of course. During pregnancy, it's common to have the abdominal muscles separate as a result of the growing uterus pushing against the organs, stretching the abdominal wall. The best way to treat diastasis after giving birth is to strengthen your core through exercise. Waist training, while you work out, will help you feel more confident in your workouts because of the support the compression garment gives to your lower back and abdominals. The recommended hours of wear per day vary depending on each woman’s needs: For example, a woman with Diastasis Recti will wear her waist trainer for longer periods of time for support. Women with less complicated recoveries will wear their waist trainer for only a few hours a day or during exercise. How Long Can I Wear My Waist Trainer? It's safe to wear your waist trainer for as long as it feels comfortable. Women wear waist trainers for different reasons, which will ultimately determine how long you'll wear your garment. For example, a woman with diastasis may choose to wear her waist trainer all day for abdominal and back support, and sometimes throughout the night for pain relief. Women with less complicated delivery recoveries will wear their waist trainer for a few hours a day or only during exercise to support the core muscles. Other times, you just want to feel your best on a night out and need some extra control for a figure-fitting outfit. The best corset for those occasions is the bodysuit that smoothes the abdomen while offering a bit of butt enhancement. Results of wearing a Bellefit Girdle after Childbirth Can A Waist Trainer Help Me Lose Weight? There are no known garments — not even celebrity-endorsed waist trainers — that will make you lose weight on its own. Successful weight-loss results require: a healthy diet exercise balancing your hormones stress management While it's not a requirement, a medical-grade postpartum corset can help you in getting back into your daily activities by easing pain and building your confidence again with a sleeker figure. Before you conduct a search for the best waist trainers, ask your OG-GYN, doula, or midwife about waist training after giving birth. Abdominal binders are recommended for the following benefits: Relieve back strain Improve posture Help with lymphatic drainage Support muscles compromised during childbirth Compress stretched skill for faster recovery When shopping for a postpartum body shaper, also keep in mind that not all garments are made to deliver these benefits. Many are purely cosmetics. You want to look for compression garments that directly address the post-baby body. How To Shop For Waist Training Garments: When looking for women's body shapers, it's a good idea to read product reviews and blogs like this one to guide on how to size and features you might not have considered. What Makes For A High-Quality Women's Corset? Look for the following features in a premium belly binder to support a postpartum body. Breathable and flexible material Medical-grade compression to stabilize the midsection Reinforcements to keep corset in place Adjustable straps and compression to keep the garment cinched as your body changes Extra padding around surgical incisions FDA registered Crotch opening to accommodate heavy flow pads. Most new mothers experience fluid retention after giving birth. Fluid retention can cause discomfort and swelling throughout the body. This swelling makes it difficult for women to fit into their clothing comfortably. After birth, women's bodies naturally rid themselves of excess fluid within two weeks, which is why you may want to consider products that accommodate removable padding. It typically takes about a month for all excess fluid and swelling to dissipate. During that time, the uterus also shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. The Bellefit postpartum girdles and corsets are designed for women's bodies after pregnancy. They come in various styles and sizes (x-small – 3 xl) to suit your post-pregnancy needs — cesarean delivery recovery, compression thong, belly wrap, and everything else in between. Best Selling Postpartum Corset Trainers Our garments are FDA-registered and are recommended by medical professionals. While they're designed to support a new mom's changing body, many women love the Bellefit girdle for recovering from abdominal surgical procedures like a hysterectomy or a tummy tuck. The Bellefit corset is a favorite women's body shaper that provides so much more support than the typical cosmetic body shaping underwear. In fact, many moms will buy a smaller size when they hit their goal weight to make their outfits look sleek and put together for a boost of self-confidence. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes. To sum everything up, women experience a time of transition between pregnancy and motherhood. Many moms have busy lives and seek ways to recover fast after giving birth. Wearing a postpartum waist trainer to reduce the appearance of their belly is a safe and simple way to boost recovery and reach weight-loss goals with ease.

Here at Bellefit Maternity we’re no strangers to the challenges many women face. Our line of postpartum girdles is just one way we’ve been working to make a positive impact in the lives of new moms. Launched in 2008, Bellefit girdles have helped thousands of women around the world find comfort after having a baby. They’ve also helped women discover happiness and enjoy more confidence in their bodies. We’ve decided to expand our outreach even further through a new partnership with the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center in Pembroke Pines, Fla. Susan B Anthony Recovery Center The Center has provided rehabilitation from substance abuse to expectant mothers and women with children since 1995.One of only a few full-service recovery centers in the United States, the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center provides residential and outpatient treatment in a loving, structured environment. A woman receives the support she needs while living with and caring for her children while in their care. Our general manager, Andy Suarez, and public relations manager, Carolina Suarez-Garcia, will meet with the residents to share Bellefit’s background and provide education about the postpartum benefits of using a Bellefit girdle Beginning March 3, Bellefit Maternity donated Postpartum Recovery Girdles to current patients of the center. Furthermore, we will continue to donate to future patients at the Center who are expecting a baby or have recently given birth. Bellefit founder Cynthia Suarez recently recalled how much her own daughter struggled after having children. She developed the product to not only alleviate the discomfort of an incision from a C-section, but also provide a much-needed boost of confidence to recovering moms. “Being a mom of four and a grandmother of seven, I know, first-hand, how challenging motherhood can be,” Suarez said. It was through the Center’s partnership with The Rotary Club of Weston that Suarez’s son, Andy, a Rotarian, met Whitney Hughson, associate director of marketing at the SBARC. When Hughson shared the stories of moms who struggle with addiction while trying to raise their children. She explained that the Center helps women lead healthier, more productive lives. Suarez immediately knew Bellefit needed to get involved. “Bellefit Girdles make moms’ lives easier after childbirth. It gives them a boost of confidence during a time when women are focused on their baby and usually feel guilty about caring for themselves,” Suarez said. The girdles reduce uterus swelling by safely supporting and compressing the abdominal and lumbar regions. They provide a faster and more comfortable postpartum recovery for those who have undergone a C-section or natural childbirth. It’s especially helpful for those experiencing diastasis recti or pain. Suarez called the partnership a perfect match. Our hope for women at the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center is that they continue to find the courage and strength to improve the quality of their lives, so they can give the best of themselves to their children,” she said. The center can accommodate housing for approximately 60 women at any given time during rehabilitation. However, the outpatient program extends far beyond that number. The Center is certain to see positive benefits from the generous Bellefit partnership. Find information to Donate time, money or items the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center at www.susanbanthonycenter.org or by calling (866) 641-8986.

A post-pregnancy girdle is a compression garment that a mother wears tightly around the belly following the delivery of her baby. The garment should fit quite snugly around the abdomen to maximize the benefits of compression, such as increasing blood flow, improve posture, and support the abdominal muscles — but it shouldn't be so tight that it restricts movement and breathing. In this article, we'll get into the common questions surrounding postpartum girdles, including the history, safety, and differences in garments. Table Of Contents A Very Brief History On Corsets And Girdles Who Should Wear A Girdle? How Long Does A Girdle Help After Pregnancy? Postpartum Belly Wrap Vs. Postpartum Girdle Should I Get A Belly Band? Benefits Of Wearing A Postpartum Girdle Bellefit Girdle Styles And Features To Wrap Up: What Is A Post-Pregnancy Girdle? Summary: Postpartum Girdles It's a specialized garment to help restore tone and firmness to a postpartum belly Adds extra protection for c-section incisions Girdles can also be worn by women who are recovering from abdominal surgery such as a hysterectomy or tummy tuck Modern-day, FDA-approved girdles are considered safe to wear after pregnancy and are recommended by health care professionals to support recovery There are many girdle styles to choose from — we'll cover each style in this article and alternatives on the market A Very Brief History On Corsets And Girdles The Kim Kardashian certainly wasn't the first to trend-set a trim waistline with shape-wear. The corset goes as far back as the 16th-century in Europe. At the time, waist trainers were worn by women to train the torso into a cone-shape, making the waist dangerously petite. These pre-modern trainers aren't anything like what we have today. They were made from stiff fabrics, wood, and even iron — quite a far cry from comfort. To get this fashionable coned-shaped body, women wore these waist trainers extremely tight — breaking rips, displacing organs, and causing permanent damage. Thankfully, our shape-wear have come a long way since then. Now that we understand more about the human anatomy, it turns out, compression around the torso is beneficial to healing after baby delivery— as long as it's not rib-breaking tight — while still offering the benefits of shaping the body to a slimmer physique. Who Should Wear A Girdle? While the Bellefit girdles are built to support a postpartum body, women who undergo surgery for tummy tucks or a hysterectomy can benefit from wearing a medical-grade corset. Here are reasons one may need a medical-grade compression garment: Childbirth recovery (c-section or natural deliveries) Reduce abdominal swelling and fluid retention after birth To improve posture, reduce back pain, and increase mobility Women with diastasis recti to strengthen the core Use it as a waist trainer to feel supported while exercising Wear it as shape wear to smooth and firm the silhouette Wearing Girdles After Pregnancy How Long Does A Girdle Help After Pregnancy? How long you should wear your girdle depends on the complication of your recovery and how you intend to use your garment. For example, no compression garment will make you shed baby-weight, but it can be an essential tool to help you lose that stubborn belly fat. Postpartum girdles with medical-grade compression help improve posture and support the core, which increases your mobility and stability in movement, so you can get into your workouts sooner. Ultimately, a healthy, well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management will be the critical factors for weight-loss, but a waist trainer can make sure you're supported along the way. Photos of Women Wearing Postpartum Girdles Postpartum Belly Wrap Vs. Postpartum Girdle As we mentioned earlier, your hospital may provide you with a belly wrap after delivery to ease your comforts. The purpose behind the belly wrap is similar to that of girdles — provide therapeutic compression around the torso to increase blood flow, promote healing, and reduce symptoms of pain and swelling. The belly wraps provided by the hospital are usually made from adjustable elastic and held together with velcro — it's not the sturdiest or most comfortable material either. Still, it will protect your incision and increase comfort after surgery. A high-quality postpartum girdle is made from breathable and flexible fabrics that wrap around the torso and supports the bottom and crotch for a more enclosed garment. Thanks to the design of the girdle, it provides a stronger level of compression and is more comfortable to wear underneath clothing. A belly wrap is an OK alternative to a girdle temporarily — for the best results in compression therapy and support after baby arrives, invest in a high-quality postpartum support girdle. Belly Wraps Girdles • Wraps around the torso• Made from bulky material • Can easily become displaced• Velcro fastening • Wraps around the torso, crotch, and butt for full support• Feels more secure and is not easily displaced• Made from flexible, breathable material • Is more discrete underneath clothing • Higher level of compression Should I Get A Belly Band? This is another support garment you've probably heard floating around in the maternity world. Let's quickly cover it now. You can find belly bands for pregnant bellies and for the postpartum belly. They're essentially tube-like, elastic garments worn around the torso to smooth and slim the stomach and waist so you can fit into clothes you've outgrown. A belly band is more of a cosmetic undergarment to help trim the waist for aesthetic purposes rather than for therapeutic compression. And while a belly band can be a welcome addition to your wardrobe (they're generally inexpensive), you can get more use out of a girdle or a high-quality binder. If you're looking for a panty-less binder style to define the waist and flatten the belly, Bellefit's abdominal binders and waist trainers are excellent choices that offers more support than a belly band or a belly wrap. Benefits Of Wearing A Postpartum Girdle The benefits of postpartum support garments are valued in cultures all over the world. Let's highlight some benefits of wearing a compression garment for the postpartum belly. Compression promotes blood supply to the affected area to support faster healing Reduces uterus swelling with steady pressure and expels fluid Offers lower back support and abdominal stabilization to relieve back pain Can also help you fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes comfortably during postpartum recovery Protects c-section or other surgical incisions Get back to exercising sooner to strengthen the core and treat diastasis recti Improve posture, allowing for deeper breathing Adjustable crotch openings offer convenient access to the washroom and can be lined with heavy flow pads for leakage Watch the video below to learn how Anella recovered with a post pregnancy girdle after her fourth pregnancy. Bellefit Girdle Styles And Features Now that we've gone over the other styles of postpartum compression underwear, we can get into discussing the girdle styles Bellefit offers. Bellefit has the most inclusive selection of postpartum belly girdles with eight styles in sizes XS – 3XL. Girdle Style Features 1. Corset • Full rear coverage• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Adjustable crotch opening 2. Dual-Closure Girdle • Full rear coverage• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Convenient padded side zipper• Adjustable crotch opening 3. Cheekster Corset • Cheekster panty• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Adjustable crotch opening 4. Bodysuit Corset • 3-row adjustable front hooks• Full rear coverage• Open-bust bodysuit• Adjustable & removable shoulder straps• No boning• Adjustable crotch opening 5. Corset Thong • 3-row adjustable front hooks• Thong style panty• Adjustable & removable shoulder straps• Adjustable crotch opening 6. Girdle with Front Zipper • Padded zipper• Full rear coverage• Adjustable crotch opening 7. Girdle with Size Zipper • Padded size zipper• Full rear coverage• Seamless front• Adjustable crotch opening 8. Girdle Pull-Up • Slip-on design• Full rear coverage• Seamless for discretion under clothing• Adjustable crotch opening To Wrap Up: What Is A Post-Pregnancy Girdle? We've gone over the different types of shape-wear for postpartum women and briefly touched on the history of corsets, and how the modern waist trainer has come a long way since then. A high-quality postpartum girdle is more than slimming underwear — it has high-grade compression to increase blood flow for speedy healing, support the ab muscles and back for stability, and relieves pain. This garment is hard at work, so that mom can spend more quality time with the baby and get back to feeling like her normal self again sooner. Bellefit has the most extensive range of postpartum girdles to choose from that are not only discreet under clothing but provide comfortable, medical-grade compression needed to get the most health benefits.

There are many differences between having your baby vaginally and having your baby via c-section childbirth: The method of delivery is the most obvious difference. During a vaginal delivery, a woman births her baby through her vagina, pushing in accordance with her contractions. During a c-section childbirth, a woman births her baby through a surgical opening in her abdomen. Emergency C-Section C-Section Scar C-Section Bandage C-section childbirth deliveries were once reserved for emergency situations or situations in which a mother would not be able to have her baby vaginally. In the past twenty years, the number of Cesarean births has been rising. Graph Credit: http://pattiturner.com/c-section-rates-nurses-play-role/ Regardless of the underlying reasons for such a rise, women must be prepared for a Cesarean delivery more than ever before. C-Section Procedure taking place in the operating room. C-Section is considered major surgery. How does C-Section Childbirth Work? A c-section childbirth delivery occurs in an operating room. The mother is typically awake for the surgery, but she must be anesthetized from the chest down. The obstetrician makes the c section incision right above the woman's pubic bone. The incision is typically four or five inches across. From there, the doctor pulls back the skin, moves the abdominal muscles aside, and makes another low cut across the uterus.Then the amniotic fluid is suctioned out of the uterus, and the baby is delivered. The baby is then suctioned by the nurses in the operating room and cleaned up a bit. The placenta is removed by the doctor as well. Then the new mother gets to see her baby. During this time, the obstetrician is stitching up the uterus, replacing the abdominal muscles, and stitching up the skin. If she desires it, the mother may nurse her baby in the recovery room. The road to recovery after c section begins here. Vaginal Delivery and Recovery Times Vaginal Delivery of Baby A vaginal delivery is more active for the mother. Once she goes through labor and is fully dilated, she will feel an urge to push her baby out. Typically she will push with her contractions, eventually pushing the baby down and out through the vagina, followed by the afterbirth, including the placenta. Depending on the speed of the birth and the size of the baby, the mom may experience some tearing around the perineum. These wounds will need to be stitched up by the doctors. If the mother desires, the baby can be placed directly on her chest after being born, before being whisked away to the warming table to be cleaned and weighed. Though some women who experience vaginal deliveries have major complications, they are usually easier to recover from than c-sections. Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, new mothers will likely need additional support from their partners, extended family, and friends to accomplish many chores, including driving and household activities, such as lifting laundry baskets. All new mothers, however, need a great deal of support and understanding from their loved ones during the postpartum recovery period. Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help Women Recovery Faster from a C-Section? After Birth One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section childbirth is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend a corset or girdle to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. According to Bellefit reviews, the abdominal binder speeds healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for postpartum recovery after c section. Sometimes the pain associated with recovery can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Women Wearing Postpartum Girdles After C-Section Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended. Watch Kristen, Mom of 4, Share her Postpartum Recovery Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets

In the past decade, information about the benefits of breastfeeding for you and baby have revolutionized the way moms think about how they nurture their babies. ​Benefits of Breastfeeding for Baby Breast milk evolves as your baby grows. For the first 3 to 4 days, your breasts produce a thick yellow milk called colostrum. It’s a concentrated milk with antibodies and proteins to protect your baby’s newborn intestines and provide a natural immunization. Transitional milk occurs after colostrum and lasts for approximately two weeks. The content of transitional milk includes high levels of fat, lactose, water-soluble vitamins, and contains more calories than colostrum. Mature milk is the final milk that is produced. 90% is water, which is necessary to maintain hydration of the infant. The other 10% is comprised of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that are necessary for both growth and energy. Breast milk has equal amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fats to meet your baby’s needs. The fat in breast milk is good and rich in omega fatty acids, DHA and ARA, which help to support healthy brain and eye development during the first few years of life. The hundreds of nutrients found in breast milk are the healthiest for your baby’s digestive system. Unlike proteins found in regular cow’s milk and most formulas, the proteins in breast milk are naturally gentle for digestion. Breast milk safeguards your baby. Breast milk helps protect babies against food allergies, protein intolerance, and sensitivity. Healthy bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli)—called probiotics—in breast milk have a positive influence on digestive functions and immune support. Benefits of Breastfeeding for You There is no formula in the world that will ever nourish a baby as well as breast milk does. The benefits far outweigh the challenges that come with it and you could say that breastfeeding is not only natural, but it is in fact necessary. Breastfeeding diminishes future health risks Women who breastfeed have a decreased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer later on in life. Breastfeeding hormones reduce recovery time. The act of breastfeeding triggers the release of oxytocin, which helps the uterus to contract and return to its pre-pregnancy size in less time. Breastfeeding also triggers improved blood clotting, which reduces the amount of postpartum initial bleeding and decreases menstrual blood loss during the first few months after childbirth. Breastfeeding allows you to bond with your baby. You will find quiet moments and places for a positive experience. Relax with your baby and observe their communication. Skin-to-skin and eye-to-eye contact provides a unique closeness. Inexpensive, Convenient and Naturally Made. Requires little to no equipment. Can be done almost anywhere and anytime. You Might Also Like Belly Bandage vs Body Shaper – Which is Best After Pregnancy?

Home Birth More and more women are turning to home birth as well. Some home births are attended by midwives, while others are just the laboring mother and her birth partner. The woman is, theoretically, in complete control during a home birth.She is free to move about in the comfort of her surroundings. Such an environment is beneficial for many women; because her surroundings are so familiar, there is little to distract her from the work of labor. https://youtu.be/Be3ISaDTfI4 At the same time, there are no medical interventions available for laboring women at home. Women can certainly reduce their discomfort during labor by spending time in the tub or shower, having their partner use massage to manage tension, or by simply practicing their own laboring techniques.If you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, home birth is probably not for you. In the end, however, it is the job of the mother and her partner to decide where to give birth. Pregnancy is a special time for women. Despite the discomforts and challenges you may be feeling, there is no denying the magic of the little person developing inside you. During pregnancy, it is sometimes easy to focus your attention on your changing body and the baby’s development and forget about how and where the baby will be born. Though most mothers still give birth in a hospital setting, more and more women are electing to have their babies in birth centers or even in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. The decision of where to have your baby is a highly personal one, and it is a good idea to explore your options. Even if you decide on the traditional hospital setting, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each birth environment will ensure that you’ve made the best decision for you and your family. Having a baby at a hospital is clearly the most common birth setting for most women. The benefits of a hospital birth are many. Most women see OB/GYNs for their prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, and most OB/GYNs have privileges in hospitals rather than in birth centers. There Are Two Major Types of Hospitals A teaching hospital has the most up-to-date equipment and part of their mission is to teach the next generation of doctors and nurses about medical care. In a teaching hospital, the birthing mother may be asked if interns and other medical students can watch or assist with the labor and birth. Smaller community hospitals are more likely to have a more intimate feel. They are less likely to have medical students helping care for patients. All hospitals provide opportunities for pain management for laboring women, from local anesthetics to epidural and spinal blocks. What a hospital lacks in comfort and privacy it makes up for in access to emergency care. Women with complicated pregnancies or babies with special needs will benefit from neonatal care found in hospitals. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

When will I Fit into my Pre-Pregnancy Clothes Again? What a great question! Most women worry a little bit about this, and the answer is highly individual. How long it takes you to return to your pre-pregnancy clothes depends on several factors, including: How much weight you gained during pregnancy, How active you are, and what body type you have. If you eat healthy foods and get moderate exercise, you should begin to lose your baby weight fairly quickly. Some women who breastfeed lose most of their weight quickly, but then hold on to about ten pounds until they wean their babies. There is no reason why you should not be able to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes within a year of your baby’s birth. After nine months of pregnancy, you are probably anxious to wear your “real” clothes again. As almost every woman knows, feeling good in your pre-pregnancy clothes can work wonders for your emotional state. Here are some tips: Wear your favorite items as much as possible. When you can, style your hair, and put on a little makeup, too. The early weeks and months of your baby’s life are an intense adjustment period for new mothers. Well-fitting clothes can’t help your baby sleep through the night but they can help you feel a little bit like your old self again! Getting Back to Pre-Pregnancy Shape After nine months of pregnancy, you are probably anxious to wear your “real” clothes again. Pulling out the clothes you packed away while you were pregnant may feel like a shopping spree! But don’t get too excited about your pre-pregnancy clothes too quickly. Most women need several weeks, or even months, before fitting into their pre-pregnancy wardrobe. What to Wear Home from the Hospital After Giving Birth When you are packing your bag for the hospital, make sure to pack something comfortable to wear when you go home. Most women still look about six months pregnant in the first few days after birth, so choose your outfit accordingly. Packing something that you feel comfortable, yet beautiful, in will make your trip home all the more enjoyable. Whose Body is This? A few weeks after having your baby your body will begin to change. Wearing pants or shorts with wide, stretchy waistbands will be most comfortable as your belly begins to shrink. If you’ve had a c-section, this type of clothing will ease some of the discomfort associated with your incision. Wearing underwear that comes up over your incision or rests below it will be more comfortable as well. If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you will want to wear tops that accommodate your larger chest size. You will also need nursing bras during this phase. It is important that you wear bras that fit properly and support your breasts. If you are able to, go to a store where you can be fit for the right size nursing bra. An ill-fitting nursing bra can contribute to blocked ducts or discomfort as your breasts change size throughout the day. Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help? Woman Wearing Postpartum Girdle One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend them to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. According to Bellefit Reviews, the Abdominal Binder Speeds Healing Bellefit girdles also support the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for women who have had c-sections. Sometimes the pain associated with childbirth recovery from natural birth or c-section can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended. I wore my Bellefit every day as long as I could, and while taking care of the kids. It was so helpful for me, picking up my son who was 13 months when the twins were born and it not hurting my separated abdominals. Alexandra H. I heard about Bellefit long before I even conceived and knew that I would purchase a corset whenever I did have a child because the before/after pictures showed amazing results. Dana H. Mom Gets Back into Her Pre-Pregnancy Clothes with the Help of Bellefit This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles & corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles