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

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

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

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

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

Now that you’ve just spent the last nine months pregnant, you’re probably wondering what will happen to your body within the first twenty-four hours after delivering. How will your post baby body look?

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

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

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

The immediate elation of having a precious new baby lying on your chest all squirmy and beautiful may quickly give way to exhaustion. For first-time deliveries, the average time in labor is about 14 hours. On average, three of those hours are devoted to pushing for a typical vaginal delivery. That’s a lot of hard work with very little sleep over a 24-hour period. 1.Postpartum Exhaustion As you near you due date, clear your schedule. Limit anything other than packing a hospital bag and personal primping. This is not the time to be painting a nursery or entertaining family. In hindsight, I should have watched soap operas and napped instead of doing five loads of laundry the day I went into labor. Save your strength. You’ll need it. 2. It Hurts After The Baby Comes Too You’ll hear plenty about the process leading up to and through that final push. Or for a C-Section, the “pull”. This includes, but isn’t limited to cramps, contractions, nausea, and an epidural. If you are pregnant for the first time, you’ll likely get an earful from older relatives, well-meaning friends and co-workers. But what about the after? I had some tearing and an episiotomy with my first baby. That means stitches in a place where, well, let’s just say it’s tender. C-section moms have even greater wounds to deal with. Even without stitches, something relatively big just came out of something relatively small. Where there is trauma, there is pain. I received one dose of “the good stuff” following delivery as a reward for a job well done. After that, it was over-the-counter pain relievers and warm soaks for the aching lady parts. I also felt a lot of pain in my back, shoulders, ribcage and abdomen from the ordeal. It was like being roughed up in a fender bender. And bowel movements? Ouch. Labor also often brings on hemorrhoids.. So laxatives, stool softeners and lots of fluid are a must. Fortunately, most of the pain and discomfort is gone in about two weeks. But be prepared to hurt all over for a little while. If you have a C-section, you won’t deal with an episiotomy or vaginal pain and swelling. However, your stitches may sting and itch. Healing also takes longer — four to six weeks. You should keep a close watch for any sign of infection. Proper support garments can help with the healing process for both vaginal and CS deliveries. 3. Feelings And Emotions After Giving Birth Are All Over The Map One day I was in love with my baby and the next I wondered who she was. I worried that we wouldn’t bond, that I was doing something wrong. Did I love her enough or too much? Why was my belly still huge? Would I ever sleep again? Why was I crying? How could I be laughing? Why was I sitting there feeling numb? Pregnancy hormones — HCG, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, relaxin — rise dramatically during the various trimesters as they provide a hospitable womb for your growing child and prepare your body for delivery. And then, kaboom; total hormone dump. Even the most even-tempered new mom will feel the effects. And for many, postpartum depression is a reality. I was always a “pull-up-your-big-girl-panties” kind of gal until the first month after I gave birth. Looking back, I wish I had been gentler with myself and rolled with it. Your emotions will get the better of you on many days. Rest and self-care, along with time, is all that is needed for most new moms. However, an estimated 15-20 percent of pregnant women suffer from postpartum depression in degrees ranging from mild depression to postpartum psychosis. Dealing with the expectations of motherhood coupled with hormonal imbalance can trigger depression and accompanying feelings of shame or guilt. If you’re experiencing PPD symptoms, don’t try to go it alone or tough it out. Reach out to your support system, seek out other new mothers and consult with your doctor for help. It’s not unusual to have feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed. Ask for help. It’s OK 4. The Worst Period of Your Life I expected some bleeding after giving birth, but I didn’t realize the extent, or the value of super maxi pads jumbo count until then. The medical term for it is lochia, and it’s not a regular period. The uterine lining that thickens over the term of your pregnancy sheds, along with mucus from the healing process. However, the greater part of the bleeding is due to the wound left in your uterus from the placenta pulling away. It usually heals up in two to three weeks, but too much activity can reopen the wound and cause more bleeding For the first few days the flow is heavy, dark and includes clotting. It will slow down and change color to brownish, then yellowish, and toward the end look more like a pale discharge instead of blood. Postpartum bleeding can last up to six weeks. However, this depends on your healing process. During this time you shouldn’t use tampons or a menstrual cup, to minimize infection risks. Breathable granny panties are your friend. How soon your regular period starts back up varies from mom to mom. It also depends on if and how you breastfeed. The earliest you might expect a regular period is around six weeks after giving birth. 5. More Core Exercises Before Pregnancy Is A Great Idea I was young, healthy and thought I was in good shape. Had I known how strenuous the process of pregnancy and childbirth really is, I would have paid more attention to my core and pelvic floor. When planning a pregnancy, consider yourself to be “in training.” Getting your back and stomach muscles in shape, as well as making Kegel-time a part of your daily routine, will help to protect you from postpartum back pain, hernias and a condition known as diastasis recti following your delivery. A strong core will make it easier and faster to heal Mummy Tummy, too. Even if you’re already pregnant, there are exercises you can do to strengthen your core. However, be sure to check with your doctor for safe routines. Crunches and sit-ups can do more harm than good. Finally, a good postpartum compression binder can help with the healing process and boost a new mom’s confidence. Bellefit Featured Products

Do you ever look at celebrity gossip magazines and wonder how these celebrities look so flawless in these form-fitting dresses? Their secret weapon is a body shaper. Shape wear underwear is excellent for a night out — however, one of the downsides is that it often doesn't provide enough support for post-pregnancy bodies. Every mom experiencing anxiety over their post-baby body has wished for something to make the transition back to normal easier. What product offers the best control for the tummy post-pregnancy? A belly bandage is a step in the right direction — You can wear it while pregnant, and some options provide gentle support as you recover from delivery. However, we have another option that takes the best of both worlds. Read on to find the best body shaping garment for post-pregnancy bodies. When should you wear a body shaper? Body shaper undergarments are great for when you want to look flawless beneath form-fitting outfits. Ladies' body shapers are designed to appear seamless under clothing while maintaining light compression around the midsection to give the illusion of a slimmer body. You can think of body shapers, such as the popular Spanx, as a band-aid patch to the extra weight around the belly. They help to smooth and minimize, but it's not going to help you effectively lose weight. The benefits of body shapers include: A comfortable, seamless fit Available in various colors, shapes, and sizes A toned appearance Affordable When should you wear a belly band? Abdominal bands or wraps hug the midsection to provide gentle compression. There are band options to wear while you're pregnant to support the back and abdomen as the baby grows and other varieties designed after delivery. Do postpartum wraps help with post-delivery pain and support? Yes, they do — but they're not always the most comfortable fit. Because these garments only wrap around the midsection, they can easily get displaced. Cheaper belly bandages are often made with bulky, itchy materials, which aren't the most discrete under clothing. The benefits of belly bandages include: Available in different sizes and styles (before and after pregnancy) Comfortable fit Offer shaper compression benefits Gentle compression to reduce severity of the pain post-baby delivery Encourages improved posture very light support abdominal band circular knit band with targeted support zones bulky midsection belts with velcro What's the best post-pregnancy garment? Body shaping underwear empower women's confidence while offering comfort and support — Bellefit Maternity takes this one step further. The Bellefit Postpartum Girdle provides the benefits of both a belly bandage and a body shaper for women who have recently given birth. Wearing a Bellefit C-Section Recovery Corset or Dual-Closure Girdle protects and supports the c-section incision. It simultaneously compresses the abdominal area and uterus to help reduce swelling due to fluid retention. Those suffering from diastasis recti can find comfort with a postpartum girdle. They're made with durable, flexible materials that provide high-grade compression to minimize the pain after delivery and support the back and abdominal muscles, so you can get back to your normal range of motion faster. The best way to lose the extra baby weight is exercise and a healthy diet, so the sooner you get moving again, the sooner you can get shedding the excess weight. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets — Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes The benefits of Bellefit girdles and corsets: Offers the same seamless toning benefits as body shapers and belly bands Medical-grade compression to reduce pain and swelling High-quality, comfortable materials Comes in different styles and adjustable sizes (from XS - 3XL) Added padding to protect c-section incisions Excellent to wear during exercises for its abdominal and back support Accessible crotch opening with 3 rows of adjustable hooks to accommodate heavy flow pads How long should you wear your girdle or belly band? You can wear a post-pregnancy girdle or belly bandage 24/7. Many new moms find that wearing their compression garments alleviate pain symptoms, which helps them get a better night's sleep. The Verdict: Bellefit Girdles Are The Way To Go Post Pregnancy Bellefit Mom, Robyn Robyn began wearing her Bellefit Dual Closure Girdle the day she delivered her son. She wore it 24-hours a day for the first six weeks. Not only did the corset keep her posture straight and allow her to carry her son with ease, but it allowed her to sit more comfortably, easing discomfort in her back – and after nine hours of back labor, that was an important feature. She was amazed by the positive comments she received about her appearance post-pregnancy. “I received many compliments on how quickly I was getting my pre-pregnancy body back,” Robyn said. Watch Robyn’s Video Testimonial Robyn has since given birth to her second son, another natural labor that left her with painful cramping as her uterus returned to its natural size. She found that using the Bellefit Postpartum Girdle was the only thing to offer relief: “I was actually able to feed him comfortably, without pain while wearing it, so I wore it 24/7 for the first three months after giving birth.” The extra support even allowed her to help out when the family moved just 20 days after giving birth! The active mom said it was the compression and support that also allowed her to quickly get back into running and playing soccer within a month-and-a-half of giving birth. The benefits are endless when it comes to the support a postpartum girdle can offer but choose the product carefully to ensure not only short-term results but long-term confidence.

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