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There's a lot of confusion in the postpartum belly binding world when it comes to clearly defining the difference between a belly wrap and a postpartum girdle. And here's the thing, there are many terms that may seem interchangeable but, actually, are not! But, why is it so important to clarify this? Well, did you ever hear a new mum say “I love my muffin top and the way my belly wrap is made of the stiffest, itchiest material?” We take it you haven't! Your postpartum recovery and overall wellbeing after your baby is born shouldn't pay the price of all the misinformation going around the web -check out Erica’s testimonial below! Bellefit Postpartum Girdles come in 8 different styles. Bellefit Corset on the left, Bellefit Bodysuit Corset on the right. Table Of Contents Do belly wraps really work? Postpartum belly wraps usually... Postpartum belly binding: Getting it right with a postpartum girdle How do postpartum girdles work? Postpartum girdles are designed with comfort in mind and feature... The difference between a belly wrap and a postpartum girdle Watch Erica share her experience with wearing a belly wrap vs a postpartum girdle Moving from a belly wrap to a postpartum girdle Choosing the perfect Bellefit postpartum girdle Do belly wraps really work? Belly wraps are mostly used to help women lose weight, achieve a slender look on the midsection of the body, and relieve back pain. However, these compression garments are not designed AT ALL to suit and support a new mum's needs. Imagine adding the annoying rolling of an unfitting belly wrap to your body after a C-section. Not only that's not fun, but it can also be very painful! So, as you'd guess by now, belly wraps don't really work as a safe and effective postpartum belly binding method! Belly wraps are more in line with waist trainers other than postpartum girdles. Unfortunately, many women are suffering in traditional postpartum wraps that just aren’t providing the support and comfort they are intended to offer for new mums. Belly bands can cause pain during post-pregnancy recovery Postpartum belly wraps usually... Are made of a fabric that shreds easily This means you may need more than one or two. Also, isn't it annoying to have threads hanging off your clothes? Have velcro closures that appear bulky under clothes As a new mom, you'll likely be doing your best to get back into your daily life soon -more so if you have more than one kid! It's not a great feeling to have a noticeable compression garment under your outfit saying 'hello world, here I am! Present an uncomfortable, incision-rubbing fit You can say the truth aloud: C-sections hurt! This is why it’s paramount to wear a medical-grade postpartum girdle instead of a 'take-it-or-leave-it' belly wrap. You can say the truth aloud: C-sections hurt! This is why it’s paramount to wear a medical-grade postpartum girdle instead of a 'take-it-or-leave-it' belly wrap. Postpartum belly binding: Getting it right with a postpartum girdle Feeling comfortable, supported, able to move freely, and even attend your physiological needs with ease -thank you, adjustable crotch opening!- may be amongst the most important things a postpartum girdle can do for you. Medical-grade postpartum girdles are designed to help new mums get back into shape after pregnancy Feeling more like yourself and gaining independence after your baby is born are traits that can go a long way.  @seniaslifee Hey mommies @Bellefit was kind enough to send over a postpartum girdle and im so excited to start using it! Link is in my bio if you like to check them out 😻 #postpartum #postpartumbody #postpartumgirdle #bellefit #momsoftiktok #momtok #mombod ♬ original sound - Seniaslifee ✨ How do postpartum girdles work? Medical-grade postpartum girdles are here to tackle all the main issues your body may go through after your pregnancy. From feeling your organs loose inside your tummy to having your abdominal muscles torn apart or wanting to get rid of those extra kgs, a postpartum girdle will assist you by compressing and containing in a smart and carefully designed way your body's midsection. Postpartum girdles are designed with comfort in mind and feature... Breathable, flexible material No more sweating bullets and feeling your skin can't breathe! Sturdy material that will last longer Medical-grade, high-quality fabrics. Say 'bye' to buying tons of wraps! Fit that is high enough to avoid muffin top and rolling up Wearing a compression garment that actually feels good and doesn't require constant adjustment -especially annoying if you are in a social situation- can totally improve your day-by-day recovery. Encourages correct posture Although bending and holding your bub without pain may now seem a task worthy of Mission Impossible, once the postpartum girdle starts working its science, you'll notice how your posture improves and your muscle pain diminishes. The difference between a belly wrap and a postpartum girdle At the end of the day, the main difference between a belly wrap and a postpartum girdle is that one is pretty much a piece of fabric you get to wrap around your stomach, whereas the other is a medically-designed compression garment that will become your ally -not a nuisance! Watch Erica share her experience with wearing a belly wrap vs a postpartum girdle Erica did her research while pregnant with her third child and found what she calls her “lifesaver” -the Bellefit postpartum girdle. The busy mother of three knew a C-section was in her birth plan, but even then, she couldn't afford slowing down her pace. After all, she has a high-schooler, a 2-year old and a 5-month old baby relying on her! "The Bellefit girdle, it really is a lifesaver,” Erica says. “I felt like I wasn’t wearing it, like it was holding me in, like, literally -to the point that I was able to go back to work sooner. I was able to do things around the house, I was able to take care of the 2-year-old, go on walks, all that good stuff.” https://youtu.be/qZh6LAFLEno Moving from a belly wrap to a postpartum girdle When Erica became pregnant in her 30s, she was naturally concerned about her pre-pregnancy hourglass figure. She knew she'd need some real good postpartum belly binding. Disappointed by the belly wrap she tried after her second pregnancy, "Unfortunately, it didn't do anything but make me feel uncomfortable," she says, and frustrated by its failed “guaranteed to work," she got hold of a Bellefit rep that helped her choose the perfect postpartum girdle. Erica showing her Pregnant Belly at around 39 weeks Choosing the perfect Bellefit postpartum girdle Bellefit's rep suggested Erica try out the corset, an adjustable product that is designed to provide varying levels of compression as new mums progress during childbirth recovery. Even though the corset's hook and eye closures are designed with a C-section in mind, these are also recommended for natural births as well. Erica's photo at the hospital showing her C-Section scar bandage Erica received extenders for her long torso and began wearing her postpartum girdle the day after her C-section. She immediately felt a difference. She was able to walk better and experienced a reduction in back pain. And not only that, Erica never thought she would even receive compliments after having a third child in her 30s! Erica feeling relieved experiencing the best postpartum belly binding method. At seven weeks postpartum, Erica was wearing the girdle mostly at night or when her back bothered her during the day. Erica credits the company’s excellent customer service support for helping her order the correct size and discussing the benefits of using a postpartum girdle, rather than a belly wrap. Erica's midsection after completing her childbirth recovery with the assistance of a Postpartum Girdle Erica is now five months postpartum and still wearing her postpartum girdle as a way to alleviate the pain of previous back injuries. “I really do feel like you definitely get your money’s worth,” she said. “I was able to do a ton of things after! Not only that, but I now have an awesome product that I can continue to wear. It helps to ease the back pain that I have from being in car wrecks. I’m a nurse and sometimes I lift heavy things and it definitely helps. It was a great investment.” Erica’s only recommendation about the Bellefit postpartum girdle? “Buy two because, within two weeks, I was ready to order a smaller size!”

Postpartum difficulties are not often discussed. As wonderful as welcoming a new baby into the world is, it is also a very hard transition for a mother both mentally and physically. Of course, there are many more life demands that come with taking care of a newborn, but also, there are many demands and pressures that are put on your body after giving birth. After giving birth, there are different parts of a woman's body that have gone through an extreme amount of stress and change. You want to make sure that you have all the necessities ready after childbirth to ensure the most comfortable postpartum recovery. We have put together a list of some of the top must-have products to help new moms feel good, heal quickly, and get their body’s back to how they were before having a child. Must-Have Products to Ease Recovery These are eight different products we recommend using postpartum that are sure to help you with a successful recovery. 1. Maternity Maxi Pads It is extremely common for both vaginal bleeding and vaginal discharge to occur after giving birth. Typically, your body will continue to expel this discharge for several weeks after giving birth, and using Maxi pads will help ensure you stay comfortable and dry. There are several brands of Maxi Pads that are designed especially for postpartum use. Using a Maxi pad will help with any bleeding or discharge that occurs after giving birth. Using tampons or menstrual cups after giving birth is not recommended and can actually cause more damage to your healing uterus. Ensuring that you are stocked up on plenty of Maxi Pads for your return home after giving birth will help make you more comfortable and stop any unneeded embarrassing accidents. 2. Mesh Underwear In addition to having maternity pads, it is also a good idea to have several pairs of disposable underwear too. Often, especially right after childbirth, menstrual bleeding or discharge can be very heavy and may even leak through to your underwear. So the easiest thing to do is to wear disposable mesh underwear so you can throw them away after wearing them. Mesh underwear is very stretchy and breathable; they can easily fit the large maxi pad and give you at least a little more comfort. 3. Peri Rinse Bottle Using a peri rinse bottle will help you go to the bathroom more easily after giving birth. After childbirth, and more specifically if you gave birth vaginally, there are many changes that occur to the vaginal opening. Generally, your vagina will be swollen and stretched after a natural birth and will likely be very tender. The peri bottle is used to skirt warm water to the area before, during, and after urinating. Since it may be a little harder to start the process, squirting warm water in the vagina area will help you relax and start peeing. While you are peeing, if you continue to squirt the water, it will help relieve the stinging sensation some mothers experience while urinating. And then, after you are finished, you can use the rinse bottle to clean the area instead of wiping with toilet paper which may be sore. 4. Ice Pack Another ideal piece of equipment to ease your postpartum comfort is an ice pack. After childbirth, there will be a lot of swelling in your vagina, and an ice pack will help reduce some of this swelling. You can simply place the ice pack over the region, which should also help give you some pain relief as well. Applying ice to the area is extremely effective, especially within the first 24 hours after giving birth. 5. Pain Medicine After giving birth, you will likely be sore in all different places. Using an oral pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with both reducing swelling and easing your pain so that you can move around more easily. In general, both these pain relief products are safe to use after giving birth and while breastfeeding, but we recommend you talk to a doctor first before taking them. 6. Epsom Salts Having an Epsom salt bath is a great way to soothe different types of pain and popular for women healing from childbirth. You can either soak in a bath with Epsom salt or use a sitz bath that rests over the top of the toilet bowl and used to soak the perineum area for around 15 minutes. The Epsom salts should help with any aches and discomfort in that area. 7. A Postpartum Girdle After childbirth, your body has gone through many changes, and using a girdle to help recover and ease the pain is a very helpful tool. Bellefit has multiple different girls styles to choose from that may help with lower back pain and posture after giving birth. Also, wearing a girdle can help with stabilizing your pelvic floor and giving your abdominal muscles more support. 8. Donut Pillow A donut-shaped pillow is specially designed for postpartum use. They will help you sleep and rest more easily and allow you to be more comfortable after giving birth. You can use the donut pillow to sit on while propping yourself up and easing the pressure on your perineum. Also, you can use it to prop up your baby while you are holding them or breastfeeding them so they are not putting too much pressure on your abdomen. Be Prepared For the past 9 months, you and your family have been awaiting the birth of your child and it is all very exciting to get things ready for the baby’s arrival. However, equally as important is being ready for your recovery as a mother after carrying and giving birth to your baby. Make sure that you have all the essentials you need ready at home for when your baby arrives. Being prepared with the products we mentioned above can relieve a lot of the stress and discomfort that will occur after giving birth.

Your body drastically changes when you become pregnant, but those changes don’t stop after you give birth. After giving birth, your body has to adjust back to a new state of normal. This may result in a new postpartum body that doesn’t look quite the same as before you gave birth. In this article, we will go over what to expect after you have given birth and how your postpartum body changes. What to Expect After Giving Birth For nine months your body went through a drastic change. Now, after labor and delivery, your body has to adjust back to a new state of normal. This process can last anywhere from six weeks to one year. The first six weeks of your postpartum journey are the most physically grueling and mentally taxing. Between recovery from labor, breastfeeding, and the hormonal changes it can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, we were able to put together a list of some milestones and basic knowledge to expect during the postpartum period. How Your Postpartum Body Changes (First Six Weeks) The first six weeks after giving birth are the most crucial and intense. Directly after giving birth there are a variety of things that your body goes through. First, your body needs to recover from the delivery process. For women who had a vaginal delivery, this can include bleeding, and vaginal pain. For women who had a C-section delivery, this can include incision pain and vaginal bleeding. During this time your body is also adjusting to the decrease in hormones which can cause severe mood swings, crying, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. In addition, your uterus is shrinking back down and your body is getting rid of any retained fluid. This means that you will likely have to pee frequently, sweat, and that your tummy will start to shrink back down. After this, your body should start to slowly heal from the delivery. About two weeks after your labor and delivery you should start to see your vaginal bleeding decrease. As your vagina heals from any tearing you may start to feel itchy or your C-section scar may start to itch as it heals. Mentally, many women go through a period of “baby blues.” The rapid change in your hormones, coupled with the new duties as a mother can be overwhelming and lead to periods of sadness and anxiety. This is completely normal, but if you are having intrusive thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby you may want to talk to your doctor. Due to your rapidly changing hormones, you may also experience some hair loss after giving birth and even some acne or dry patches. In addition, your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor may be weak. This can lead to decreased bladder control and constipation. Similarly, your abdominal muscles may have separated during your pregnancy, this is a condition called diastasis recti. This condition can cause pain, weak abdominal muscles, and can be long-lasting if not properly taken care of. How Your Postpartum Body Changes (After Six Weeks) Six weeks after your labor and delivery, you should be cleared by a doctor to start more vigorous activities such as sex and exercise. It’s up to you to decide if you feel up to doing these things yet. Every woman is different so it’s up to you to determine when you are ready. Your abdominal muscles and pelvic floor should strengthen. This can help you get back your bladder control and lead to less pain when moving around. Make sure you are doing some abdominal and pelvic floor exercises to regain strength. Your period typically will start to come back around the six-eight week mark. Your breastmilk may begin to dry up around six months after giving birth and your hair should stop falling out. If you had a c-section delivery you can also expect to be a little tired around the six-month mark. Overall you should start to feel better mentally and physically. If you have any lingering pain or depression, reach out to a doctor. Long-Lasting Body Changes After Pregnancy and Birth It can be difficult to accept, but after pregnancy and delivery, your body can change completely. The rapid increase and decrease of weight and the act of labor can cause long-lasting and permanent changes to your body. This is completely normal and expected. You had to grow a life inside of you and give birth! These changes can include stretch marks, a change in weight distribution, wider hips, a few extra pounds on your stomach, varicose veins, and C-section scarring. All of the long-lasting changes are just reminders of how powerful and beautiful your body is. Don’t look at them as negatives, but think of them as landmarks on the map of your life. When to Talk to a Doctor The first six week period after giving birth is the most crucial when it comes to possible complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. They should be able to diagnose and treat any problems that come about after giving birth. Chills or fever Heavy bleeding (soaking an entire pad in a short amount of time) Foul-smelling discharge Severe pain/redness/swelling/discharge from C-section incision Fainting, nausea, vomiting Constipation (lasting more than three days) Swelling/redness in your breasts Headaches/vision changes Swelling/redness in your legs Persistent and Intense feelings of sadness Key Takeaways Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Afterward, your body will continue to go through physical and mental changes. This can result in permanent and long-lasting changes to your postpartum body. The first six weeks are the most crucial period to help you have the most pain-free and successful postpartum journey. With a postpartum girdle, you can help shrink your uterus back to its original position, strengthen your abdominal muscles, prevent diastasis recti, and experience less pain. Don’t suffer through a painful postpartum journey when there are helpful tools at your disposal. Purchase a Bellefit postpartum girdle today to feel and look your best.

Many new mothers are looking for ways to get back to their pre-pregnancy body and feel confident again. Postpartum compression is the key to it all. In this article, we will explore how postpartum compression helps, its benefits, and different type of compression garments. How does postpartum compression help? Your body is still flooded with hormones in the first 8-10 weeks after labor. One of these hormones is relaxin. This hormone increases throughout your pregnancy and allows your muscles to stretch move to accommodate the baby. As your body is adjusting to not being pregnant anymore, the relaxin will slowly decrease. During this time period, you can help your muscles come back together by using postpartum compression. Doctors and physicians use postpartum compression to help your muscles move and stay back into place while the relaxin decreases. Think of your muscles like clay. While you are pregnant, your muscles, like wet clay, are able to be moved around and squished. When you are no longer pregnant your muscles begin to harden back into their resting place, like putting clay in the sun or a kiln. With postpartum compression, your muscles are compressed together. Therefore, when the relaxin decreases the muscles go back to their original resting place. This means that you can get back your pre-pregnancy body. Without postpartum compression, your muscles will fall into place eventually, but it can take a much longer time. It may also take a lot of abdominal exercises to get the muscles back to how you want them to be. Wearing a compression garment immediately after giving birth for up to six months can help you heal faster. Benefits of postpartum compression Besides helping you get back into shape, postpartum compression also has some other benefits. It can help with diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a condition that many mothers experience where the abdominal muscles separate. With this condition, many mothers do not know they have it and may make it worse by exercising. The trick with diastasis recti is to get the muscles to come back together by strengthening them--so you have to exercise. However, only a few exercises will help them come back together, while others can actually make it worse. By using postpartum compression, the muscles will come back together quickly. Compresses uterus to help with swelling. When you become pregnant, your uterus expands to accommodate your growing fetus. Once you have given birth, the uterus has to shrink back to its original size. Compression of the abdominal region can help you shrink your uterus. The postpartum compression helps your body rid itself of the extra fluid which will help your body return back to normal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bellefit Official (@bellefit) Stomach and back support. After you have given birth your body is going through a lot of change. Your hormones are crazy, your body is trying to heal, and you are dealing with a new child. A compression garment can help you maintain proper posture which allows you to avoid hurting yourself. If you have a tendency to overdo it or overextend yourself, a compression garment might be the best option for you. Helps with C-section recovery. Recovering from a cesarean section is a little different from a vaginal delivery. While both benefit from postpartum compression, women who have had a C-section may find it particularly beneficial. This is because the compression helps to relieve the pressure and pain associated with an incision. Preventing you from getting your staples or stitches stuck on anything. Postpartum compression options When it comes to postpartum compression, there are a lot of options available on the market. Choosing one that is right for you can seem overwhelming, but we are here to help. There are three main types of compression garments: a postpartum girdle, a belly wrap, and compression leggings. Postpartum Girdle Postpartum girdles are ideal for women who are looking for a medical-grade compression garment. They are breathable and flexible, sturdy, high-waisted, and encourage good posture. A postpartum girdle also has hook and eye clasps that allow you to adjust the compression amount for your body as you begin to heal. Similarly, postpartum girdles extend from the top of your stomach to your vaginal region, so that you have everything covered. They don’t roll down when you are sitting, and are perfect for women with C-section sutures. Bellefit offers a wide range of postpartum girdles that are ideal for all mothers. Belly Band A belly band is worn around the abdominal region but does not offer medical-grade compression. They are typically fastened with velcro and only wraps around the stomach. They are ideal if you are looking for occasional support but don’t want to commit to something that lasts all day. The velcro closure makes it easy to take on and off. Compression Leggings Compression leggings are ideal for the mother who just wants to lounge around the house. They provide a small amount of compression throughout your legs which can reduce swelling. Typically, compression leggings are not ideal for postpartum recovery, but Bellefit has changed the game. They offer high-waisted postpartum compression leggings specifically designed for a recovering mother. Key Takeaways Postpartum compression is a great way to get back to feeling and looking your best. It is not necessary, but it can help you do it faster and with less pain. There are many benefits of using postpartum compression and there are many garments you can try out. Postpartum girdles, belly bands, and compression leggings are just a few of the many options to choose from. Get back to feeling better and looking great by investing in a postpartum compression garment today.

You may have seen babies wrapped in rainbow cloths or pregnancy announcements featuring rainbow colors and wondered, what’s with the rainbow? With a new wave of authenticity surrounding the struggles of pregnancy, more and more women are sharing the stories of their rainbow babies. But what is a rainbow baby? In this article, we will discuss the phrase ‘rainbow baby,’ what it means, emotions surrounding rainbow babies, and what to expect when you are pregnant with a rainbow baby. What is a rainbow baby? Rainbows are beautiful and bright symbols of sunshine and good weather after a storm. Rainbow babies are healthy babies that are born after a miscarriage, stillborn, infant loss, or neonatal death. These babies are the ‘rainbow’ that appears after a dark and stormy period. The phrase ‘rainbow baby’ has come to symbolize hope and healing and has become popular in recent years. With the rise of social media and social media influencers, there has also been a rise in authenticity online. More and more women are bringing to light the struggles they experienced with pregnancy or becoming pregnant. What was once taboo to talk about is now becoming commonplace--as family YouTube channels, mommy bloggers, and Instagram influencers display their day-to-day lives and experiences. With this rise of authenticity comes the good with the bad. Mothers have opened up about their miscarriages, the feelings they experience, the struggles with pregnancy, and the joys of it too. So, as these families and women open up they inspire people with their messages of hope in dark periods. There are many emotions that parents may struggle with when they become pregnant with a rainbow baby. Emotions with a rainbow baby When you become pregnant you are likely to experience feelings of excitement, anxiety, and happiness. The loss of a pregnancy or child can cause a lot of guilt and grief. When these emotions are closely tied together and can create a war within your own mind. On the one hand, you are excited and relieved to be pregnant again, but on the other hand, you feel guilty for being happy and anxious that it could happen again. After the loss of a child, the feelings of grief and loss can be overwhelming. It is important that you take time to process and talk through your emotions. It can be hard, especially when you had just experienced so much joy at their arrival. Once you lose a child it is easy to fall into a depression and actively avoid feelings of happiness and fulfillment. This is because it feels like a betrayal to your baby. When you become pregnant again it can be hard to fully give yourself over to the feelings of happiness and joy like you once did. Anxiety is a very common emotion that parents pregnant with a rainbow baby may experience. You are likely nervous that something could happen to your new baby, scared to get your hopes up in case something does happen, and afraid you may do something wrong. It is important that you share your emotions and feelings with someone that you trust--whether that is your partner, a doctor, a therapist, or a family member. What to expect with a rainbow baby pregnancy After learning of your pregnancy and dealing with the influx of emotions, you will likely want to monitor your baby closely. Make sure you talk to your doctor, or physician, about your concerns with this new pregnancy. They can offer you advice and monitor your baby’s activity closely to ensure that you have a healthy pregnancy. They can also provide you with accommodations and assistance with your emotions during this time. Some women choose not to tell family members they are pregnant with a rainbow baby until they feel comfortable. Other women choose to tell their family members and seek support from them through this difficult time. Joining grief groups or seeking out support to process your emotions is essential. A rainbow baby pregnancy can feel like the light at the end of the tunnel. All the trauma and grief you experienced is still there. But it is dimmed by the happiness you are experiencing now. All of the bad things about pregnancy don’t seem as bad because you have a healthy baby to look forward to. Morning nausea means that your baby is growing, and feeling the baby kick can bring overwhelming joy. Women who have experienced a loss of a pregnancy or the loss of a child are more likely to have postpartum depression, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or sleeping disorders. Having a good support system is the key to overcoming these things. Key Takeaways A rainbow baby is a pregnancy after a loss. They are a beacon of hope and a promise of future happiness after a dark period of time. Pregnancy with a rainbow baby can bring up a lot of emotions. Processing your emotions with someone and talking about them can help fight the depression and anxiety that can come. Your postpartum journey is bound to be rife with conflicting emotions. Don’t make it worse with the physical pain that you can experience. Invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle and recover quickly and with less pain. Focus on yourself and processing your emotions not on the pain, with the help of a postpartum girdle.

Today, most women aren’t afraid of looking beautiful, notable, and sexy. Shapewear is letting women look fantastic and gain confidence to wear clothes they thought won’t suit them. Technology has made the right body shaper for women easier to order online. Receive it right at your doorstep can also take just 1 or 2 days, more often than not. When it comes to buying online, though, you may find the number of options available to you is mind-blowing, or you don’t really know much about buying a waist trainer for women online. Table Of Contents Know what a waist trainer is. Look for a high quality waist trainer. Decide on the type of waist trainer. What makes that waist trainer for women a perfect fit? Take your measurements prior to making an online purchase. Is buying a body shaper for women worth it? Today we share with you the top 6 tips that will save you some time and will let you know exactly what you need to look for in a body shaper for women online. Know what a waist trainer is. What to expect from wearing a waist trainer A waist trainer is a body shaper for women that’s worn under your clothes to give you the illusion of a smaller waist. It’s made up of thick fabric which compresses your abdomen. Wearing it could result to a slimmer figure and better posture. A body shaper for women is supposed to train your waist or body into maintaining that shape. There’s also the theory that a waist trainer can decrease your appetite by making you feel full faster. This way, it helps you lose weight. It can also help you maintain that weight loss long term. Using a waist trainer that’s not too tight so as not to restrict body organs is recommended for better results. Look for a high quality waist trainer. How to choose a good quality waist trainer Know what kind of material or fabric the body shaper for women is made of. There are some made of polyamide (AKA nylon) and some made of polyester. Both are polymers which are long chain synthetic fibers made of molecules linked to each other. The difference between the two is that polyamide absorbs very little moisture and is quite suited to wear in warmer temperatures. It tends to stay cool with moisture from your body e.g. your perspiration. Polyamide fibers are soft and flexible, letting you move around more comfortably. Look for a hypoallergenic body shaper for women to avoid skin rashes and allergies. Choose one that’s latex free. As most women like to wear their waist trainers most of the day or for special occasions, to be able to wear a waist trainer long enough, you have to look for a product that has a micro-porous design that lets you stay fresh, dry and comfortable as much as possible. Decide on the type of waist trainer. How moms can choose the best body shaper that meets their needs There are many full body waist trainers that are able to give you a beautiful silhouette and can also highlight your curves and make you look sexier. You can also choose among different kinds of body shaper for women, designed to target one specific body area. Identify what part of your body you want to boost. This way, you can choose between a full body waist trainer or a waist trainer that specifically targets just your torso or your bottom. Keep in mind that besides looking good, you also have to feel comfortable while walking or while sitting down. This is an important tip when choosing the right body shaper for women! What makes that waist trainer for women a perfect fit? Choosing shapewear based on your body type Women’s bodies have different shapes and sizes. When shopping for a body shaper for women online, you have to know your body type. The most common body types for women include rectangle or banana-like, triangle or pear-like, inverted triangle or apple-like, strawberry-like and hourglass. Don’t worry: though there are various body types, there’s always a waist trainer for women that perfectly fits a specific body type. There’s the high-waisted body shaper for women, or strapless body shaper, or the full body waist trainer. Decide according to your body type and preference. Take your measurements prior to making an online purchase. Measure your body before you pick out a waist trainer Determine your hip contour and your jeans size, then look for the measurement chart or look for the easy to use sizing calculator the online store provides to determine your measurements, then select the size suggested. You have to order the right size to make sure you won’t be disappointed when the waist trainer arrives! A good brand of body shaper for women is one that aims for your satisfaction. If you are not sure how to take your measurements, contact the brand and they should be glad to assist you. If you are just between sizes, try a size up if you want to feel very comfy, or a size down if you really want more compression applied to your body. How you choose will depend on your shaping goals. Is buying a body shaper for women worth it? To buy or not to buy a waist trainer Wearing the right body shaper for women is all about maximizing your curvy figure and showing your full body potential! It’s also about making you feel confident, even after childbirth. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes. The waist trainer for women can be amazing, but it has to fit right to do its job! Before making your purchase, don’t forget to read the reviews as they can be very informative and it’s always good to know what other people feel about the product, so you can pick the best shapewear online! Sources: Cleveland Clinichttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/a-doctors-advice-on-wearing-shapewear/ Homequickshttps://homequicks.com/polyamide-vs-polyester-fabric Healthhttps://www.health.com/condition/pregnancy/what-is-waist-training Healthlinehttps://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes

Preparing for a baby means preparing for a lot of change in your life. One of the many changes you may experience is a change in your wardrobe. Many women don’t think about what to wear after giving birth. This is because they are so focused on all that leads up to it. It’s important to be prepared for life postpartum as well as during your pregnancy. In this article, we will explore all the different types of clothing changes you will need to consider after giving birth. Your Body After Birth Whether this is your first child or you are expanding your family, your body is going to react differently with each pregnancy. There are, however, a few things you can expect after you have given birth. With both C-section and natural deliveries women can expect to bleed after their labor for a few days. This means you will need underwear and pads. Your body will also begin to produce milk. Even if you are not planning on breastfeeding you can expect to leak milk from your breasts. This means you will need a bra and some sort of cloth to catch the milk. In addition, your body will be in a state of healing. You just formed a baby and gave birth, there is going to be some pain and discomfort in your abdomen. Many women will want a set of comfortable clothing to get cozy in. For the first 6-10 weeks after you give birth your uterus will be shrinking back to its normal size. During this time frame compression over your uterus can help ease pain and allow you to heal faster. A mix of comfort and compression is the key to an easy postpartum recovery journey. Keeping this in mind can help you choose what to wear after giving birth. What to wear after giving birth (clothes) Part of your birth plan should include packing a hospital bag. You should fill your hospital bag with all of the things you will need for your new little one and for yourself. Included in this bag should be an outfit that you will wear home from the hospital. Choosing this outfit will help determine your comfort level after you have given birth. The main thing you need to consider when choosing these clothes is comfort. If you had a C-section, you will most likely want a pair of postpartum compression leggings that are made of breathable and soft fabric. Postpartum compression leggings, like those sold by Bellefit, are ideal to provide support and compression to your new incision. The waistband of these compression leggings should go over the incision to protect it from snagging on anything, but it should also be breathable so that moisture isn’t trapped in the incision area. Women who had a natural birth will most likely want something a little looser in the vaginal area. A pair of loose cotton pants, flowing culottes, or even pajama pants will be your best bet. A pair of postpartum leggings are also acceptable as long as they are made of breathable fabric that doesn’t create too much moisture in your vaginal area. For both C-section and natural birth mothers a loose top with breast access is a good option. Pajama tops with buttons down the front are particularly popular with many women. Maxi dresses are also a popular option but women who have C-section incisions may want a high-waisted undergarment to protect against any snagging material. What to wear after giving birth (under clothing) There are a variety of options available to women when it comes to postpartum undergarments. Each option is based on personal preference and every option is viable for women who have had a C-section or a natural delivery. Postpartum Underwear After labor and delivery, your uterus will begin to shed its lining. This causes you to bleed for multiple days and experience spotting for weeks. You will likely not want to ruin your nice underwear with all of the blood, so investing in some postpartum underwear is a great idea. This underwear should be comfortable, high waisted (particularly if you had a C-section), breathable, and full-coverage (to accommodate the large pads you will need to wear). Bellefit has a line of postpartum underwear that is perfect for you to wear after giving birth. Nursing Bra/Sleeping Bra After your delivery, your body releases hormones that cause your breasts to engorge and feel tender. Even if you are not planning on breastfeeding you will want to offer your breasts some support so that you can ease the discomfort you experience. Sleeping bras or nursing tank tops are a great option. They provide support, are comfortable, and will catch your leaking milk. If you are breastfeeding you will need to invest in a good nursing bra. The bra should be supportive and also have easy access for your baby. Bellefit has a sleeping/nursing bra that is perfect for anyone. Sleeping/nursing bras provide support, are soft and comfortable, and are easy to clip down when you need to get up for a midnight feeding. Belly Band/Abdominal Binder If you decide to have a baby at the hospital they will probably give you an abdominal binder after you have given birth. This medical garment offers compression to your stomach area and provides relief from abdominal pain. This abdominal binder is often only good for a day or two before it begins to give out at the edges. Today, more and more women are turning to belly bands or postpartum binders. They help ease postpartum pain. These garments offer support that provides relief from discomfort and makes it easier to get around. This can help your uterus shrink back to its normal state and prevent diastasis recti. There are so many of these garments available on the market that it can be hard to choose one that is best suited to your needs. Bellefit offers a variety of sizes and styles that are suitable for anyone--including those who have had a C-section or natural birth. What to wear after giving birth--takeaways Depending on if you had a C-section or a natural birth your clothing options will likely be different. C-section mothers will probably want to have a pair of compression leggings and a loose top to wear. While natural birth mothers might be more comfortable with a pair of loose pants and a loose top. No matter what type of delivery you had in the end what you wear after giving birth is all up to what you would feel the most comfortable in.

Your first prenatal appointment can be overwhelming and stressful. Being prepared and knowing what to expect before your appointment can take a lot of the stress away. In this article, we will discuss when to schedule your appointment, how to prepare, and what to expect at your first prenatal appointment. When To Schedule Your First Prenatal Appointment As soon as you get that positive pregnancy test you should be scheduling your first prenatal appointment. Prenatal care is a vital step to experience a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy baby. Your first prenatal visit is typically scheduled for the second month of your pregnancy when you are between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. This is usually shortly after you first discover you are pregnant. Try to schedule an appointment soon after your at-home pregnancy test. Many practitioners will be able to fit you in relatively quickly while others may have a waiting period. Between the time you get an at-home positive result and when you are scheduled to go to the doctor, be sure you are taking as many necessary precautions as you can. If you believe you are likely to experience a high-risk pregnancy make sure you try to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Who To Book For An Appointment You and your partner will need to determine what type of healthcare professional you would like to use. If you choose to use a midwife you can typically book an appointment directly with them. You should consult with your general practitioner to make sure you are eligible to use a midwife. If you are going to use an OB/GYN you may need to get a referral from your general practitioner first. Sometimes you can book an appointment directly with the OB/GYN. How to Prepare For Your First Prenatal Appointment Once you have scheduled an appointment you will want to prepare for your first prenatal visit. There are many questions you may have and there are many questions you will need to answer at your first appointment. In order to have a smooth and quick appointment, you will want to have prepared beforehand. For your first prenatal appointment bring A list of medicines/supplements. Some medications and supplements are not safe to take during your pregnancy. You will want a full list of all medicines that you take on a daily basis including their dosages. These medicines may need to be changed in order for you to have a safe pregnancy. Comprehensive medical history. Make sure you have your full medical history - including your gynecological history, immunization history, allergies, previous illnesses, surgeries mental health history, obstetrical history, and even potential disease exposure. This information can affect the risk of your pregnancy and it is important for your practitioner to know. Comprehensive family medical history. Make sure you have a list of illnesses that run in your family as this can also affect the health of your baby. This can include genetic disorders, a history of gestational diabetes, or hypertension. This goes for both sides of the family. Come with questions. As you go through your day be sure to keep a list of questions that run through your head. This can include questions such as How much weight should I gain? Is it safe to exercise? What symptoms should I expect? Are there symptoms I should tell you about? What foods should I avoid? Having all of this information prior to your visit will ease your mind and will make your visit run smoothly. What Will Happen At The First Prenatal Appointment So, you have scheduled the appointment and you have prepared for the appointment now the day is finally here. What can you expect? Well, there is going to be a lot going on. Your first prenatal visit is typically the one that takes the longest. Normal Check-Up Your practitioner will perform a normal check up on you. This includes taking your vitals, examining your heart, lungs, breasts, and abdomen, and taking your height and weight. Your doctor will also look at your uterus and check the size and shape of your pelvis. Confirmation Of Pregnancy Test Results Even though you have gotten a positive pregnancy test at home your practitioner will perform another pregnancy test at your appointment. They will typically do this through a urine test or a blood test. Series Of Tests Besides the pregnancy test, your practitioner will perform a series of other tests as well. This will require your blood to be taken so they can check for STDs, check your blood sugar, check for anemia, and screen for antibodies. These tests can help the doctor determine how to proceed with your pregnancy and the medications you may need. Besides the blood test, your practitioner will also take blood for a genetic carrier screening. This examines your DNA for any common genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Tay-Sachs disease, etc. They may also offer a test for fetal abnormalities to screen the baby for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. Your practitioner will also likely perform a pap smear - unless you have already had one recently. This can also help them examine your cervix and your uterus for the age of the pregnancy. Finally, your practitioner will likely perform an ultrasound to check on the baby. Official Due Date Your practitioner will calculate the day that you conceived and they will give you your official due date. End of Visit At the end of the visit, your practitioner will sit you down and discuss what to expect for the rest of your pregnancy. They will talk about any testing that may need to be done. Your practitioner will talk about the importance of eating well, exercising, and avoiding substances. They will recommend prenatal vitamins, give you the necessary medications, and advise you on how to stay healthy and safe during your pregnancy. Finally, they will talk to you about what you can expect and they will warn you about the symptoms you may experience. This is a great time to pull out your list of questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Your Next Prenatal Appointment After your first prenatal appointment, you will be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician. This will typically take place 4 weeks after your first appointment. As you get closer to your due date your physician will recommend classes or groups you can join to prepare for the arrival of your baby. They may also begin to discuss postpartum care and what you can expect. Your postpartum journey is long and hard, but it doesn’t have to be. With Bellefit’s postpartum girdles, your postpartum journey can be quick and you can enjoy it with less pain. Bellefit offers a plethora of postpartum garments that make your life much easier. This includes comfortable compression leggings, a nursing bra, and postpartum girdles. Make your life easier by investing in a postpartum girdle today!

We all know that childbirth is painful. What many people (and many first-time mothers) don’t realize is that the pain is not limited to the active labor and delivery portion of your childbirth. During childbirth, your vagina has to stretch and accommodate your baby’s head. Sometimes this can result in a vaginal tear. In this article, we will discuss what a vaginal tear is, what causes it, if you can prevent it, and what to expect for vaginal tear aftercare. What is a vaginal tear during childbirth? A vaginal tear also called a perineal laceration, is when the skin and muscle between your vagina and your anus are torn. The area between your vaginal opening and your anus is known as your perineum, hence the term perineal laceration. During the child birthing process, the skin around your vagina thins. This allows your skin/muscle to stretch during your labor and delivery. This is meant to decrease your likelihood of vaginal tearing. Sometimes vaginal tears still occur despite all necessary precautions and preventions. What causes a vaginal tear during childbirth? There are a few reasons why a vaginal tear may occur. The baby’s head is too large The labor occurs too quickly Forceps or other tools are used during the delivery process When the baby’s head is too large the tissue around the vagina is unable to stretch. This prevents the baby’s head from coming through the opening. The extra room necessary for the baby to come out can cause the surrounding tissue to tear. If the labor occurs too quickly the tissue and muscle around the vagina has not had adequate time to thin out. Without the necessary thinning the skin and muscle cannot stretch enough and this can cause a vaginal tear during childbirth. Finally, in particularly difficult labors, the baby may have difficulty coming out of the vaginal opening and may need extra assistance. In these cases, doctors may need to use forceps or other tools to guide the baby out. Despite their best efforts, this can cause some trauma to the surrounding tissue and result in a vaginal tear. Types of Vaginal Tears During Childbirth There are four degrees of vaginal tears that can occur during childbirth. The majority of women (90%) will experience some degree of tearing during childbirth. To determine the severity of the tear two factors are taken into consideration--how deep and how long the tear is. The first degree of vaginal tearing results in a small injury to the skin just outside of the vaginal opening and into the perineum. The second degree of vaginal tearing (the most common) affects the skin and the muscle outside of the vaginal opening and into the perineum. The third degree of vaginal tearing extends into the perineum and moves down toward the anus. The fourth degree of vaginal tearing extends all the way to, or into, the anus. Third and fourth degree tearing is uncommon and occurs in only 1% of women. First degree tears will heal naturally but anything above that will likely need stitches. What is an Episiotomy? Unlike a vaginal tear, which occurs naturally during the child birthing process, an episiotomy is used by a doctor to open the vaginal canal for the baby. An episiotomy is a cut, made by a nurse, doctor, or midwife, that extends from the vaginal canal to the top portion of the perineum. The cut creates more space for the baby. The patient must give the doctor permission to perform the procedure. Can you Prevent Vaginal Tearing During Childbirth? While there is not definitive or conclusive research to determine their effectiveness, some women do take measures to decrease the severity of their vaginal tearing. In order to decrease the severity of vaginal tearing you can Push slowly - if you take your time during the labor process, and don’t push too hard, your tissue has a chance to thin out and stretch. Your physician will help you through this process and advise you on when and how hard to push. Keep your perineum warm - during your labor you can apply a warm cloth to your perineum area to help it stretch and thin. Perineal Massage - prior to your labor, in the third trimester, you or your partner can perform a perineal massage to help stretch the area. Your physician can also perform this massage during the labor. Deliver in an upright position - Make sure you are comfortable during your delivery. Delivering in an upright/seated position can help reduce tearing. Vaginal Tear Care After your labor is complete you will be in a lot of pain. Your body has gone through a traumatic ordeal and the whole experience will take time to heal from. Depending on the severity of your tear your physician may have to give you stitches. Your doctor or midwife will give you instructions on how to care for yourself so be sure to follow their directions. In general your physician will advise you to Keep it clean by spraying warm water over it after using the restroom Keep it dry by patting it with a clean cloth or gauze Don’t touch it leave it to heal by itself Make sure to use the restroom. It is normal to be wary of the bathroom but it is important for your health. Some women recommend using stool softener to make it easy on those first few days while you are healing. How long does it take to heal? Like many cuts and lacerations it can take a while to heal. After about a week or a week and a half your tear should be healed within 7-10 days. However, you will likely still feel tender and experience a lot of pain for the next several weeks. How to Reduce Pain Pain is a natural part of the healing process but it can be frustrating and overwhelming when you also have other things to deal with. To reduce the pain you experience as much as possible try to ice it, heat it, numb it, prevent strain, and keep it cushioned. Using a cushioned donut pillow can be incredibly helpful. Besides your perineal pain you may also experience some pain elsewhere. Using a postpartum girdle can help reduce pain in other areas of your body. A postpartum girdle can help reduce pain and swelling, get you feeling better and more confident, and speed up the healing process. Not only that, but a postpartum girdle allows you to perform your everyday tasks without the fear of straining yourself. The support offered by a postpartum girdle allows you to perform tasks without the fear of hurting yourself. Key Takeaways A vaginal tear during childbirth is a normal and common part of the labor and delivery process. They can range in severity and may require stitches. Your doctor or midwife will give you instructions on how to care for it and there are ways you can reduce your pain. We at Bellefit want to make sure you are feeling your best so you can enjoy your time with your new baby. That is why we offer affordable and comfortable postpartum girdles. To make your postpartum journey smoother and easier. Try one out today!

You finally have a little semi-independent child walking around and now you are pregnant. How are you going to survive pregnancy with a toddler? Don’t panic quite yet. With the advent of the internet, the good thing is you are not alone in your struggles. Thousands of women, just like you, have struggled with the same thoughts and worries. Thankfully, we were able to pull together a list of the top tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Why surviving pregnancy with a toddler is harder You’ve been around the block before. You know what to expect when it comes to pregnancy and labor now. And while not every pregnancy is the same, you have a vague idea of what is to come. The only problem is now you have to contend with a toddler too. The difficult thing about being pregnant with a toddler is that all the things you used to cope during your first pregnancy are no longer an option. You can’t go take a nap for two hours or go for a quick stroll in the park -- you have a child to look after. Even when you are sick, nauseous, run-down, and tired you have to be there for your toddler. You will have less time to be by yourself and you now have to take care of a child. So how do you survive? Tips on how to survive pregnancy with a toddler Obviously many women have done it before, but how did they do it without losing their minds? Between your doctor’s appointments, your toddler’s schedule, and your partner how will you have enough time to just be yourself? It’s hard. And it can be mentally and physically draining at times, but there are ways you can get through it with your sanity intact. Schedule Personal Time Make sure that you schedule personal time. This means time for yourself to do whatever you want to do. Maybe you want to take a nice bath or go to lunch with some friends--it doesn’t matter what you do. Just make sure you are taking the time to be an independent person. You can’t do the dishes, the laundry, cook, clean, grow a baby, and raise a child without needing some time to yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes by yourself in the bathroom give yourself a breather to maintain your individuality. Get Help From Others As we said, you can’t do everything in the house by yourself. It is unrealistic and it is unfair to expect you to do everything. Make sure you are getting help from others--whether that be a partner, a friend, a sibling, or a parent. It might feel selfish or like you aren’t being the best you can be by reaching out for help but it is necessary. You need to be the best version of yourself for your child and your growing baby. That means not running yourself ragged. Nap Does your toddler have a scheduled nap time? Take a nap with them. Pregnant women need approximately 8-12 hours of sleep a night. It can be hard to get that when you are getting up to check on your child or suffering from pregnancy discomfort. That’s why naps are so important. Even a small 30-minute nap can mean a big difference in your energy levels later in the day. Encourage Independent Play Independent play is going to be a lifesaver to survive pregnancy with a toddler. Try to encourage your toddler to play with toys or do things that don’t require a lot of your attention. That way you can do the dishes while they play in the living room or you can go to the bathroom while they draw with crayons. Choose activities that you don’t to be an active participant in. This can also help them get used to playing by themselves and make it an easier transition when the baby comes. Find Different Ways To Play If you do need to be a part of their playing try to find ways to play while relaxing. Maybe lie down while they play doctor and diagnose/examine you. Or maybe watch a movie together. While they are entertained you relax and sit/lay down. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you end up relying on screens more frequently than you prefer. It is ok to need time off and it is ok to get that by sitting your child down with an iPad. It’s not the end of the world and you aren’t a bad parent for doing it. So don’t beat yourself up. Your health and sanity are just as important as your childs. Schedule Daycare/Babysitting Some days you are just going to want a break. On those days try to schedule a babysitter or a visit to daycare for a few hours. You will get some time to yourself and your child gets to have fun and play. Go To The Library One of the best ways to get your child entertained, and get time to relax, is by going to the library. Most libraries have reading circles or interactive events designed for children. This can help you survive pregnancy with a toddler. Do Some Prep For The Next Day A great way to stay on top of things and to relieve extra stress is by prepping for the next day. While your child is asleep in bed or taking a nap, you can prepare some morning meals or all of tomorrow’s meals and pop them in the fridge. This prevents you from having to spend that extra time tomorrow and allows you to be prepared for any last-minute things. Surviving Postpartum After giving birth you are going to be confronted with a whole new set of challenges. You are now going to be taking care of a baby and a toddler and you will still be recovering postpartum. Let Bellefit take away one of those worries and invest in a postpartum girdle today. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to speed up the postpartum recovery process. Leaving you feeling back to your normal self sooner than you would have without it. That leaves you with one less thing on your plate to worry about.

Recovering from childbirth is a long and painful journey - particularly if you are recovering from a cesarean section. In this article we will discuss what to expect with your C-section recovery, the struggles you may experience along the way, and some tips for healing faster. What is a C-section? A C-section, also known as a cesarean section, is a type of abdominal surgery designed to extract the baby from the uterus. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control, approximately 30% of pregnant women end up having a cesarean section. A doctor will perform a C-section for a number of reasons. They can be scheduled, or happen in an emergency - depending on the circumstances. In addition, during a cesarean section the surgeon will make an incision on the mother’s abdomen and open up the uterus. They will then take the baby out of the uterus and then close everything back up. Recovery after a major abdominal surgery, such as a C-section, can be a painful and long process. Many women struggle with their C-section recovery on top of their new duties as a mother. C-Section Recovery Struggles - What to Expect What can you expect with your C-section recovery process? After giving birth a mother will experience a wide variety of struggles. Some of these struggles include: adjusting to parenthood, learning to breastfeed, and taking care of yourself. These are not unique to a mother who went through a cesarean section, however there are some struggles unique to women who had a C-section. First Couple of Days If you have a C-section you will likely be kept in the hospital for 2-4 days for observation. Doctors will observe you and make sure you know how to properly care for your incision. In addition to this you will experience vaginal bleeding and cramps. These occur as the uterus sheds its lining and shrinks back to its original size. On top of this, your doctor will want to monitor you to watch for infection at the incision site and signs of blood clots in the leg. First Few Weeks In the first few weeks of your C-section recovery struggles you will need to monitor your incision and check it for infection. Infection is most likely to occur in the first few weeks after a C-section delivery. Similarly, you will need to monitor your blood loss. It is possible to hemorrhage in the first few weeks. As your uterus shrinks and your incision heals you will probably experience some pain. Talk to your doctor about what pain management options are available to you and if you have any concerns bring them up at your check-ups. You should not be driving, exercising, performing labor-intensive tasks for the first 6 weeks of your recovery. Long Term Recovery Recovering fully from a cesarean section can take years. You may experience some sensitivity or pain at the incision site for a while after your surgery. In addition, your C-section scar may not heal for a while after your surgery and can leave you feeling frustrated and insecure. You may even struggle with urinary incontinence due to your weakened pelvic muscles. Make sure you discuss any concerns with a physician. C-Section Recovery Struggles There are many struggles for a new mom, but there are some unique struggles women who gave birth via C-section may experience. These can include: Difficulty getting out of bed. In the hospital there are beds that raise and lower to help you maneuver out of bed easier - at home you may not have this luxury. It can be difficult to get out of bed, and this can cause problems. Particularly as you run back and forth to your newborn to breastfeed them at night. The best way to overcome this struggle is by rolling onto your side, swinging your legs over to the floor and then pushing yourself up into a sitting position. This prevents you from using your healing abdominal muscles. Pain Relief. Just like with any surgery you skin, your tissue, and your muscle all have to heal from the trauma they endured. Your incision site can be sensitive and bruised for a few weeks so make sure you have some pain relief medication. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you talk to your physician first as a small amount of the medication can make it into the baby’s breastmilk. C-section Scarring. Your body will naturally heal and your scar should be mostly healed by six weeks postpartum, but that doesn’t mean it is fully healed. Some women lose feeling in the area for months after their surgery. Similarly, it will take a while for your scar to fade. There are multiple C-section scar healing techniques designed to reduce your scarring. You can check those out here. Blood Clot Prevention. Women who went through a cesarean section are at an increased risk of blood clots. Oftentimes by the time you leave the hospital you shouldn’t have to worry about clotting, but if you are at an increased risk your doctor may send you home with blood thinning medication. When to Contact a Doctor You will have to check your C-section incision for infection every day. If you experience any of these symptoms you should seek medical attention. The incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge You have a fever You have heavy bleeding Your pain gets worse C-Section Recovery Tips - For a Faster Recovery Your body will not be physically fully healed for about 6 weeks after a C-section. After the six weeks it can be tempting to jump right back into your pre-pregnancy routine, but this is usually not wise. Your body is still recovering. You may feel physically fine, but your body may still be healing from the entire pregnancy and labor experience. In order to get back to your pre-pregnancy routine quicker, we have a little list of C-section recovery tips. Seek Help for Long-Term Problems During your C-section recovery struggles you may discover minor inconveniences. Therefore, you can later turn into long-term problems. This can include long term pain, muscle weakness, incontinence, and even depression. Don’t suffer alone and don’t put up with it. There are often underlying causes that can affect you even after you have healed. Seek help for those problems as soon as you can. Take Regular Walks You are not recommended to participate in intense aerobic exercise and strength training immediately after giving birth, however you should still get your body moving as much as possible. Walking helps to prevent blood clots. It is great for your mental health, and it can get you out and about with friends. Use a Postpartum Girdle A postpartum girdle is a great solution to many of your C-section recovery struggles. Postpartum girdles - designed to stabilize your core and provide medical-grade compression that promotes healing. Bellefit designed postpartum garments for women who have experienced a cesarean section. Postpartum girdles ensure you don’t get your stitches caught on any fabric, help prevent diastasis recti, and help you feel less pain. It’s easy to see why so many of our customers love this product. We hope this has been an informative and helpful article and that you have everything you need for a health C-section recovery.

How to postpartum abdominal binders work? For centuries women across multiple countries and cultures have used belly binding post-pregnancy. So why is this such a big thing, and does it actually help? In this article we will break down all the misconceptions and truths around postpartum abdominal binders. What is a postpartum abdominal binder? A postpartum abdominal binder is a garment that you wear after you give birth. This garment supports your post-pregnancy belly and helps you recover quicker from your pregnancy. An abdominal binder is one of the many garments used for this purpose, and there are plenty of other options if you don’t like binders. Postpartum belly wraps, girdles, corsets, and waist trainers all work to produce the same result. The difference with an abdominal binder is they are often medical-grade and provide compression. Does it work? As a pregnant woman there are many products designed to get your money and not provide what they claim. It can be incredibly frustrating to figure out which products work and which don’t. There are so many benefits to wearing a postpartum abdominal binder that it can seem too good to be true. I mean, it’s just a piece of fabric, how can it help so much? Well, scientific studies have shown the effectiveness of postpartum binders. Turns out they do work. According to a study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Patients who received abdominal binders reported less pain, lower SDS scores, and higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels following cesarean delivery.” In another study published by Physiotherapy, women who used an abdominal binder were able to walk farther than others without it. This means that women who had a C-section and were given abdominal binders had less pain, lost less blood, and were able to perform physical activity more than other women who were not given abdominal binders. How does it work? Medically – abdominal binders have been proven to work to reduce pain, but what about the other claims? How can an abdominal binder help with weight loss? During pregnancy your body releases a hormone called relaxin. This hormone relaxes your muscles and your ligaments so that they can stretch to accommodate your baby. After you give birth, the relaxin is still active for a few months. During this time a binder pushes the muscles back together while your body tightens back up. In addition, the support that a postpartum abdominal binder provides relieves extra stress on your abdomen and supports your muscles. This relieves the pain you experience after childbirth, and helps you be able to exercise faster. The binder itself is not going to cause weight loss, but it provides you the support you need to be able to exercise – which will cause weight loss. Pros of an abdominal binder There are many pros to using an abdominal binder including: Diastasis Recti relief: A common condition that many women experience after giving birth is diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles have separated during pregnancy and need to heal back together. One of the challenges with diastasis recti recovery is you can’t use you abdominal muscles. A postpartum abdominal binder prevents you from over-using your abdominal muscles thus speeding up your diastasis recti recovery. You can read more about how binders help with diastasis recti on our website. Stabilizing your abdomen: The compression on your abdomen pulls together all the ligaments, muscles, and organs in your body while they heal. This will ensure that your body goes back to its natural state without any problems. Supporting your back: The structure of a postpartum binder provides support for your lower back. It can also prevent you from using poor posture. This support also restricts your ability to twist and stretch too much which can prevent your body from healing properly. Speeding up C-section recovery: A binder reduces the pressure on your surgery incision. It also prevents your clothing from snagging on any stitches or staples. When to use/when not to use Many healthcare professionals recommend using an abdominal binder 24/7 starting two days after giving birth for the next six weeks. This is the main healing period for your abdominal area, and when a binder will be the most effective. You can use it after that time period, but it may not be as effective. One mom wrote about her experience using an abdominal binder which you can find at Mom.com. For some women a postpartum abdominal binder may not be the best option for them. Any woman who shows signs of infection, had pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia, or experienced amnionitis should probably avoid using a postpartum binder. You should always talk to your doctor to get their advice before trying anything new. In Review Postpartum Abdominal Binder are great garments to help speed up your postpartum recovery. They can ease pain, support your back, stabilize your abdomen, provide diastasis recti relief, and even help with your C-section recovery. There are many different types of postpartum binder available on the market, but our postpartum binders are different. Made with medical-grade compression material, our postpartum garments registered with the FDA and proven to work. Check out what we have today and get back to feeling comfortable and confident in your postpartum body!