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What sort of postpartum diet do you need now that you’ve given birth? You have finally given birth, now you can eat whatever you want – right? Well, not exactly. If you decide to breastfeed your baby, you are going to need to have a balanced diet. In order to ensure your baby gets the right nutrition, you need to consume certain nutrients and avoid others. Don’t worry, we have you covered with everything you will need to know to get the right amount of nutrition. Nutrients you Need While Breastfeeding Just like when your child was in your womb, the food that you eat will affect their diet also. While it will not be as direct as when they were in your uterus, your postpartum diet affects your breast milk. In the first six months of your baby’s life, your breast milk contains all of the necessary nutrients your baby needs. However, according to Healthline, “if your overall diet does not provide sufficient amounts of nutrients, it can affect both the quality of your breast milk and your own health.” In general, as long as you have a balanced and healthy diet you and your baby will be fine. However, you should try to increase your Vitamin D and Calcium intake. Those nutrients are used a lot in the production of breast milk, and are key nutrients your baby will need. Your Vitamin D is obtained through sun exposure. In order to increase Vitamin D, all you need to do is go outside. If you live in an area that is cloudy you may need to look into Vitamin D supplements, but always talk to your doctor before making that decision. In regards to Calcium, you can increase your intake with dairy or non-dairy products. According to Medela “Aim for four servings a day from dairy foods, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, or non-dairy sources, including nuts, tofu, sesame seeds and leafy green vegetables.” Surprisingly, around 2-6% of infants have an intolerance to cow’s milk. According to an article published in Can Fam Physician, some children may develop rashes, eczema, diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting or baby colic due to this intolerance. Because of this, some women choose to get their calcium from non-dairy sources. Food to Avoid While Breastfeeding The good news is that pretty much everything is up for grabs in your postpartum diet. Yes you can now eat fish, and drink alcohol, and caffeine, but there are some rules. Just like everything in life, eat them in moderation. The nutrients from fish are actually quite beneficial for you when you are breastfeeding, but just be sure to avoid eating a lot of oily fish. Too much of a good thing can be bad. Similarly, you can have some alcohol and some caffeine. Many women choose to wait until the baby is at least 3 months old before drinking any form of alcohol. In regards to alcohol, just limit the amount you drink and make sure you give your body at least 2 hours to process (per serving). Your baby is unable to metabolize these things as fast as you can, and alcohol can make it’s way into your breast milk. According to Healthline, “you’ll want to wait a few hours for each drink you’ve consumed before breastfeeding your baby.” For caffeine, the rules are not as strict. As long as you limit your caffeine to 2-3 12oz cups a day, your baby should be ok. It could potentially disrupt their sleep schedule, so just be mindful of this. Postpartum Diet and Exercise While Breastfeeding While we know it can be tempting to shed the baby weight as fast as possible, it is probably best to wait. The weight that you gained during pregnancy is actually used to create breast milk. The body actually uses the fat storages to create breast milk. So by breastfeeding you are actually going to lose weight naturally. If you are still wanting to do more to get rid of the baby weight, just try to eat as healthy as you possibly can. You need around 500 more calories a day in order to create breast milk, so keep this in mind if you are counting calories. If you are adamant about losing weight, make sure you do it in a healthy manner. As a general rule, you can lose about 2 lbs a week by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy amount of weight loss a week. Be sure that you are consulting your doctor about the proper postpartum diet for your individual needs. The same goes for exercising. Listen to your body and stop when you need to. Everything in moderation. You can do some exercise, but just make sure that you are doing it in a safe and healthy manner. Don’t start exercising immediately after giving birth, give your body time to adjust and heal from all the trauma it just endured. Your Postpartum Body We know how difficult it can be to accept and learn to love your new body. Your body just went through so many changes over the course of nine months, and then over the course of hours it all went back. That is incredible. The amount of things your body just did is absolutely amazing, be proud of it. Taking care of yourself after giving birth is essential for a well-balanced lifestyle. Breastfeeding will help make sure that you are mindful of the nutrients you need to consume and where you get them. You can always exercise and maintain a healthy diet to shed the baby weight, but just make sure you are doing it safely. And don’t worry about the baby weight coming back after losing it. Because our Bellefit postpartum girdles can help keep the weight away. Postpartum girdles are designed to ease your pain and discomfort after giving birth. This can help you feel ready to exercise sooner than you would have, and it helps you feel more confident in your body. This can help keep that baby weight off for good. So, invest in a postpartum girdle today, and get back to feeling your confident self.

Historically, women who become pregnant over the age of 35 were considered to have a “geriatric pregnancy.” This term has become outdated in recent years, due to the increase in education, technology, and pregnancy knowledge. Still, women are often concerned when it comes to pregnancy as you age. In this article, we want to break down some misconceptions and ease your worries a little about “geriatric pregnancies.” What is a Geriatric Pregnancy? According to Healthline, “In the medical world, a geriatric pregnancy is one that occurs anytime a woman is over the age of 35.” This phrase has fallen out of popularity among medical professionals, and a new one has taken its place. Today, the term “geriatric pregnancy” has become “advanced maternal age.” Studies have demonstrated that more women than ever before are having their first child between the ages of 35 and 39. And according to a study by the NCHS, first-time pregnancies in women over 40 have actually doubled in the last 40 years. This shift towards later pregnancies is likely due to the shift in social beliefs within the last 40 years. In recent years it has become more socially acceptable to wait to have children until you feel you are financially stable. In addition, many women choose to focus on their careers and wait to have children. The recent increase in technological abilities and knowledge of baby development has also helped women have safe and healthy pregnancies in their later years. Why is it considered a geriatric pregnancy? Fun fact about fertility, you are born with your entire lifetime supply of eggs. According to the Rogel Cancer Center, “Females are not capable of making new eggs, and in fact, there is a continuous decline in the total number of eggs each month.” It is because of this reason that women over the age of 35 have increased difficulty conceiving. According to a study published in Hum Reprod, women between the ages of 19-26 are at their highest fertility levels. Between the ages of 27 and 34 the likelihood of conceiving drops to 40%. Between the ages of 35-39 it drops to 30%. And by the time you reach 40-45 your fertility decreases by up to 95%. Don’t worry though, many healthcare professionals still believe that a healthy and safe pregnancy is possible. According to an article in Parents, “A woman who maintains a healthy weight, takes a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, manages medical conditions, doesn’t smoke, and keeps vaccinations up to date, has a better chance of conceiving a healthy baby, and having a healthy pregnancy.” Risks with a Geriatric Pregnancy As with any pregnancy, there are risks involved with having a child after age 35. This includes an increased risk of: Pre-eclampsia Gestational diabetes Cesearean Section Labor Complications Loss of Pregnancy Premature birth Low birth weight chromosomal defects in the baby (particularly Down Syndrome) Having multiples (twins) How to Combat the Risks In order to ensure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy it is essential that you speak with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your individual condition and help you form a plan for a safe pregnancy. In general there are a few lifestyle changes that can help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy – no matter your age. Preconception/Fertility Appointment: This appointment helps you and your doctor evaluate and understand the risks involved in your pregnancy. In addition, you can formulate a plan to increase your risks of pregnancy, and other options in case those don’t work. Prenatal Care: Be sure to go to any and all doctor’s appointments that are scheduled. These frequent check-ups can help to catch any problems that might occur throughout your pregnancy. In addition, try to regularly take a prenatal vitamin to make sure your baby is getting the proper nutrition it needs. Eat Healthy: A well-rounded diet is essential during pregnancy. This ensures that you and your baby are getting all the necessary nutrients you need. Stay Active: Regular physical activity helps your body stay healthy and improves your overall health. No Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drugs: Avoid all risky substances during your pregnancy. And talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking. Recovering from an Advanced Maternal Age Pregnancy Postpartum recovery can be a long and hard journey for any woman. Due to many of the increased risk factors associated with a geriatric pregnancy, recovery can be even more difficult. Fully recovering from pregnancy and childbirth can take months, and this is on top of caring for a newborn. It can be frustrating to feel as though you are not recovering as fast as you want, but give your body a chance to rest. It just spent 40 weeks creating a new life, it will take more than a few days to recover. Even if all you can do is sleep, eat, and take care of your baby that is enough. Later when you begin to feel better it can be tempting to try and workout and shed the baby weight. Be patient. You may feel prepared, but sometimes it is not the best decision to jump right back in. Focus on eating healthy and drinking lots of water. Diet is just as important as exercise, and diet won’t accidentally hurt you in the process. For a faster recovery after a geriatric pregnancy, consider using a postpartum girdle. They are designed to support your abdomen after giving birth so that you can get back to feeling and looking your best. Bellefit postpartum girdles are perfect for any mom who wants to speed up her recovery time. For whatever pregnancy, labor, or postpartum journey you are on, Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are here to support you.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and beautiful parts of motherhood. Sometimes, it can feel anything but. It can be incredibly difficult and hard on the mom if the baby is having a difficult time latching on. Don’t worry, we put together a little guide to help your baby latch on and get the nourishment they need. Preparing for Breastfeeding The best way to ease your pain and make sure your baby is being fed is to practice. Practicing is difficult when your baby hasn’t come yet, and you have no way of knowing if you are doing it “right.” In order to properly prepare to breastfeed, many women choose to take breastfeeding classes. These classes are facilitated by mothers and physicians who can help you learn the proper techniques and tricks to pain-free breastfeeding. In addition, once the baby has come, you can also hire a lactation consultant. There are often lactation consultants right in hospitals, so they are easily accessible for new moms. If you feel your baby is not latching properly after the first day or two, try contacting a lactation consultant. They will guide you and your baby through the process in a hands-on manner. What is Latching? Latching is the key for you and your baby. Your breasts produce milk on an “as-needed” basis. Essentially this means that the more your baby drinks, the more milk you will produce. If your baby does not get a good enough latch your body will not provide enough milk and then the baby won’t get enough food. With a proper latch your baby will get enough food, and you will produce enough milk. This ensures that the baby gets enough nourishment and that mom is not in pain. In order to get a good latch, it is essential that you know what latch means. When a baby latches it means that they are stimulating the milk glands enough that the milk is coming out. How do they do this? Through the suckling motion on the nipple and aereola. That’s right, they need to suckle on the areola and the nipple, not just the nipple. While the milk actually comes out of the nipple, the glands that produce milk are right under the areola. So if the baby is just sucking on the nipple nothing is going to come out. Think about it, why do the areolas get so dark when you move closer to your due date? It’s because baby’s are not born knowing how to breastfeed. Biology designed your areolas are a visual cue (like a bullseye) so your baby will know to close their mouth around the entire area and not just the nipple. Signs Baby Isn’t Latching Correctly So how exactly do you know that the baby has latched on to the nipple and the areola? A proper latch has the baby’s chin and nose touching your breast. Your baby will also have their lips around your entire areola instead of just the nipple. Once the baby has found a good latch they will begin the suck, swallow, breathe rhythm naturally. If you feel nipple pain it is likely because your baby is chewing on your nipple. In addition, if you hear soft “clicking noises” your baby is likely sucking in air from your nipple. Essentially, according to What to Expect “If your baby is fussing, chewing, rooting and gaping, turning red, or making clicking sounds, chances baby’s getting a mouthful of boob and air instead of milk.” How to Get Baby to Latch If you are having trouble getting the baby to latch onto the entire areola, make sure to re-latch the baby. Don’t just allow them to suckle on the nipple alone. Not only will this frustrate them, but this can cause you pain in the end. To get the baby to relatch stick your finger in the corner of their mouth to release the air pressure. This will cause your baby to let go, so you can try guiding them again. In order to get your baby to latch you will need to: Position your baby in a good nursing position Hold your breast with your thumb above your areola and your pointer-finger at the bottom of your areola Squish the breast a little to make sure it is puckered for them to grasp Bring your baby’s face towards your breast, and rub your nipple against their mouth Once they widely open their mouth gently guide your breast into their mouth If they do not get it the first time, detach them and relatch them until they can get a good latch. Tips to Help with Latching Latching is essential, but it can be difficult for some baby’s to get the hang of it. The proper position is a great way to aid your baby’s latching. Sometimes it is hard for them to understand what they are supposed to do, so making sure they understand the task at hand by creating the proper position is a great tip. You want to make sure you and your baby are comfortable at all times during the breastfeeding process. One of the most comfortable ways to do this is with a breastfeeding pillow. These pillows are donut shaped and are designed to go around your stomach. You lay the baby on the pillow and it props their head up towards your breast. This makes it super comfortable and easy for both mom and baby. Another great way to ensure a smooth breastfeeding process is with a nursing bra. Nursing bras are an easy way to stay supported and make sure your baby has easy access when hungry. The fabric that holds your breast in place can be clipped up to support your breasts. Or it can be clipped down so your nipple and areola are visible. Your Postpartum Body You went through a lot of changes while pregnant, and unfortunately those changes aren’t done just yet. Along with breastfeeding can come breast tenderness, as well as muscle aches in your back, wrists, and shoulders. These can all be helped with a little attention to your posture and positioning while feeding. You can also ease back pain and abdominal pain with a Bellefit postpartum girdle. These compression garments help ease pain by creating a light compression that lessens any pain. When you use a postpartum girdle you not only help pain, but you can get back to feeling your confident self once again. We hope this has been helpful for you to learn how to get a baby to latch.

After giving birth to your new child, you are going to want the best postpartum underwear around. What exactly is postpartum underwear and why will you need them? Well, we put together a little guide for you on what to expect and the best postpartum underwear available. What to Expect After Labor Many women are quick to talk about their labor story, or their pregnancy story, but what about their postpartum story? Your changing body and your recovery journey are just as important as what comes before, but many people avoid talking about it. How are you supposed to prepare for your postpartum recovery if no one talks about it? Well, don’t worry we have you covered. Lochia After your labor you will still have a lot of changes your body has to go through. Your uterus has to shrink down, your vagina has to recover, and sometimes you have to take care of stitches in your abdomen. One of the many changes that you will have to deal with is lochia. According to What to Expect, “Vaginal postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is the heavy flow of blood and mucus that starts after delivery”. This postpartum bleeding is absorbed with a pad instead of a tampon, because of the trauma caused by labor. As described by Cleveland Clinic, “Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color. From about the seventh to tenth day through the fourteenth day after delivery, the lochia is creamy or yellowish in color.” Now that you know what to expect after your labor, it may make more sense why many women choose not to discuss their postpartum journey. But you will still need to know what to do about this postpartum bleeding, that is where the best postpartum underwear comes in. What are postpartum underwear? Hospital Underwear After your labor, the hospital, or midwife, will give you a few pairs of disposable mesh postpartum underwear. These underwear are not like typical underwear. Postpartum underwear are designed to keep everything all compressed and together. This includes the postpartum blood, stitches you may have, and your nether region. These mesh undies are typically used in the first three days, when bleeding is the heaviest. Mesh hospital underwear are perfectly designed. They are comfortable, breathable, and they are disposable. So any sort of leakage that may escape from your maxi pad is fine, because you can just toss them away. Because of this, hospitals tend to only give the new mom a couple of pairs of underwear, so once those run out it can be hard to find something similar. Postpartum Underwear at Home In addition to the 2 weeks of lochia, you may continue to bleed for up to 6 weeks after giving birth. That is about a month and a half of bleeding after giving birth . Once you use those three pairs of disposable underwear, what are you supposed to do ? You could go back to using your old underwear. But many times those undies are not designed to compress your abdomen area. And for the first few weeks after labor, compression is a great aid in your recovery. In addition, you may decide not to use your old underwear because you don’t want to have to get rid of them from blood stains. The best postpartum underwear are specifically designed with all of this in mind. Your regular underwear are not designed to contain the postpartum maxi pads that are used after labor. Postpartum underwear are cut to accommodate them and have wider leg openings to make sure you are more comfortable. They are light, but compress the abdomen area, and they are relatively inexpensive in case you do have any leakage. Benefits of postpartum underwear? Postpartum underwear are designed to ensure you are comfortable and contained,. They also can help slim your belly faster and ease your pain. The best postpartum underwear will be able to give just the right amount of compression to ease your pain. And they won’t sacrifice keeping you contained to achieve it. Similar to the way shapewear works, postpartum underwear are shaping. They can help a new mom feel more confident in her postpartum body. In addition, the best postpartum underwear will be suitable for all moms. No matter the type of labor they have had. Women who go through a c-section delivery can sometimes have a difficult time finding the correct type of postpartum underwear. Because of complications at the incision site, it is essential that there is compression, but not too much compression. Finding the right balance can be difficult, but the best postpartum underwear will be medically designed for the postpartum mom. Bellefit Best Postpartum Underwear One of the best postpartum underwear around is Bellefit’s Intimates collection. These underwear come in multiple sizes, styles, and types. The fabric is comfortable and breathable, allowing airflow to every area. Designed for everyday wear, these underwear are perfect for your postpartum recovery process. Not only does Bellefit have the best postpartum underwear, they have the best postpartum garments in general. There are shaping leggings, shorts, postpartum girdles, prenatal undies, and even abdominal binders. Bellefit is the go-to store for all of your postpartum recovery needs. We hope this has been a helpful guide for you.

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

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

Shopping for an after pregnancy girdle takes skills. It requires product knowledge as well as reviews and testimonials particularly if the item in question is sold strictly through online retailers.

When it comes to naming your baby and keeping it a secret, it's a deeply personal act that requires a great deal of consideration. The right name evokes a sense of power. It contributes to the well-being of the child and even becomes a part of their personality. Table Of Contents "> How to Keep Your Baby Name A Secret Keep Uncle Terrence And Cousin Martha From Ruining The Surprise Keeping Baby's Name Secret Builds Anticipation For The Arrival You Can Have Things Monogrammed At A Later Date Keeping Your Newborn's Name Secret Is A Big Surprise The wrong name, however, can subject your child to ridicule from unruly schoolmates. That's why you need to think about picking a name early on during pregnancy so you can make sure you make the right decision for your family. How to Keep Your Baby Name A Secret So, how do you keep your final choice of naming your child and keeping it a secret when everyone is dying to know the answer? It's possible you might slip up and refer to your growing belly by the child's first name. If you do, laugh it off and say that it's wishful thinking. No one will know the gender of the child until you officially reveal it. For now, though, you can do the following things to make sure that the baby's name is top secret until you're ready to make an announcement. This guide will help you name your baby, and keep it a secret from your family and friends. Keep Uncle Terrence And Cousin Martha From Ruining The Surprise Naming your baby and keeping it secret is keeps the surprise alive and kicking. The minute you tell one family member your plan to give their name to the child that you're having, chaos ensues. They can't wait to gloat which means you'll have some explaining to do with everyone else. Even if you do want to name your child after a loved one, keep it a secret until you're ready to make an announcement publicly. That way, you're not dodging questions or smoothing over hurt feelings in the process. Keeping Baby's Name Secret Builds Anticipation For The Arrival Keeping the baby's name secret will make it fun for people guess the gender. When you don't make the child's name common knowledge, you get to have a lot more fun with everyone. They'll suggest that you're pregnant with a girl when in reality you're pregnant with a boy. The suspense will be too much for most people who can't wait to buy gender-specific presents opposed to unisex items for your little one. You Can Have Things Monogrammed At A Later Date Monogrammed gifts bearing child's initials could be fun without disclosing baby names. Rather than receive a lot of monogrammed presents right away, you'll be able to pick and choose which items you want to bear the child's initials. Monogrammed clothing and blankets often become treasured keepsakes for parents. You'll be able to choose quality over quantity by not letting everyone know your plans to name your child a certain name. If you're not keen on naming your child the same name as a pregnant family member or friend, you may want to announce the name early to avoid problems. Keeping Your Newborn's Name Secret Is A Big Surprise Keep your baby's name a secret until you're ready to reveal it. It's especially important to do this if you're planning on having a gender reveal party and you know the sex of the child. You won't want to make it obvious especially if the name you picked out is particularly masculine or feminine. Bellefit® Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Doctor-Recommended since 2008. A pregnancy can certainly feel like a very public event — after all, it's difficult to hide a baby bump. And while a new baby is a very exciting time in a family's life, and there are moments you'll want to share with your friends and family, there are some moments you want to keep private — like the baby's gender or name. One of the most important reasons many parents decide to keep their baby's name a secret is to preserve the sacredness of their pregnancy for themselves, and it's an excellent way for a couple to bond over this special moment they've created together. Once your baby is born, you and your partner will be stepping into a whole new adventure together as parents. We want to remind you to honor your body after your pregnancy experience with self-care practices to reinvigorate your body. You can start by investing in a postpartum girdle for your recovery. Wearing a high-quality postpartum girdle or corset after delivery increases your healing comfort and speeds recovery time. The Bellefit girdles are FDA-registered medical devices recommended by doctors for the following benefits: Treat diastasis recti Relieve back pain Help with lymphatic drainage Support the abdominal muscles Another bonus of wearing an abdominal binder is that it smoothes the curves and diminishes the belly, helping moms feel more confident in their own skin. Best of all, the Bellefit garments are cut from breathable, flexible materials for a comfortable, seamless fit — no one needs to know. It can be your little secret to why you look so great after pregnancy. Did you had a tough time naming your baby and keeping it a secret? We would love to know how did you managed it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CXwf-aU7Vk

Every workplace has rules written to protect the company’s assets and employees from harm and damage. As a working pregnant woman, it’s important for you to understand your rights in the workforce. In the case your needs aren’t addressed according to policy, or you’ve been a victim of a violation, you can take the steps necessary to protect your health, your baby, your job, and your income. Table Of Contents Workplace Rights As A Pregnant Employee You Have The Right To Be Treated Fairly And Respectfully A Woman Cannot Be Fired For Trying To Get Pregnant Or Becoming Pregnant While Employed You Can Take Part Of Your Maternity Leave Before Giving Birth Going Back To Work After Pregnancy Wear a Postpartum Girdle to Work As A Single Mother, You’re Entitled To Standard Benefits Report Wrongdoings Right Away Workplace Rights As A Pregnant Employee The following list identifies the legal rights for pregnant workers under the Federal Law. Refer to it whenever you have questions about what is and isn’t permissible by law. You Have The Right To Be Treated Fairly And Respectfully Pregnant women deserve to be treated fairly and respectfully at the workplace. First and foremost, you deserve to be treated with respect. Your employer cannot discriminate against you at the work. If you’re facing discrimination and feel that it's because of your pregnancy, you have the right to take action. Follow your company guide-lines for reporting inappropriate behavior and seek legal guidance, if needed. Some examples of pregnancy-related discrimination at the workplace include: Harassment Refusing to promote or hire Termination of employment Adverse differential treatment in employment Failure to provide reasonable workplace accommodations Any workplace with fifteen or more employees cannot take action against you while you’re pregnant, experiencing pregnancy-related symptoms, or giving birth because it's against the law. Pregnant women are entitled to the same rights as anyone who is temporarily disabled due to a health condition. Make sure that your boss is aware of this if they discriminate against you. Contact your human resources department, and take the necessary steps to escalate the situation to the attention of the right people if the situation gets out of hand. A Woman Cannot Be Fired For Trying To Get Pregnant Or Becoming Pregnant While Employed Your ability to get pregnant should have no effect on your career. An employer cannot fire you for wanting to start a family or for becoming pregnant while employed. You are entitled to seek reasonable accommodations to allow you to continue with your regular job duties safely. This may include altered breaks, a change in work scheduling, ergonomic furniture, elimination of minor job functions, and permission to work from home. Some accommodations may naturally result in limiting your work capacity. However, your employer cannot reduce your pay due to your pregnancy. If you're unable to perform your job at any capacity, due to your pregnancy as it may compromise the safety of your baby— even with workplace accomodations — you may be entitled to unpaid leave. There are some states that offer more support in these pregnancy situations, and you may be qualified for medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act enforced by the US Department of Labor. You Can Take Part Of Your Maternity Leave Before Giving Birth Make sure you fill in all the paperwork when applying for a maternity leave. While pregnant, your workload capacity may be severely affected due to morning sickness, change in energy levels, back pain, or other health complications (pregnancy-induced diabetes, hypertension, infections). On top of all of this, preparing for the arrival of a baby can a lot of time. The Family and Medical Leave Act allows you to take maternity leave before giving birth if your health depends on it. You have protection for up to 12 weeks as dictated by the law. If your pregnancy has made it difficult for you to work up until your due date, request a leave of absence and take time to prepare for your baby and new life as a mother. Make sure that you fill out all paperwork to protect yourself and your job. Now that we've scratched the surface on your rights as a pregnant woman at the workplace, we want to briefly mention the benefits of wearing a postpartum girdle to support your recovery when you go back to your job. Going Back To Work After Pregnancy Now that we've scratched the surface on your rights as a pregnant woman at the workplace, we want to briefly mention the benefits of wearing a postpartum girdle to support your recovery for when you go back to your job as well as discuss some of your rights as a working mother. Wear a Postpartum Girdle to Work Coming back to work after pregnancy leave can be a challenging transition. While having a new born is truly a treasured time, it's not without its stress — from sleepless nights, disrupted schedules, recovering from delivery. Every pregnancy experience is different, just as recovery times can vary from one woman to the next. But once you're ready to jump back into the workforce, remember to be patient with yourself and get the support you need to make the work hours more comfortable for you. Many postpartum moms wear a postpartum girdle under office clothes or uniforms to support their lower-back and help them feel more confident in their clothes again. A high-quality postpartum garment is more than just body-shaping underwear. Bellefit postpartum girdles are designed with unique features to support your post-pregnancy body — such as medical-grade compression to support your abs and back and adjustable crotch openings to accomodate padding. As A Single Mother, You’re Entitled To Standard Benefits Whether single or married, all pregnant women get the same benefits. You cannot be denied insurance coverage because you do not have a partner or a spouse. All single mothers are entitled to the same standard benefits married mothers receive. If your employer decides you don't qualify for these benefits, and you believe their personal judgement is getting in the way of your rights as an employee, you should seek out legal guidance as this is a form of discrimination. Report Wrongdoings Right Away Pregnancy discrimination is a serious issue. No workplace should ever make you feel less than you are for any reason. If you feel your rights have been violated, contact the human resources department of the company you work for or your state’s representative for further advice. You do not need to tolerate aggressive or dismissive behavior. A safe, healthy workplace environment encourages you to thrive, despite your temporary medical condition. If you feel insecure or threatened in any way at work, it’s time to take action by seeking outside help. Did your employer ever treat you poorly while you were pregnant? What actions did you take to counter the problem? It's high time we all rise up for our rights. Please feel free to ask questions and share your experiences to help other Bellefit moms on our blog.

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.

Among the many milestones in your baby’s life worth celebrating, your baby's first words are music to your ears. You’ll want to capture their babbling throughout their earliest stages of life because you know that you’ll soon hear words you can recognize such as “Momma,” “Dadda,” and “Baba.” Having them try to express themselves in a way that doesn’t involve crying is something you’ll cherish and want to record on audio or video so you can show them once they’re older. Table Of Contents "> Babies Start to Speak Between 9 and 14 Months of Age How to Encourage your Baby to Speak! Babies Learn to Say No Very Soon Document Your Baby's First Words Be Your Best Self, so They Can Too! Use this list to refer to whenever you’re expecting to hear your baby’s first words. It gives you an idea when to expect your child to speak as well as ideas on ways to encourage them to speak more than just baby talk. Babies Start to Speak Between 9 and 14 Months of Age When do babies say their first words? You’ll hear them making sounds prior to saying their first words. They’re mimicking the sounds that they hear in their environment until they’ve reached about eight months in age. That’s when they start trying to formulate their first words. You’ll hear them say very simple words between nine months and fourteen months of age. How to Encourage your Baby to Speak! Your encouragement can help your baby saying first words quite early. If you want to foster a love for communication in your child, there are things you can do. For example, speaking slowly, clearly, and enunciating words helps them become familiar with the sounds you make. Stating that things belong to a specific person such as Mommy, Daddy, Sissy or Brother helps, too. They start to learn the names of the people they spend time with. You can also read books to them at an early age and watch age-appropriate TV shows that focus on vocabulary, singing, and repetition. It’s among the easiest ways that children learn. They love the sing-songy sound of words being strung together and it helps them remember what they’ve heard better. Babies Learn to Say No Very Soon You baby will take your head off, once they start speaking. Once your child starts learning more and more vocabulary, they’re likely to talk your head off. In fact, you’ll have a hard time believing that they didn’t speak. In fact, sometimes you’ll wish they never learned the word “No,” because it will quickly be their way of expressing defiance or disagreement with what you’ve asked from them. Document Your Baby's First Words Enjoy the first words of your child, even if you can't make out any meaning. Your baby’s first words may sound a little less like gibberish. It’s a milestone worth documenting no matter how you look at it. Even if they say “Daddy,” before they say “Mommy,” it’s worth recording and sharing with others because it’s quite the feat. Your little one will have plenty more to say in the upcoming months, so get ready for it! Sharing how your child is developing with family and friends is easy thanks to social media and the Internet. You can quickly press record on your smartphone and document the first time your child says different words or phrases. The people closest to you will delight in being part of you and your baby’s journey to becoming a well-spoken toddler. Be Your Best Self, so They Can Too! Encouraging your baby to start talking at the right age requires your attention, time and focus. After all, as a new mom you are going through many physical and mental transformations post delivery. Being a new mom can be stressful and overwhelming. A postpartum girdle or corset can help you get back to focusing on your new baby, while speeding up your recovery. The compression can help reduce swelling and provide back support that is much needed after labor. Invest in a postpartum girdle today to make sure you are taking care of yourself while taking care of them too. Bellefit® Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Doctor-Recommended since 2008. If you have been one of those proud moms, who helped their baby speak out their first words easily at the right age, we would love to hear back. Let us know some of the tricks and tips you used yourself.

Understanding the Benefits and Risks Vaginal births following C-Sections or VBACs are much more common than many people realize. Mothers who didn’t get to deliver their first or second children naturally may opt to do so for many reasons. They want to know what it feels like to have the baby travel down the birth canal which is an experience like no other a mother has. Table Of Contents Understanding the Benefits and Risks Vertical or T-Shaped C-Section Scars Indicate That Vaginal Birth is Not for You Uterine Rupture Instant Labor Makes Delivering Vaginally Easier Quick Birth Dystocia-Related C-Sections Prompt Doctors to Discourage Vaginal Delivery Obstructed Labor Your Weight Determines Whether a VBAC is Ideal The More the Weight the Higher the Risk Knowing Whether or Not a VBAC is Right for You Talk to Your Doctor Recovery from a VBAC Speed Up Your Recovery! Having a good idea of what is VBAC and its process prior to electing to give birth vaginally is important. It allows women to make informed decisions concerning their baby’s delivery. That’s why we wanted to take a moment to list the pros and cons of a VBAC birth. Vertical or T-Shaped C-Section Scars Indicate That Vaginal Birth is Not for You Vertical scars from a previous C-section could lead to uterine rupture during a VBAC. Uterine Rupture Uterine rupture is more likely to occur in women with these types of scars. Horizontal scars above the bikini line indicate a higher level of safety for a vaginal birth after c section. If you’re not sure what type of scar you have, look closely in a mirror or ask your physician to describe it to you. Instant Labor Makes Delivering Vaginally Easier Follow natural labor-inducing tips to ensure a successful VBAC delivery. Quick Birth Women with uterine scars do not usually get induced. So, if you’re able to go into labor without the assistance of your doctor, you’ll have a better chance of going through a VBAC delivery without complications. Following natural labor-inducing tips helps jumpstart the process and increase the likelihood of you delivering vaginally if that is what you desire to do. Dystocia-Related C-Sections Prompt Doctors to Discourage Vaginal Delivery Your chances of a having a successful VBAC will significantly decrease if you've had a dystocia-related c-section before. Obstructed Labor Your body may be slow at delivering a child. Rather than experience the issue that sparked your original C-Section by trying to give birth to the baby naturally, you’ll likely end up in surgery, having your next baby removed by Caesarean. That way, the risk factors lessen significantly. Your Weight Determines Whether a VBAC is Ideal Loose weight to boost your chances of having a successful VBAC. The More the Weight the Higher the Risk If you have gained a lot of weight during your pregnancy, your chances of having a VBAC labor decrease significantly. You’ll need to note that a gain of 40 pounds or more causes the success rate to lower by 40 percent. If you can’t get a handle on your weight prior to your delivery date, you probably won’t deliver the baby vaginally because of the VBAC risks that could occur. Knowing Whether or Not a VBAC is Right for You Your doctor will help you decide what's best for you and your baby. Talk to Your Doctor Giving birth vaginally after having a C-Section is something that many women do. That’s why it’s important to know the risks and advantages of VBAC prior to attempting to have your child naturally. Discussing your options with your primary care physician is advisable because they possess the medical knowledge and intimate details about your health to help you determine if a VBAC birth is, indeed, right for you. Recovery from a VBAC Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes. Speed Up Your Recovery! Every labor story has a recovery story as well, make sure yours is as smooth and painless as possible by investing in Bellefit postpartum girdle. These girdles help with swelling, back pain, and through abdomen compression, it alleviates fluid retention and eases discomfort. Whether you are recovering from a vaginal birth, a C-Section, or a VBAC a postpartum girdle is a great option to speed up you recovery and get back to feeling your confident and beautiful self. See for yourself what a corset, girdle or thong can do for you following a VBAC. As always, if you have any questions concerning our products, don’t be afraid to ask. It is our pleasure to assist you in every way that we can. Have you delivered a baby naturally after a C-Section? What was the experience like?