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Puffiness and swelling are a perfectly normal part of the post-delivery experience. Let’s dive in and get informed. Where does swelling occur? After you deliver, many women notice puffiness on some part of their body which is called postpartum swelling. Typically, legs, arms, feet, and hands swell during pregnancy and it’s commonly worse at night and in later stages of the pregnancy as well as right after you deliver. Why does swelling occur? Swollen legs and feet are common during and after pregnancy. During pregnancy, it is partly caused by the weight of the baby pressing on veins that return blood from your legs to your upper body so your heart. Also, as hormones go crazy during pregnancy, they can cause the body to produce and retain more blood. After pregnancy, many women still notice swelling which can be caused by pushing during labor, when fluids can move to your hands, feet, and face while you are pressing. Also if you receive IV fluids during labor the extra fluids might make you puffy and take a while to disappear. In addition, you cannot move around as much right after you deliver which makes it harder for your body to get rid of fluids cause your body still has water that is retained to support the baby. Is it normal? Having puffiness in your face, feet, legs, and arms is totally normal after pregnancy. No need to worry. Be patient, your body has just gone through a lot of stress and change in the last months. It does usually disappear within two or three weeks after delivery through sweating and urinating, yet there are ways to speed up the process. How to Speed Up The Process Drink lots of water Dehydration usually makes the body save water which can lead to swelling. Even though it sounds weird, drink 2-3 liters of water a day to reduce swelling in the legs, feet, and hands. You can also drink herbal tea as herbs have many great advantages to your health. Keep your feet elevated Many women experience swelling in their feet. To get the circulation moving, elevating the feet helps and makes fluids flow. Don’t cross your feet as this can cut off blood flow and make the swelling worse. Try to keep your legs elevated or apart when you sit. Don’t eat too much salt The more salt you eat the more water your kidneys save which can lead to swelling in your arms, legs, feet, and hands. High sodium foods are not ideal and can make the swelling worse. Exercise regularly Light exercise like walking will help the body get rid of fluids by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Use compression stockings Compression stockings increase blood flow and will assist in moving fluids from your legs to your kidneys. Be aware of your caffeine consumption Caffeine is making your body lose water which might lead to dehydration. Being hydrated tells your body to save water which then leads to swelling. Be aware of heat It’s also important to stay cool. Heat can worsen swelling so keeping your body at a steady temperature and staying hydrated will help solve this issue. Wear a Postpartum Girdle This form-fitting shapewear ensures support and shapes your body. It reduces swelling by compressing your tissue which helps your body retain fluids. As it is tightly fitting it also helps your circulation and can reduce blood clots. Another benefit of wearing girdles is the fast transition back into normal activities by giving your body enough support. Foam rollers Foam rollers are another great way to improve circulation. They are usually used for muscle tension and pain but help move blood and water through the body at a quicker pace. Massage Try a massage to get your body’s circulation going. There are many spas and massage therapists that offer mother massages. Foods that Fight Postpartum Swelling You are what you eat. Chances are you have heard this quote before and it shows to hold truth. That’s why you should eat potassium-rich foods to help your body with postpartum swelling. What is potassium? It’s a mineral that works together with sodium, helps your nerves to function properly, regulates the fluids, and also keeps your heartbeat regular. It can lower the sodium levels in your body if you eat enough of it. There are many choices when you want to eat more of the mineral, such as bananas, apricots, yogurt, lentils, prunes, raisins, avocado, mushrooms, kale, yams, oranges. Cooked spinach and broccoli also have a high potassium content as well as cucumbers, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and peas. You should also add vitamin-rich foods. For example, Vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits which include oranges and lemons, strawberries and tomatoes, etc. Vitamin E is also very important. Foods that include this vitamin are almonds and sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, peanuts, spinach, etc. In addition, add foods that are high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Choose whole wheat instead of regular wheat flour. And don’t forget to drink water. How To Identify Non-Normal Swelling In some cases, swelling could mean different things and should be looked at by a doctor. Get checked if you notice the swelling starts to increase instead of decrease, if you feel pain or discomfort, or if you press your swollen skin the mark stays there for more than a few minutes. Please consult a doctor if any of these occur if one foot or arm is more swollen than the other, or if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like headaches, blurred vision or you have difficulty breathing. Even though you are busy looking after your newborn, your health is just as important. Be patient with your body and take the rest that you need. If your swelling becomes to much to handle, a postpartum girdle will help manage your symptoms and discomfort, providing you with the support you need.

As a normal part of the postpartum process, sweating is common during sleep. Although this uncomfortable period might affect your sleep and make you cranky, it is totally normal and has some very common causes. But, Why? Pregnancy hormone is responsible for this phenomenon. During pregnancy, your body was taking on and holding more fluid to nourish your baby. This was great for keeping you and your baby hydrated, but now your body doesn’t need to keep all those extra fluids. Postpartum night sweats are getting rid of them through sweating, usually at night. How long? This is a natural process that will eventually taper off, so there’s nothing to worry about. Eventually, the extra fluids from your pregnancy will be gone and the hormone will settle down. It can take a little while for this process to finish, but there’s nothing to worry about as it is completely normal and should be expected. Is there anything I can do? If you want to make yourself a little more comfortable or manage the night sweats you're experiencing, there are a few things that can help, and more that are pretty important for your overall health during this period. Lower The Heat Make sure the area you are sleeping in is cool and comfortable for you. Although you will continue sweating, a cool environment will help the sweat to dry and it will be less uncomfortable. Drink Up Remember that you are expelling excess fluid by sweating, and that means you are losing hydration. Being dehydrated can be dangerous, and it isn’t healthy. Track your drinking habits and try to drink immediately after you wake up if you have been sweating during the night to start your day off right. Keep drinking plenty of fluids, especially if you’re breastfeeding, as this is important for breast milk production. Soften The Experience Putting a soft towel or a pad on your pillow or under your sheets can help absorb some of the moisture leaving your body. Additionally, this will lessen the effect of the sweating on your bedsheets and you won’t need to change them as often during this period. Keep an Eye Out While night sweats are totally normal, if they become abnormal you should seek some help from your doctor. You’re feeling the heat, but you shouldn’t be feeling it so much that your temperature is over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Night sweats are a sign that something is going fine, but a fever might mean that you are sick. This Too Shall Pass While it can be uncomfortable for a while, this is a normal part of the postpartum process and will eventually pass. There is nothing to be worried about, and when it is over you will have the relief of getting back to normal (except for that demanding baby!). Any other discomfort you might be experiencing could be the result of something else, and you should ask your doctor about that, but if your night sweats are the only problem, that’s great. The Long Haul Try to remember that this is one stage in a long haul process while nursing your baby that will eventually finish. You’re now in the middle of an incredible moment for your baby and you; enjoy it! If you’d like more information about night sweats or other topics related to nursing and postpartum recovery, take a look at our site.

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.

After reading all the books, attending all the classes, and consulting with all your family and friends you probably feel ready to take on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. But what about what happens after giving birth. Unlike most classes, books, and friends we are here to tell you about what they don’t talk about. In this article, we will get into the nitty-gritty, gross, dirty details of what happens after giving birth. What Happens After Giving Birth? You have finished the labor and delivery portion of your pregnancy and now you are officially a mother. Now what? Even with all the research in the world, you are still probably going to find yourself unprepared for the next portion of your journey. That’s okay, if no one else wants to talk about it, we will. So let’s get into the details of what to expect in the hospital and once you leave. What Happens After Giving Birth? In the Hospital Directly after the birth of your baby, you may be thinking you have the worst of it over with. I mean you did just deliver a child. Unfortunately for some women, the delivery of their child is not the worst of the delivery process. The Afterbirth Many women don’t talk about it, but the afterbirth can be one of the most painful portions of your labor and delivery. After the baby comes, your body still needs to get rid of the placenta. The placenta is the membrane/tissue that your baby developed in, in your uterus. So, not only do you have to give birth to your baby, but you also have to give birth to the placenta too. After the baby is born it typically takes about 30 minutes for the placenta to be delivered. This can be the most painful part of a woman’s labor (particularly if the placenta has to be manually extracted) or it can be super easy. The Tummy Massage In order to make sure that your uterus is contracting correctly and to make sure you deliver the placenta, you may be given a tummy massage. While the name may sound delightful--it is anything but. The nurse has to press down on your fatigued, sensitive stomach and push in all different directions. This is meant to stimulate contractions and help the uterus shrink back down after birth. It can be painful and uncomfortable. No Privacy After giving birth, you have probably gotten a little used to being on display for the whole world to see, but you’re not done yet. Every bodily function and every inch of you is being monitored and explored. There is no privacy--even your bathroom habits are monitored. The Shakes With all the medicine, hormones, stress, anxiety, and emotions your body can start to uncontrollably shake. For some women, this doesn’t happen, but for many, it can be a surprising after-effect of their labor and delivery. Can’t Shower So, you have delivered a baby, pushed out the afterbirth, possibly had to get stitches and everything. You are likely covered in blood, tissue, and discharge, but you can’t take a shower. Yep, after all that, you probably feel disgusting and self-conscious, but you can’t take a shower yet. You have to wait until you can be unhooked from all the machines and not under constant moderation. That can be hours after you have given birth. Can’t Walk In general, you won’t be permitted to walk for about 12 hours after your labor. Not only are your muscles fatigued, but all the medicine can prevent you from being able to walk in the first place. Farting Before you are released from the hospital there is a list of things that you and your baby have to complete. One of the things that you have to do before they release you, is fart. The nurses will constantly be asking “have you farted yet?” And you have to answer, again, no privacy. You Aren’t Ready You may think and believe that you are ready to have a child, but you most likely aren’t. No matter how many books you read, classes you take, and how prepared you feel, nothing compares to the real thing. Once you and your baby are released from the hospital you can suddenly feel like a deer in the headlights. Do I have to take care of this? By myself? I don’t know what I’m doing? Is there an instruction manual? Don’t worry, every mother has been there. You will get through it. Just take it one day, one hour at a time. What Happens After Giving Birth? At Home Once you get home, it is a whole other ordeal. Not only do you have to take care of your baby, but you have to take care of yourself too. Your body is still healing and so many changes occur in such a short amount of time--it can be overwhelming. Here are some of the things you can expect. You Will Bleed A Lot You’re not done with the blood yet. After birth, your vagina and uterus are going to take a while to completely heal. Mesh underwear and pads are going to be your best friend for a while. This blood and tissue, known as the lochia, will continue for up to six weeks after giving birth. Make sure you stock up on the pads and granny panties. All The Postpartum Cleanup In addition to the bleeding, your vagina will be akin to a crime scene. You may have sutures from tearing, your vagina will be sore and swollen, and you may have some gross discharge. It sucks dealing with that but in order to make sure you don’t develop an infection you will have to take care of it. This can include spraying it with a perineum bottle, changing out your pad every time you go to the bathroom, and even popping a little cold witch hazel into your underwear. A cold witch hazel-soaked pad can help reduce swelling and prevent itchiness. Pre-soaked pads such as those created for hemorrhoids are perfect! Your Boobs Will Get Huge Even if you don’t plan on breastfeeding your boobs will start to have a mind of their own. Between milk production and your hormones, your boobs will become huge. Not only this, but they will leak afterward too. Night Sweats As your body adjusts to not being pregnant anymore, it will begin to expel any excess fluids it was holding on to. This means frequent peeing and sweating. And just because you’re sleeping doesn’t mean they stop. You may wake up in the morning, covered in sweat, and with your pillow soaked through. Cute right? You Will Never Sleep Again Ok, that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but it’s not far from the truth for the first year or so. Your sleep schedule and your baby’s sleep schedule can be wildly different. They may be waking up every two hours, and then you may be waking up every hour in between to adjust yourself or go to the bathroom. This can result in restless nights and overly-tired days. Cramping While your uterus is still shrinking back to its normal size, you may experience some cramping and abdominal pain. This is normal and not anything to worry about--unless it becomes severe, then seek out your doctor’s opinion. Peeing Burns Of course, we had to leave the best ones for last, bodily functions are going to hurt. Because your pee is acidic, and because your vagina is still healing, this can cause some serious burning sensations when you pee. The best way to combat this is to use a perineum bottle and spray your vagina while you pee. This will keep the pee from burning and causing an infection. Constipation And Pooping At last, we have come to the number one thing people don’t talk about after giving birth--bowel movements. For real, this is one of the weirdest things about the postpartum period. Your first poop after giving birth is going to be difficult. Not only does pushing hurt, but so does your downstairs region. The best way to combat this is to take some stool softeners. You may be constipated for a few days after giving birth, but make sure you reach out to a doctor if you go past three days. Some hospitals may not even discharge you until you have gone poop. Key Takeaways There are a lot of things that women won’t tell you after giving birth. Either because they are taboo, or because they are embarrassed to talk about it. Hopefully, you feel a little more prepared after reading this for the journey ahead. While there are many things women don’t talk about, one thing is for sure--it is all worth it. Holding your newborn in your arms and watching them grow is one of the most rewarding experiences in the whole world. Don’t let the process prevent you from enjoying the reward. Make sure you have the best postpartum experience by investing in a postpartum girdle. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to ease movement and provide medical-grade compression to your abdomen. This helps you move around, feel less pain, and enjoy your time with your newborn. Get yours today!

They are finally here your precious baby that has been in your uterus for the past nine months. Well, now that they are here your belly should go back to normal right? Not exactly. How quickly you bounce back from pregnancy is dependent on a variety of factors. We know that you probably want to get right back out there and get rid of your baby belly, but it will take some time and work. In this article, we will talk about what is normal in a postpartum body, and how to get rid of your post-pregnancy belly. Your Post Pregnancy Belly The average baby weighs around 7.5 pounds, and the average woman gains around 25-35 pounds during her pregnancy. It is very normal to gain weight during your pregnancy and it is actually necessary. Your body needs the extra nutrients in order to create a new life. I know it’s easier said than done but, don’t be hard on yourself. Your body is doing what needs to be done and what is natural. After giving birth the pounds are not just going to melt right off. Yes, you will lose the weight of your baby, but the rest of it is going to take time. Your body needs to adjust to no longer having a baby to take care of. All the extra fluids, blood, and amniotic fluid need time to expel themselves from your body. In addition to the extra fluids, your uterus needs time to shrink back down to its natural size. This can take a few months as your body naturally adjusts and finds a good balance. It is perfectly normal to want to shed the pounds as fast as possible, but you also need to be healthy about it. The Run Down on Post-Pregnancy Belly Fat Most of your post-pregnancy weight is going to be stored in your belly. Many women refer to this fat as their “jelly belly.” After pregnancy, the additional weight that you put on during pregnancy cannot all be attributed to the pregnancy itself. Almost all women have a little extra belly fat that they gain during their pregnancy. This fat is caused by a variety of things: genetics, hormones/stress, and diet/exercise. In order to get back to your pre-pregnancy body, you will need to work on these things. Dependent on your genetics, some women are more likely to carry extra fat in their stomach region. This may mean that no matter how much you workout and how little you eat, you still may have a little tummy. This is completely normal and natural for your body. Similarly, your hormones and stress levels can influence how much fat your body holds onto. The hormones that your body produces during pregnancy and breastfeeding cause your body to store fat. In addition, if you are under a lot of stress your body will go into a “panic mode” and store any extra fat. Finally, diet and exercise are incredibly important in influencing your fat storage. If you are eating more than you burn during the day you will gain weight. Vice versa, if you are burning more than you eat during the day you will lose weight. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential for getting rid of your postpartum belly. How to Get Rid of Your Postpartum Belly So, how do you get rid of your postpartum belly in a healthy way? There are a variety of ways that you can lose weight. Maintain a good diet/exercise routine, breastfeed, and use a postpartum girdle. Diet/Exercise Routine A healthy diet and exercise routine is not only necessary for reducing belly fat, but for staying healthy as well. High amounts of processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine can all affect your mood, body, and health. The best way to maintain a healthy diet is to avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and processed foods. Natural whole grains, fruits, veggies, and proteins are the best way to ensure you maintain a healthy weight and diet. Similarly, starting or continuing an exercise routine helps to strengthen your muscles and stay healthy. Not all exercise is created equal though--particularly in your postpartum body. Some exercises, like those requiring a lot of abdominal strength, are not safe to perform after pregnancy. Try doing small weight training and low-impact cardio exercises. Breastfeed Oddly enough, breastfeeding can actually help you lose the baby weight faster. This is because your body burns about 400-500 more calories to produce milk. This increased calorie burning can actually cause you to lose weight faster if your body needs to burn some of its fat storage. Postpartum Girdle Finally, one of the quickest ways to lose weight is to use a postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are garments that are designed to provide medical-grade compression to your abdominal region. This compression can help to shrink your uterus faster which causes you to lose weight. In addition, it can help to expel the additional fluids that your body is holding on to. Not only that, but postpartum girdles can help prevent diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is a condition where your abdominal muscles separate. Too much exercise or too much strain on these muscles can actually make the condition worse. With a postpartum girdle, your abdomen is held in place and prevents you from putting too much strain on these muscles. Key Takeaways You may be looking to get rid of your post-pregnancy belly as fast as possible, but it is going to take a little time. Your body naturally needs to adjust to no longer being pregnant and you need to implement lifestyle habits to lose weight. Thankfully with a healthy diet, exercise, breastfeeding, and a postpartum girdle you can get back to your pre-pregnancy body in no time. Buy a Bellefit postpartum girdle today to feel more confident and look your best.

Postpartum depression has been a common mental health problem among women for years. However, with the introduction of COVID-19 postpartum depression has just gotten worse. Navigating postpartum depression in a COVID-19 world can seem daunting and overwhelming, but you are not alone. In this article, we will talk about postpartum depression symptoms, treatment, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced postpartum mothers. Postpartum Depression Symptoms After giving birth many women experience feelings of sadness, mood swings, and stress. These feelings, also known as the “baby blues” are normal and typically go away within a few weeks of giving birth. However, for some women, these feelings don’t go away and can actually get worse if not treated—this is called postpartum depression or perinatal depression. There are many symptoms of postpartum depression including feelings of sadness, frequent bouts of crying, a loss of interest in things that used to bring you happiness, or even unhappiness with being a parent. Other symptoms of postpartum depression include: Feeling sad/depressed Having difficulty bonding with your baby Feeling anxious Panic attacks Abnormal eating or sleeping patterns Fear of harming the baby or yourself Intrusive thoughts that won’t go away Regret for becoming a mother Feeling more irritable and angry with others Postpartum depression presents itself in different ways to different people. No two women’s experiences are exactly alike but don’t worry, you are not alone—approximately one in five women experience postpartum depression. Thankfully, postpartum/perinatal depression is treatable with therapy and a strong support system. COVID-19 and Postpartum Depression The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced many people’s lives and caused an increase in mental health problems. One large demographic that has suffered from this is women in their postpartum period. According to one study performed by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that 1 in 3 women were experiencing high levels of depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. That is a significant increase from the previous estimate of 1 in 5 women. Thankfully, for the most part, COVID-19 has not prevented women from being able to seek postpartum depression treatment. Some treatment options may be a little bit different or restricted, but treatment is still available. Postpartum Depression Treatment Once a medical professional has diagnosed you with postpartum depression, there are several ways that you can be treated. Medication Many healthcare professionals treat postpartum depression with medication. Similar to depression, postpartum depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. In order to balance these chemicals again, medicine is taken. This medication is meant to provide you with the chemical your body is having trouble producing. There are several medications that your doctor may recommend. Make sure that they are safe for you--particularly if you are breastfeeding. Change with COVID-19: Medication is one of the things that has not changed because of the pandemic. You can still be prescribed and pick up medication. Therapy In addition to medication, a medical professional may recommend that you see a therapist. Therapy can be used independently of the medication or in conjunction with it. Therapy is used to allow you an outlet to explore your inner-most thoughts and feelings. It is a safe space where you can express your emotions with no judgment. It is also a good place to monitor if your medication is working or not. Your therapist is meant to help you process your emotions and learn how to combat them and work through them. It can also be particularly helpful if you do not have anyone you feel comfortable confiding in. Change with COVID-19: Thankfully you are still able to receive therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vast majority of therapists are offering virtual appointments. You can still schedule appointments online and visit your therapist from the comfort of your own home. Stay Connected Staying in touch with your friends and family is incredibly important. They are your support system through hard times. If you are having a rough day reach out to a friend or family member and vent about it. It is ok to be frustrated, overwhelmed, and exhausted but don’t bottle it up. Express your feelings and emotions to someone you know will be understanding and supportive. Change with COVID-19: Staying connected is challenging during this time. A large part of human interactions and comfort are non-verbal and physical. Unfortunately, you can’t give people hugs or hang out with your friends. Fortunately, technology is an option. Platforms such as Skype, FaceTime, and Zoom make it possible to see and talk to your loved ones on a daily basis. They may not be able to offer you a reassuring touch or take care of your baby for a while, but they can offer their support in other ways. Take a Walk Postpartum depression can make it feel impossible to get out of bed some mornings. The very thing that can make you feel better also seems out of reach. It can be very hard and challenging but try taking a walk. It can just be around the neighborhood or down the block, but getting fresh air and getting your blood pumping can do a load of good. Change with COVID-19: Walking is another thing that is not too affected by COVID-19. You can still enjoy a walk in the neighborhood, just make sure you are maintaining social distance guidelines. And if you are in a more crowded city area, be sure to put on a mask before going out on a walk. Self-Care Prescription medication and therapy can be incredibly effective in working to reduce the symptoms of postpartum depression. However, they are not the only ways and the only tools you have. Self-care is particularly important if you are struggling with postpartum depression. Your every waking hour can feel like it is consumed with taking care of your child. Make sure you set aside time (preferably once a day) to relax and take care of yourself. This can help you maintain your own independent identity. Change with COVID-19: Self-care can be a bit tricky. Some women like to go out and spend a day with their friends as an act of self-care, but that is not available currently. Instead, focus on things that you enjoy doing from your home. Maybe you want to bake something, maybe you want to take a long shower/bath, or maybe you just want to enjoy an episode of your favorite show. You can still practice self-care from the privacy of your home--your options are just a little bit more limited. Key Takeaways Postpartum depression is a problem that many women are dealing with--particularly since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, many treatment options are still available and you don’t have to struggle through it. Make sure you are exploring all treatment options while remaining safe and healthy. Self-care is important in making you feel like your old self and maintaining your independent identity. One thing that you can do to practice self-care is investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is a garment that can be worn after giving birth that provides compression to your abdominal region. This garment helps your muscles fall back into place and prevents diastasis recti. Not only will this help you feel better, but it can also help you look better. Make sure you try out a postpartum girdle today and invest in your future.

After nine months of waiting and preparing your baby is finally here. And after all the adrenaline has worn off and you have successfully completed your delivery, you are going to have to do a lot of healing. In this article we put together 13 postpartum care must-haves for a successful, fast, and easy postpartum recovery. What to expect after delivery During your pregnancy you probably researched and read up on every possible thing relating to your new baby. And those of you who are brave, have probably even looked into what to expect during delivery. However, many women do not prepare for their postpartum journey. Everyone loves to talk about the pregnancy, the labor, the delivery - because those are the exciting parts of having a baby, but nobody wants to talk about the unexciting part - recovering. Your body just went through nine months of growing, changing, fluctuating hormones, and finally through hours of intense labor. If you had a vaginal delivery your vagina is going to be sore, itchy, and raw for the better part of six weeks after your delivery. And for some women the recovery period might even be longer if they tore and had to get stitches. If you have a C-section delivery, you will probably be looking at a similar recovery period and have your stitches or staples or glue to take care of too. You will be cramping, your hair will be falling out, your nipples will be leaking and sore - even if you aren’t breastfeeding, and your vagina will be bleeding - getting out all the lochia (uterine lining). Postpartum recovery is no joke, and it can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared for it. So what can you do to prepare? Get together a postpartum recovery kit. Postpartum Recovery Kit A postpartum recovery kit is a bag/stash with all of the things you will need to be successful in your postpartum journey. This postpartum recovery kit should be filled with all the postpartum care must-haves so that you can have a smooth and fast recovery. Postpartum Care Must-haves (For Down Under) To ensure that you are prepared for the postpartum journey, we have put together a list of our top postpartum care must-haves. 1. Pads After giving birth your body will begin to shed the uterine lining called lochia. This process looks and feels similar to a normal period and typically is heaviest the first 10 days after giving birth. After those 10 days, you may continue to spot for the next four to six weeks. Your vagina is still recovering from giving birth so you will not be able to use tampons, therefore you will need to stock up on pads. 2. Underwear Due to the postpartum vaginal bleeding that you will experience most women choose to purchase new/comfortable underwear. You don’t want to get your blood all over your nice underwear, so investing in a few pairs of postpartum underwear will help you avoid ruining other pairs. Try out these full-coverage cotton panties from Bellefit. They are comfortable and provide all the coverage you need. 3. Perineal Cooling Pads Unfortunately your vagina is going to itch and burn after giving birth. And you will need some much needed relief - that is where perineal cooling pads come in. These cooling pads are absorbent and lie on top of your pad. They provide cooling and medicinal relief to your aching vagina. A popular brand, TUCKS, uses witch hazel to soothe, cool, and moisturize your nether regions. 4. Peri bottle Due to the traumatized skin and tissue, you will want to avoid wiping and using toilet paper for the first week or two after delivery. A peri bottle is used to clean your vaginal area and ensure that you stay clean. Typically hospitals will give you one to take home, but these ones are not always the easiest to use. Try finding an upside-down peri bottle that has an easy-squeeze container, such as this one by Frida Mom. 5. Perineal Spray Your vaginal area will need a medicated spray to ease the healing process. After using your peri bottle, spray a little bit of Dermoplast to soothe stinging and itching. Postpartum Care Must-Have (For Breasts) Not only will your vagina be hurting, your breasts will also hurt too. Even if you are not planning on breastfeeding, your breasts will leak milk until the milk dries up. These are the must-haves for your breast needs. 1. Nursing Bra If you are planning on breastfeeding, you will need a good nursing bra. This bra will support your breasts and has a quick clip so you can easily breastfeed without taking your whole bra off. Try out this one by Bellefit. 2. Nipple Cream As you breastfeed your nipples can become dry and cracked. This can cause pain. In order to combat that, many women use a nipple cream or a lotion. This will help keep your nipples moisturized and reduce pain. 3. Nipple Pads For those of you who do not breastfeed, nipple pads are something you would only have to use for a little bit. These pads are placed in your bra, over your nipple, and absorb any leaking milk. For breastfeeding moms these will be necessary until you stop breastfeeding. Make sure you have a stack of them readily available. Postpartum Care Must-Have (In General) Besides your breasts and your vagina, you will most likely be in pain. Here are a few products that help combat your general life issues during your postpartum recovery period. 1. Stool Softener Not exactly glamorous, but helpful, will be stool softener. Truth is you will have to have a bowel movement at some point after giving birth, but all the pain can make it scary. It sounds ridiculous, but it is true. Straining to go to the bathroom can cause unneeded pain and discomfort. Using a stool softener can help to ensure that you remain comfortable during all bathroom voyages. 2. Prenatal Vitamins You read that right - prenatal vitamins. Sounds counterintuitive but it can actually help your body adjust to the hormonal changes easier. Taking a prenatal vitamin can even help reduce your postpartum hair loss by maintaining a steady level of hormones in your body. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before continuing their use. 3. Pain Medication During the postpartum recovery period you will experience cramping that is similar to period pain. This can make you feel run-down and tired. According to physicians, ibuprofen (advil/motrin), is safe to take after giving birth and while breastfeeding. Just be sure to ask your doctor before self-medicating. 4. Compression Leggings You are going to need a nice and comfortable pair of leggings to lounge around the house in after giving birth. Try out Bellefit’s compression leggings. They are comfortable and provide compression to your abdominal region which can relieve pain in the abdomen. 5. Postpartum Girdle Finally, the pièce de résistance, a postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are our number one postpartum care must-have. They provide much-needed support for your abdominal region, medical grade compression, and can even help with diastasis recti. Bellefit has a postpartum girdle for everyone. They are perfect for vaginal or c-section deliveries and will help you get better faster. We hope that this list of postpartum care must-haves has been helpful, and that you have found everything you will need for your postpartum recovery kit. Is there anything else you would add to the kit? Let us know in the comments!

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.

After giving birth your body is going to be different than before you gave birth. This can leave you feeling self-conscious and unconfident. Enter shaperwear leggings. Shapewear leggings are designed to enhance all your assets and hide any unwanted flaws. So, what are shapewear leggings? How do they help you feel more confident? And how can you choose a pair that is best for you? In this article, we will answer all of those questions and give you some examples of the best shapewear leggings on the market. What are shaperwear leggings? Shaperwear leggings are leggings that are designed to slim your appearance and enhance your natural curves. Shaperwear has been around for a long time. Corsets were worn under gowns to enhance a woman’s curves and in some decades butt padding was added underneath to add even more of a curve to a woman’s body. Today, those garments are old-fashioned and out of style. We are all learning to appreciate a woman’s natural body in all of its many forms. Shaperwear leggings bring out your natural curves by bringing attention to all the right places. No matter what size you are, shaperwear leggings focus the eye on all of your assets and provide slight compression to slim your figure. How do they Help? Designers have discovered that with the correct combination of fabric, fabric color, seams, and patterns you can make someone appear slimmer. A sturdy, but the lightweight, the fabric is ideal to help lift your butt and slim your waistline. A solid dark color or thoughtful color-blocking can hide any unwanted body fat that you may have. Strategic seam locations can break up the style of the leggings and bring attention to your calves or butt. All of these put together create a stylish, comfortable, and versatile pair of leggings that ease your insecurities. Which pair is right for you? After giving birth your body needs some time to adjust back to a new normal. Your belly may be jiggly (also known as jelly-belly) and you may have other insecurities that have recently popped up. You are a gorgeous, brave, and powerful woman and you will learn to love your body how it is, but it can take some time. Until you are feeling more confident in your new body, some women find comfort in buying shaperwear leggings. They are soft, comfortable, breathable, and provide support/compression on your stomach area. Shaperwear leggings make for a perfect postpartum outfit choice when coming home from the hospital or just chilling with your new baby. Choosing a pair to purchase can be overwhelming though since there are so many styles. Since there are so many factors that go into creating a pair of shaperwear leggings there are many different styles to choose from. In general, there are a few styles that dominate the market--butt lifting/shaping, leg slimming, and waist-cinching. Each of these styles is titled after what they claim to do. As a new mom, you are probably going to be most concerned about comfort, breathability, and versatility. You wouldn’t be mad if you could get a pair with all of the above, but that can’t be done, right? Nope, wrong. You can get a pair of shaperwear leggings that are comfortable, breathable, versatile, butt-lifting, leg slimming, and waist-cinching. You can get it all. Best Shaperwear Leggings Some of the top names in the shaperwear legging industry are Nike, Lululemon, Spanx, Under Armour, Gymshark, and Athleta. These companies provide quality leggings, but the price tag can get a little high. In addition, some of these leggings are not suitable for your postpartum body. You need to make sure that you have compression on your stomach and breathable fabric for your vaginal region. Don’t fear though, there are still options available to you that won’t break the bank, and provide you with anything you need. High-Waisted Postpartum Support Legging by Bellefit This shaperwear legging is designed with your postpartum body in mind. The high-waisted band provides you with the slight compression your body needs to heal. It also comes with a ruched seam along the but to provide a butt-lifting effect. Not only that, but it has deep pockets so you can fit a phone and maybe even a snack or two in there. The seams are designed to prevent chafing, and the fabric is breathable and cool to the touch. These leggings are ideal for anyone self-conscious about their tummy area. Butt Lifting Compression Leggings by Bellefit These shaperwear leggings enhance your butt and provide compression to all areas of your leg, butt, and tummy. The no-roll-down waistband prevents you from having to adjust them throughout the day. In addition, the fabric is breathable and prevents chafing. This pair of leggings also have deep pockets for all of your necessary items. These leggings are ideal for someone not as concerned with their tummy area and wanting a little butt lifting and leg slimming. Bellefit also has shaperwear capris and shorts for warmer weather areas. No matter what you are looking for Bellefit has it. Key Takeaways Adjusting to your postpartum body is a long and hard road. You will likely struggle with body dysmorphia, and feelings of self-consciousness. You are not alone. Millions of mothers have struggled and continue to struggle with these thoughts and feelings. Remember to be kind to yourself and to appreciate your body for what it is--it gave you a baby. Every stretch mark, bit of extra fat, and cellulite is a record of the journey your body went through to give you a new family member. Until you can learn to love it for what it is, we want to help you feel confident in any way we can. Bellefit shaperwear leggings are designed with postpartum moms in mind and with the goal of boosting your confidence level. Whether you need a little tummy control to feel beautiful, or a little bit of leg slimming/butt-lifting Bellefit has something for you. Invest in a pair of shaperwear leggings today and get back to feeling your most beautiful and authentic self.