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

Knowing miscarriage symptoms can help you get the necessary mental/physical treatment to recover faster. A miscarriage can be a traumatic event in the life of a mother. All of the time, energy, and hope and suddenly losing the baby with no discernable reason can be frustrating and depressing. In this article we are going to walk you through some miscarriage symptoms so that you can better prepare in the unfortunate event that a miscarriage occurs. What is a Miscarriage? A miscarriage, also known as a spontaneous abortion by medical professionals, is when the pregnancy ends on its own and the fetus does not survive. A miscarriage occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy, and approximately 85% of miscarriages occur before the 12 week mark. Miscarriages are more common than many people may think and studies have shown that as many as 1 in 4 recognized pregnancies end in a miscarriage. The number is most likely even higher than these statistics because some miscarriages before the mother knows she is pregnant. Many women tend to think that something is wrong with their bodies when a miscarriage occurs, but that is rarely the case. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus was not developing properly. Miscarriage Symptoms The main symptoms of a miscarriage are vaginal spotting/bleeding. In addition, you may experience: Severe Cramps Stomach Pain Back Pain Discharge of white/pink mucus, or tissue that looks like blood clots Weakness Fever If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor. They will help you determine the correct course of action. You may experience some of these symptoms without having a miscarriage, but your doctor will want to evaluate you. Types of Miscarriages After you have gone to your doctor, and they have determined you have had a miscarriage, they will diagnose you with a specific type of miscarriage. There are six main types of miscarriages. A complete miscarriage: Your body has expelled all fetal tissue from your body. An incomplete miscarriage: Your body has expelled some, but not all fetal tissue, from your uterus. A threatened miscarriage: Your may be bleeding and having cramps but your cervix has not dilated. This points to the possibility that you will experience a miscarriage, but you also may continue your pregnancy. An inevitable miscarriage: You are bleeding and cramping and your cervix has dilated meaning a miscarriage is going to occur. A missed miscarriage: The fetus dies, or was never formed, but the tissue remains in the uterus with no bleeding or cramping. A recurrent miscarriage (RM): When the woman experiences three or more miscarriages in a row within the first trimester. Reasons for Miscarriage There are some activities or things that increase the risk of having a miscarriage, in most cases a miscarriage could not have been prevented. Your fetus grows from your body’s supply of hormones and nutrients, in many cases the fetus does not develop naturally and therefore the pregnancy is lost. One of the main reasons a miscarriage occurs is due to chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus that do not allow the baby to develop. About 50% of miscarriages occur because the fetus does not receive enough or receives too many chromosomes. These problems occur when the embryo splits and develops, not from any problems with the parents’ DNA. There are four main types of chromosomal abnormalities that can occur and result in a miscarriage. Blighted Ovum - No embryo forms Intrauterine Fetal Demise - Embryo forms, but stops developing and dies. Molar Pregnancy - Both sets of chromosomes come from the father, and not one from the mother and one from the father. Partial Molar Pregnancy - The embryo gets one set of chromosomes from the mother, but two sets of chromosomes from the father. Risks of Miscarriage While most miscarriages are not preventable, there are some things that can increase the risk of a miscarriage. This includes: Drug abuse Alcohol abuse Bodily trauma Smoking Exposure to harmful chemicals Caffeine consumption Chronic conditions such as diabetes or Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) Being Overweight or Underweight Problems with the uterus or cervix Infections Hormonal problems Thyroid Conditions STDs A woman may also be more likely to experience a miscarriage if she is over the age of 35, or has already had two or more previous miscarriages. Symptoms after a Miscarriage Experiencing a miscarriage can be both mentally and physically draining. Many women experience intense feelings of guilt, sadness, grief, and anxiety surrounding future pregnancies. This is on top of recovering from the physical stress of recovering from a miscarriage such as, bleeding a discomfort. Seek out help and support from loved ones and medical professionals. Talk about your emotions and experience, it will help you to overcome them. There are even pregnancy loss support groups online and in your communities. You are not alone and you have endless resources at your disposal. Prevention There is no way to prevent a miscarriage. Just try your best to avoid the risks that may increase your likelihood of a miscarriage. Stop drinking alcohol and smoking, stop using drugs, limit your caffeine intake, and try to get any underlying health conditions under control. Try your best to stay healthy and make sure you get all the necessary nutrients, by taking a prenatal vitamin. Bellefit is here to help you through the good times and the bad times. Check out our website for some great articles on staying healthy during your pregnancy, and try out our comfortable panties and leggings. We want you to be comfortable and happy.

Practicing self-care after pregnancy can seem like an afterthought when you have just given birth. That is because women are biologically wired to care for their newborns even after they have exhausted themselves. Between your new baby, housework, and caring for your other relationships - the relationship you have with yourself is the bottom of the to-do list. In actuality, self-care needs to be at the top of your to-do list. In this article, we discuss the different forms of self-care, some self-care ideas, and why self-care is so important in your postpartum journey. Why Self-care after pregnancy is important A big problem that many women face after giving birth is postpartum depression (PPD). According to one study, about 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression, and about 70% of women experience the “baby blues.” Both of these conditions can cause you to become sad, and because it is so prevalent it is important that you do everything you can to try to prevent it. For some people, who are prone to depression, it is likely that they will experience some form of postpartum depression after giving birth. These self-care after pregnancy tips can help lessen the effects of these conditions - but you should always seek help from your primary care physician. What is the “baby blues?” The “baby blues” is a mild form of postpartum depression. Almost all women experience it in the first month or so after giving birth. The labor and delivery process is physically and emotionally taxing, and it wreaks havoc on your body and your mental health. Many women are surprised by the sudden feelings of sadness and moodiness that come after having a baby. They can’t understand why they are so sad, when they just brought a new life into the world. They are so happy, but so moody, tired, and sad at the same time. These emotions are completely normal and natural - not only are your hormones adjusting to no longer being pregnant your whole life has changed. You are probably not getting enough sleep, your whole routine has changed, and you have a new life to care for. Just one of these can throw your mental health out of whack. That is why your self-care after pregnancy is so important. What is postpartum depression? Postpartum depression is a form of depression that comes after giving birth and can range in severity. Postpartum depression symptoms include: Feeling sad/hopeless/overwhelmed Fatigue Insomnia Lack of appetite Feelings of guilt and worthlessness Withdrawing from others Lack of interest in things you used to enjoy No interest in your baby Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms it is important that you seek help. Physical Self-Care after Pregnancy Physical self-care after labor and delivery is incredibly important. Therefore, you need to take care of yourself so that you are healthy for your baby and for yourself. If you don’t feel physically good, it can influence your emotions as well. Physical self-care includes: Going to your doctor’s appointments: By attending your scheduled doctor’s appointments you are more likely to catch any sort of depression that comes up and treat it as quickly as possible. Taking care down there: After giving birth your vagina is going to hurt - even if you had a C-section. You are going to want to take care of yourself and try to stay comfortable. Nothing will make you more irritable than being uncomfortable, tired, and overwhelmed. Eating healthy: A well-balanced and healthy diet is essential to your physical self-care after pregnancy. Some studies have shown a link between a lack of Omega-3s in the diet and an increase of postpartum depression. Make sure you are getting enough of this nutrient. You can even do this by continuing to take your prenatal vitamins for the first month after giving birth. Getting some exercise: You probably won’t feel ready to run a marathon any time soon, but getting outside and walking is a great way to get some exercise. Investing in a postpartum girdle can help you stabilize your core while you walk and ensure that your muscles heal faster and easier. Sleeping as much as possible: It can feel like you are never getting enough sleep and honestly, you probably aren’t. Your body needs sleep to recover from the emotional and physical stress of pregnancy/labor. Try to sleep when the baby is sleeping, or if that isn’t possible, ask someone to watch the baby while you sleep. Stay hydrated: Hydration is essential in order for your body to function properly. Emotional Self-Care after Pregnancy Perhaps just as important as physical self-care after pregnancy is emotional self-care after pregnancy. Physical self-care ensures that your body is functioning and healing properly. Emotional self-care ensures that you adjust well to your new life and don’t have too much stress. Emotional self-care includes: Reach out for help: It takes a village to raise a child, so don’t expect it to be something you can handle all by yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or in over your head reach out for help. Maybe a friend can come to do the dishes for you, or your partner can do a load of laundry, or a family member can watch the baby while you sleep. Don’t put too much weight on your own shoulders. Not expecting anything in particular: Many people are surprised by how much is involved with raising a baby, and they expect their maternity leave to go a certain way. Don’t hold any expectations of what will happen after your birth, just go with it and live in the moment. Doing things you enjoy/take time for yourself: You are going to become inundated with diapers, baby toys, games, and kids shows - make sure you have time for yourself to do the things you love. If that is simply taking a nice relaxing bath then do it. If that is reading a book, go outside and read. Set a little bit of time aside every day to do something you enjoy. Join a mommy support group: Joining a mommy support group gives you a place to connect with others who are going through the same thing as you. It helps you to know you are not alone and get more tips on how to deal with situations. Use a mantra: Some women find choosing a mantra to be helpful when they are going through a hard time. Something like “this will pass,” “one day at a time,” “I can do it,” or even “I am a wonder woman mama who is doing her best,” can make a situation feel much less intimidating. Socialize with friends: After you give birth suddenly every waking hour is consumed with baby stuff. It can be frustrating and annoying to only talk or think about your newborn. Make sure you have time to talk to friends or other adults about things besides your baby. It will help make you feel like an individual again. Main Takeaways Feeling moody or sad after giving birth is not as uncommon as many people think, and you are most likely going to experience it to some degree. Taking care of your mental and physical health can help to lessen the symptoms and stay encouraged in what can be a frightening time period. Eating well, exercising, staying hydrated, chatting with friends, and taking time for yourself will help you feel better about yourself and your new role as a mom. At Bellefit, we know how important feeling your best is for your mental health. That is why we have created the best postpartum garments available. Our objective is to make sure you stay healthy, happy, and comfortable. We know how painful and long postpartum recovery is, so we want to do everything in our power to help. Check out our garments today!

Postpartum self-care is an essential part of your post-pregnancy recovery. You have waited months for this little bundle of joy to come into your world. Now that they are here you just feel exhausted. It can feel selfish to take care of yourself when you have a newborn. But it is necessary in order to recover emotionally, mentally, and physically. When is Postpartum? The period after you give birth and before you have healed back to your pre-pregnancy self is known as the postpartum period. This period of time can be very tough on mothers. The change from pregnancy, to labor, to mother is a difficult transition and your body is filled with hormones, emotions, and pain. While it can be difficult, it can also be a beautiful time too. Your baby is finally here, you are so excited and so in love with your new child, and all you want to do is stare at them and enjoy their presence. The overwhelming need to care for your new baby can override any inclination to care for yourself and before you know it - you haven’t showered in 4 days. Making sure that you are staying healthy, both mentally and physically, is the key to an enjoyable postpartum journey. Adjusting to Life After Birth The first few days at home with your newborn are going to be a major adjustment. You will have to develop a sleep schedule, and eating/feeding schedule, and plan out time for your partner/other children. You can easily neglect your other duties because you are completely focused on your new baby, but sooner or later you have to face them. The dishes will pile up, the trash will have to be taken out, you won’t have any more clean underwear, and your body will physically ache from labor. Not every mother’s postpartum journey is the same. Some women may get the “baby blues.” The "baby blues" cause crying, sadness, irritability, moodiness, restlessness, and insomnia. Often time this subsides after a couple of weeks when your hormones begin to balance back out again. If you are experiencing these things after a couple of weeks postpartum, you may have postpartum depression. If you think you may have postpartum depression talk to your doctor. It is going to take time and energy to develop a new routine, but you will eventually fall into one and be able to establish a new way of life. Postpartum Self-Care (Mentally) Postpartum self-care is so important in order to have a healthy postpartum recovery that we wanted to give you a few tools for success. Enlist some help. This could be your partner, your friend, your neighbor, your family, or hired help. Ensure that you have people you can rely on to help out. If you need to sleep in one day, have your partner give the baby and bottle and give you time to relax. Maybe you need to take a nice long bath, have a family member watch them while you do. Having someone to help around the house or do the grocery shopping can decrease your stress levels immensely. Find a Get-Away Space. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy. You don’t have to have a spa or a zen garden, but find a place where you can go and relax. It can be incredibly overwhelming to take care of a baby all day, make sure you have a place that calms you and resets your day. Maybe this is a chair by the fireplace, maybe it is the outside patio, perhaps it is just your bathroom. The only requirement for space is that it makes you feel calmer just by being there. Have an Activity. According to psychologists, there is power in relaxation activities. This means that having a hobby to partake in, at least once a day, helps to relax your brain and your body. It can be tempting to go and rush through the chores while your baby is sleeping, but what would make you feel relaxed during that time? Perhaps you just want to watch one episode of a show, or maybe you love to knit, or read a good book - find something that makes you happy and excited to do - it might even be sleeping. Spend Time with your Partner. With all of the stress that comes with a new baby, it can be easy to put your partner on the back burner. Healthy relationships require time and work and if you put those aside it can bring up feelings of resentment. Make sure your partner and you do things that you enjoy together. Spend a night in and watch a movie together, go out to a restaurant for a date night, or maybe cook a meal together - do something you both enjoy and have fun. Be Kind to Yourself. Being a new mother and having a baby is a full-time job, and it can sometimes feel like you are not getting anywhere. This can bring up feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration - but be kind to yourself. Celebrate small victories and set realistic goals. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t lose the baby weight or if you don’t have time to throw a party - your journey is not the same as anyone else’s. Postpartum Self-Care (Physically) While mental health is important in the postpartum period, physical health is just as important. We wanted to give you a few tips to ensure you take care of yourself physically after labor. Follow your Doctor’s Orders. Whether you give birth vaginally or through cesarean section your body will have to heal after labor. Some women may even have stitches they need to take care of. Make sure you are following the directions of your doctor or doula in order to properly care for your body after labor. Get Outside and Walk. Walking outside helps not only your physical health but it also helps your mental health. Walking will help keep you active during a time when you can’t do any vigorous exercise. You can go for a walk around your neighborhood, or go to the park, or visit with friends at a coffee shop. There is no limit to where you can go. Eat Wholesome Nutritious Foods. It can be tempting to cut back on calories, but you still need to eat - particularly if you are breastfeeding. No matter if you are breastfeeding or not, you need to make sure your body has all the proper nutrition. This will help it return to its healthy state. Drink Plenty of Water. I know that it seems obvious, but many new moms forget to drink water throughout the day. You need to stay hydrated in order to feel your best and stay healthy. Sleep. Sadly, getting enough sleep is a struggle for mothers with newborns. Their baby will cry to be fed throughout the night and it can be hard to get the recommended 8 hours of sleep a night. Make sure that you try your best - even if that means taking naps throughout the day. Similarly, try to get someone to take care of your baby while you sleep in one morning. Use a Postpartum Girdle. Postpartum girdles are garments that are designed to ensure your body heals properly after your labor. They are used after vaginal or c-section birth and help to keep your abdominal muscles in place as they heal back together. They can be worn during exercise or throughout the day to ensure you maintain proper posture and don’t strain yourself. This can help you heal faster and reduce your postpartum swelling. Try one from Bellefit today. Takeaway At the end of the day, postpartum self-care is a necessary part of the postpartum recovery journey. Your body, and your life, will be going through so many changes that it can cause whiplash. Make sure you are taking time for yourself in the midst of all this change. Ground yourself in activities you enjoy and make sure your body is healing properly. As long as you are doing these things - your postpartum journey should be a breeze.

A common question gynecologists and physicians get is: “what about sex after pregnancy?” This is a valid question - especially after you have just gone through the labor and delivery process. It can be hard to know what to expect if you have never been through it before. In this article, we will break down how long after delivery you can have sex, what to expect from your body and emotions, and how to have a healthy sex life after pregnancy. How Long to Wait for Sex After Pregnancy One of the biggest questions women have after giving birth is how long until you can have sex. Most physicians will recommend you wait six weeks. After giving birth your body has a lot of healing it has to do in order get back to normal after being pregnant. Your hormones have to balance back out, your vagina has to heal, your uterus has to heal, and you have to wait for any vaginal bleeding to stop. All of these things can take up to six months of healing - sometimes more, but by six weeks doctors say that it is safe to have vaginal intercourse again. How Soon Can You Get Pregnant Again? In order to become pregnant, you have to ovulate again, and for women who are not breastfeeding, that can occur as soon as six weeks postpartum. In contrast, the hormones produced during breastfeeding can act as a natural form of birth control, this is called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) but this is only effective if done properly. After giving birth, some women are ready to start trying to have a baby again but hold off. Doctors say getting pregnant so soon after giving birth can lead to complications in your subsequent pregnancy. It is for this reason you need to have a reliable form of birth control. Condoms, IUD, or implants are the best forms of birth control right after pregnancy. Any form of birth control that influences your hormones can have side effects on your breast milk which can influence your baby. Talk to your doctor to determine the best form of birth control for you. How Does Delivery Affect Your Emotional and Physical Health There are many changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, and many more changes occur after pregnancy. Your body has to go back to normal and your hormones will have to balance back out. This can influence your emotional and physical health. What to Expect Physically After labor, your vagina will have to go through a healing process - particularly if you have had a vaginal delivery. The hormones in your pregnancy cause your pelvic floor to widen, this can stretch your vagina wider and cause it to loosen. Similarly, your body’s hormonal changes, and breastfeeding, can cause vaginal dryness. In addition, because your uterus is healing after pregnancy you will experience vaginal bleeding after giving birth. If you are planning on breastfeeding this can make your breasts feel tender and they may leak milk. All of these things can influence your sex life even after the six weeks have come and gone. To combat this, many women perform kegel exercises on a regular basis to increase their muscles in their pelvic floor. This can tighten your vaginal muscles and help you bounce back faster. Some women may not feel comfortable performing kegel exercises so they choose to do pilates or yoga. These exercises will also help strengthen the pelvic floor. What to Expect Emotionally Many women have a difficult time getting used to their postpartum body and they may feel self-conscious around their partner. These feelings of self-consciousness, your changing dynamic with your partner, and lack of sleep can all cause you to have a low sex drive. In addition, your hormones are changing. One of the hormones released during breastfeeding is called oxytocin - this hormone allows you to bond with your baby, but it also decreases your libido. This hormone is also meant to ensure you do not get pregnant too soon after giving birth. So even after the six-week mark is up, some women are just not in the mood, and that is completely fine and normal. You can still be intimate with your partner in other ways. Healthy Sex Life After Pregnancy All of the hormones and changes to your body can create a new dynamic in the bedroom. You may experience some pain from sex after pregnancy. Vaginal dryness, breast tenderness, and vaginal stretching can all influence how sex feels. Thankfully, there are some great ways to combat these problems so you can get back to having fun in the bedroom. You can easily combat vaginal dryness by using a lubricant. Increase your foreplay, the more turned on you are the more your vagina produces a natural lubricant, which can help to combat dryness. Seek out alternatives - no one said vaginal sex is the only type of sex. If you aren’t ready to have vaginal intercourse quite yet there are plenty of alternatives. Your partner can perform oral sex, massage you, or you can both do mutual masturbation. There are plenty of ways to experiment. Remember sex is about intimacy with your partner, there is no right or wrong way, just do what feels good and leaves both of you satisfied. Try having sex in the afternoon. By the time the evening rolls around you are probably both tired and ready to go to sleep. Don’t put off sex until the evening when you are exhausted, have sex in the afternoon when you are both more awake and less likely to put it off. Takeaway Sex after pregnancy is a difficult situation to navigate. You love your partner and you may want to have sex with them but your body isn’t ready. In contrast, you may not be ready to have sex, but your partner may be. Your hormones and self-consciousness can influence your sex life and make you feel even worse. Thankfully, Bellefit has a solution, our postpartum girdles can help you strengthen your pelvic floor, heal faster, and feel more confident in your body. Our girdles provide pain relief, compression, and stabilization that ensures you are feeling your best and looking your best. Get back to feeling sexy and beautiful by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. We hope this article has been helpful and that you now know what to expect when it comes to sex after pregnancy.

Giving birth at home has become much more popular in recent years, and many women are choosing a home birth over going to the hospital. There are many different factors to consider before deciding if giving birth at home is right for you. In this article we will give you everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision. What is a Homebirth? For centuries women have been giving birth in their homes. It wasn’t until the 1900s, as modern-day medicine improved, that women began to move to hospitals to give birth. As our collective knowledge of labor and pregnancy increases, women are beginning to feel comfortable giving birth at home again. There are many misconceptions about giving birth at home that have pervaded our understanding. A home birth is a vaginal delivery without the use of medication. A home birth involves the support of a trained professional, a midwife or a nurse-midwife, who helps safely deliver the baby. Many mind-body techniques are used to help aid the mother in reducing pain and having an easy labor and delivery. Is giving birth at home right for you? While a homebirth may seem like an enticing option there are a few things to consider before making a decision. For some women, giving birth at home is not an option. Women are not recommended to have a home birth if they: Are diabetic have preeclampsia experience high blood pressure are at risk for preterm labor have had a cesarean section in the past Are carrying multiples These conditions make it difficult for the mother to have a safe and healthy labor at home. A home birth may be right for you if you: have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy want to avoid medical intervention (pain medication, labor augmentation, or labor induction) Want to give birth surrounded by family and friends Have cultural or religious concerns Or want a less expensive labor What to expect when giving birth at home There are many misconceptions about giving birth at home, but here is what you can expect. Before Labor Before you are close to your due date, you will want to reach out to a midwife to formulate a birthing plan. This plan will detail where you want to give birth, who you want to be with you, how you want to reduce discomfort, and how you will handle complications/emergencies. You will both work together to have a physician on call in case you need to go to the hospital. Your midwife will also let you know what supplies to have available and how to prepare for your birth at home. During Labor A midwife will come prepared once you go into labor, and will guide you through the delivery process. Unlike many people believe, a midwife will have medical supplies necessary to deal with any birthing needs. Typically a midwife will bring pharmaceuticals, oxygen, IVs, equipment necessary to monitor and record vitals on both mother and baby, and other first aid equipment. In addition midwives are trained to use various other medical instruments that may be necessary during birth. After Labor Your midwife will be trained to take care of your baby post-delivery – including administering medications, or even how to perform a full resuscitation. Your midwife will also be able to guide you through the breastfeeding process, and teach you the basics you will need to know for them to fully latch on. You should keep your physician in the loop on your birthing plan and inform them once the baby is born. Home Birth Options When people think of giving birth at home they typically tend to think of a water birth. And while many women do have a water birth at home, some women choose not to. One of the benefits of having a home birth is being able to decide where you want to have your baby. If you want to have it on the floor, in the bathtub, on your bed, or even your couch. The whole objective of a home birth is to make you as comfortable as possible. Pros of a Home Birth Now that you know the basics of a homebirth, let’s talk about some of the reasons women choose to give birth at home. Don’t have to worry about transportation to and from the hospital All the comforts of your home are readily available to you throughout the entire labor and delivery process – including snacks, clothing, a shower, and your bed. The transition into breastfeeding and recovery is much smoother and more relaxed. You can have whoever you want come to the birth. May be easier on your bank account. Cons of a Home Birth There are so many pros of giving birth at home, but there are also a few cons. If the labor doesn’t go according to plan, hospital transportation will be necessary. Typically in these cases a “Plan B” has already been discussed so there should be no problems getting to a hospital. Not a good option if you do not have a low-risk pregnancy. Some women are not comfortable with giving birth at home and would have less anxiety about the delivery if they knew they would be in a hospital. Postpartum Care Unlike a typical hospital birth, postpartum care with a home birth is more frequent and personalized. A hospital usually requires a 48-hour stay and then sends you home with your new baby and no additional help. When you give birth at home, a midwife will come over multiple times in the first few weeks postpartum to check up on you and the baby. That way they can address any concerns or problems you may have. Postpartum care is essential when it comes to your health and your baby’s health. That is why Bellefit has created the best postpartum girdle around. Our postpartum girdle is made with medical-grade compression fabric and is designed to help you heal faster and with less pain. Don’t believe us? Check out our testimonial page to see just how much Bellefit’s postpartum girdles have helped. We hope that this guide to giving birth at home was helpful and gave you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your birthing plan.

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

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.

What happened to that thick, shiny, beautiful hair you got during pregnancy? Why are you now experiencing hair loss? Is this normal? In this article, we will discuss hair loss after pregnancy: what is normal, what is not, and why you are losing your hair. Why you lose hair after pregnancy While pregnancy comes with so many uncomfortable changes, one change you might have been happy to see is your hair growing more thick, and your nails becoming stronger. These things are caused by an increase in hormones during your pregnancy. So, when your body is no longer pumping out those extra hormones you may find your hair falling out a little more. This process is actually known as telogen effluvium. When you become pregnant your body begins to produce hormones to grow the baby. One of the hormones prevents your hair from falling out. So, eventually when your body stops producing that hormone, it starts to also allow your hair to fall out (including all the extra hair you grew that never fell out). This is completely natural, although it can seem a bit startling. After getting used to 10 months of thick and lustrous hair, it can be difficult to go back to your normal hair before your pregnancy. After you have given birth you will most likely begin to notice that your hair is falling out a lot more than it normally does. It may even come out in clumps over the next six months of your postpartum recovery. How much hair loss is normal? An average person loses about 100 hairs a day. This often doesn’t happen at once so you never notice how many hairs you lose. However, while you were pregnant your hair wasn’t shedding as much, so now you have abou 10 months worth of hair loss to go through in 6 months. Despite how much hair it may seem like you are losing, you are not going bald. Your hair is just returning to its natural state. So while postpartum hair loss is normal, there are a few medical conditions, such as thyroid conditions and anemia, that can cause excess hair loss. Make sure you mention your hair loss to your doctor if you are really concerned and they can help rule out any underlying medical conditions. How long does it last? The good news about postpartum hair loss is that it is temporary. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research postpartum hair loss typically starts about 3 months after giving birth; but your hair should return back to normal about six months to a year after giving birth. Unfortunately, there is no “cure” for the hair loss, and the only thing you can do is be patient. Because postpartum hair loss is completely natural, there are no supplements or medications you can take to prevent the hair loss. That doesn’t mean you should do nothing if your hair loss is bothering you though! There are plenty of ways to make sure your hair remains healthy. Dealing with postpartum hair loss For some women, hair loss can be a major source of discomfort or self-consciousness. Especially when the majority of your hair is falling out around your hairline. Don’t worry though! Many women have been there before, and they have shared what helped them get through it. So we compiled a list of the best tips for dealing with postpartum hair loss. Maintain a healthy diet and continue to take vitamins. The key to healthy and shiny hair is to have a well-balanced diet. When you are taking all the correct supplements and eating well-rounded meals your body (and your hair) will thank you for it. Try a new hairstyle or hair color. Certain hairstyles and colors can make your hair appear thinner than it actually is, so try changing it up. If you typically have straight blonde hair, try curling it or dying it brown. This can make your hair appear fuller. Avoid excess heat damage to your hair. You are already losing hair, so you don’t want to cause excess hair loss by damaging it even more. If you can skip using a hairdryer or a flat iron every day it will help in the long run. Try out some mousse. If your hair tends to fall flat after drying it, try adding some volumizing products to it! This can boost your hair at the roots and makes your hair appear thicker. Try parting your hair in a different way. Sometimes the only thing your hair needs to appear fuller is to be parted in a new way. After a long period of time with the same part, your hair may get used to it and naturally lie flat in that style. If you typically part your hair down the middle, try parting it to the side. Or if you part your hair to the side, try parting it down the middle or the other side. Flip your hair all over until you find a style you think looks the best. Try out hair accessories. If you don’t have a lot of time, or you are trying to hide a specific section of your hair try out some accessories. Bows, headbands, hair wraps, and bandanas are all fashionable and easy ways to cover certain parts of your hair. No one will even know what is going on! Be gentle with your hair. Your hair is pretty delicate when it is all said and done, and you want to try to be gentle with it as much as possible. Make sure you don’t viciously brush out tangles, but take your time and use a wide-toothed comb and some detangler. Try not to put your hair in tight styles that pull on your hair; but rather use scrunchies and loose styles to gently pull your hair back. Main Takeaways Postpartum hair loss is just one of the natural things that comes after giving birth. You can’t prevent it, but you can do things to mask it if you’re self-conscious. If you continue to have excess hair loss after a year postpartum, it may be beneficial to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health conditions. Your postpartum body is an ever-changing wonderland that brings both good and bad things with it. Bellefit wants to help you through every stop of your postpartum journey. That is why we have developed a plethora of postpartum garments that are built to make your life just a little bit easier. These garments include: postpartum girdles, panties, nursing bras, and even shaping leggings. Make your postpartum experience the best it can be by investing in your recovery. Shop Bellefit’s garments today! We hope this has been a beneficial and informative article!

The best postpartum leggings should be soft, supportive, and comfortable. Most important of all they should make you feel confident in your body. In this article we want to break down the importance of a good pair of postpartum leggings, and where you can find some! What are Postpartum Leggings? So, you’ve given birth, you have a new child to look after, and you are still exhausted and recovering from labor. Many women find the postpartum transition to be very difficult. Not only are you now taking care of an infant, but you also may be struggling with your own body image. It can be incredibly difficult to feel happy and confident in your postpartum body, when nothing fits anymore. You aren’t quite as small as you were before the baby, and your maternity clothes may be too big now. Postpartum leggings are a great solution to this problem. They are soft, comfortable, and supportive – all things you need right after giving birth. Perfect for working around the house, and taking care of your newborn, plus most of them are even nice enough to wear in public! And they come in so many styles, colors, and lengths that they can be worn for practically any event. Benefits of Wearing Postpartum Leggings While maternity clothing tends to get all the hype, postpartum clothing is just as important. Particularly when it comes to your confidence. Many women find it difficult to maintain a positive body image after they have given birth. It can be incredibly frustrating to not be able to fit into anything you own, and your changing hormones just make it worse. For most postpartum women, the stomach area is a major source of discomfort and insecurity. Postpartum leggings tend to be high-waisted so they are able to slim down the stomach area. In addition to this, they can be compression garments that support your postpartum stomach which can aid your recovery. The best postpartum leggings will offer an overall slimming effect in the butt, legs, and stomach area. This can help you feel more confident and happy in your postpartum body. They are the perfect combination of style, comfort, and functionality. What Type Should You Get? When looking for your perfect pair of postpartum leggings, it is important that you take a few things into consideration. The fabric that you want the leggings to be made of. Some women choose a more stretchy fabric, while others prefer more breathable fabrics. The best postpartum leggings will be a combination of stretchy and breathable fabric. The length of the leggings. Perhaps you gave birth in the summer and don’t want a pair of long leggings that make you sweat – there are multiple different options available. Postpartum biker shorts are becoming more and more popular, as well as postpartum capris. No matter what length you want, there will be something available for you. Style. The typical postpartum legging design is a simple black color with stitching along the sides; but there are lots of options available in terms of style. Some women choose to use jeggings (jeans/leggings combination) for a more out-on-the-town look, while still maintaining comfort. Other women may choose to go for a bright color, or a bold print. You can make pretty much any outfit you want with postpartum leggings. When purchasing a pair of postpartum leggings it may be a good idea to think of what you want from the leggings. Are these going to be your lounge pants? Are they going to be your exercise pants? Maybe they are going to be your going out pants. Make sure you choose the best style, length, and fabric for the season and for the activity you want them for. One other factor to consider when purchasing a pair of postpartum leggings is how much money you want to spend on them. Some women are not wanting to spend a lot of money on an expensive pair of “transition” clothes. The best postpartum leggings will be designed to be worn by both postpartum and the average woman. Allowing them to be worn even after you have left the “transition” period. Best Postpartum Leggings Available With all of these necessities in a postpartum legging, is there any way that a single pair could live up to everything you need? Well, we think so. That is why we designed our shaper leggings collection! We want to give you the best postpartum leggings available on the market. Bellefit’s shaper leggings can be found in a wide range of sizes and lengths. We went through every detail of these leggings to ensure that we created a breathable and supportive legging perfect for the postpartum woman. They are high-waisted and even have a double panel that adds extra belly control. There is a silicone waistband so they don’t slip down, and they even provide a butt-lifting effect. These postpartum leggings have everything you could need and pockets! We hope this guide has been helpful in determining your perfect postpartum legging. Check out our shaper leggings collection and see how you can get back to feeling confident.

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.