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Preparing for the birth of your new child takes time, and that is what maternity leave is for. So while maternity leave is essential to your well-being, and your baby’s, it can be hard to know what to do. You have a limited amount of time and it can be overwhelming the amount of stuff you have to do. We put together a list of 9 maternity leave activities that will help you prepare, and enjoy your time with your new baby. What is Maternity leave? Maternity Leave is essentially a vacation period that you can take to prepare and enjoy time with your newborn. According to American Pregnancy Association, “Maternity leave is usually created from a variety of benefits that include sick leave, vacation, holiday time, personal days, short-term disability and unpaid family leave time.” Maternity leave ensures that the mother is adequately prepared and financially stable for when the baby comes. It also gives time for the mother and child to bond and allows the mom time to recover after giving birth. There are a variety of things that influence the amount of time you have for maternity leave, but the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected maternity leave. There are a few requirements for you to be considered “eligible” for this leave, but many people qualify. Therefore, the typical amount of time for maternity leave (in the United States) is about 12 weeks. When to Take Maternity Leave? It is your personal preference when you decide to take maternity leave. Some women decide to take 4 weeks off before their due date so they have time to prepare for their new baby. Other moms choose to wait until the last possible minute so they can have all their time off with their new baby. So, when you decide to take maternity leave is really up to you. It is a good idea to involve your partner in the decision as well. That way you can both determine a good amount of time to be off and enjoying your new baby together. Financial constraints may also play a role in your decision, but in the end, it is all about your personal preference. What to Do During Maternity Leave So whether you decide to take your maternity leave early, or later, we put together a little list of nine things you can do during your maternity leave. Before Baby Comes There are a few things you can do during your maternity leave that will make life after giving birth a little easier. Organize your Leave from Work Maternity leave is long, and this lengthy departure from work can leave your co-workers and boss scrambling to pick up the slack. It is important that you form a plan with your boss and co-workers so everyone can be on top of your job duties. If you have a good plan in place, when you eventually come back, you can pick up right where you left off. Contact Health Insurance Maternity leave is semi-complicated when it comes to time off and what you qualify for and what you can take. You are going to want to sit down with your Human Resource manager to figure out what you can take. In addition you may want to contact your health insurance provider to make sure you know exactly what is covered in your plan. Food Prep Before Baby There are a bunch of things you will have to worry about after you give birth. Make sure that preparing food isn’t one of them. There are plenty of recipes and great food prep tips that will make food prep quick and easy. Check out this article for more information on why food prepping before the baby arrives is a great idea. Test Out the Gear For some reason, it always seems like baby carriers, seats, and strollers are way more complicated than they need to be. There are dozens of straps, clips, and velcro that it can be difficult to understand what goes where. Before the baby comes, it is a great idea to test out the new gear. That way when the baby does come you won’t be hopelessly confused on how to get the baby carrier out of the car. Arrange Some Help Those first few weeks back from the hospital can be overwhelming. All the time spent feeding, doing laundry, and finding time for yourself can be overwhelming. And while you may not want to be away from your new baby for even a minute, you will need to step away at some point. That’s where you will need some help, maybe it is only a couple hours, or even a couple minutes, but having someone you can rely on to help is essential. Whether that be your partner, a parent, a friend, or even a babysitter. Once Baby Comes Once the baby comes, you will want to take full advantage of the time you have with them. Here are a few ideas to keep you sane, and enjoy time with your new baby. Set Aside “Me Time” Once the baby comes, your time will be consumed with feeding, playing, sleeping, and occupying your baby’s attention. A great way to prevent becoming overwhelmed is to set aside some me-time. This doesn’t mean you have to leave the house, or spend money. You can simply take a long bath while the baby is asleep. Or read a book you have been meaning to get to. Whatever makes you happy and allows you to relax for a short amount of time. Join Mommy Groups Another great way to occupy your time, and make the most of your maternity leave, is with a mommy group. These groups are found in your area and are designed to bring together new-moms and their children. These groups can be instructional – such as learning to breastfeed. Some can be fun – such as “mommy and me music time”. These groups provide a great opportunity for you to connect with your new baby, and also find some new friends. Take Pictures As anyone with a child will tell you, “time flies”. Make sure you can capture the small moments and growth by taking lots and lots of pictures. A great way to announce the birth of your child is through professional newborn photos. Not only are they a great keepsake, but you can show off your beautiful baby to your friends and family. Get Out Everyone knows if you are inside for an extended period of time that you can go a little stir-crazy. Couple that with the fact that your only companion is a baby, it’s no wonder that mothers enjoy time outside. A great way to exercise and escape your house is by walking the neighborhood with your baby. Not only will this help you get back into shape, but it is a great way for your baby to get some stimulation. Postpartum Recovery Maternity leave is not only about spending time with your baby, but making sure you have a good postpartum recovery. After spending hours in labor with little rest, and the sudden transitions your body has to endure, you can be left feeling sore, fatigued, and weak. Postpartum recovery is a journey, and you don’t want to have a long and painful one. That is where Bellefit comes in. Bellefit makes the best postpartum recovery garments to experience your postpartum life with less pain. We have everything you would need for your postpartum journey – girdles, compression leggings, nursing bras, etc. We want to make sure your postpartum journey is the easiest part of your pregnancy experience. Shop all of our garments today, and get back to feeling your most confident and strongest self. We hope this has given you a few ideas of what to do during your maternity leave. If you have any more suggestions, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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

Someone you know is about to have a baby, and you just got invited to the baby shower – so what are some baby shower gift ideas? It can be difficult to figure out what to get your friend for their shower. Sometimes they will have a registry that you can easily pick something from, but other times they won’t. We put together a list of some of the best baby shower gift ideas that will have the new parents thanking you. Baby Shower Registry If you are looking for a great gift idea look no further than the parents registry. It sounds a little boring, and uncreative, but the parents are asking for these things for a reason. It may seem like an easy solution to your worries, and that is because it is. The entire purpose of a registry is to make sure that the friends and family of the couple know exactly what the couple wants. They will be grateful to you for anything you get them off of that list. That’s why they put it together in the first place. If the new parent(s) didn’t create a registry, or if you are looking to add something in addition to the registry gift, we put together a few ideas. What Type of Baby Shower Gift? When looking at gift ideas, it is a great idea to figure out what type of gift you want to give to the new family. Do you want to get something to help with the baby? Or maybe get something to help make life a little easier once the baby has been born? Some people may even decide to get a gift to make mom’s life a little easier. Whatever you decide, we have some great ideas for you. Baby Shower Gifts for the Baby Swaddle Blankets If you are looking to make the parent(s) life a little easier, it is a great idea to buy them some swaddle blankets. They are the perfect gift to help soothe the baby and keep them safely tucked in at night. Lots of research has been done on the benefits of swaddling babies at night. According to a study in Pediatrics, one of the main benefits is that babies sleep longer when swaddled. And as we all know, any amount of sleep from an infant, is more sleep you can get for yourself. Trust us, the new parent(s) will thank you for introducing them to this wonderful technique. Stuffed Animals Everyone has a favorite stuffed animal from their childhood. The soft fur and the squishy feeling is a great way to ease a child to sleep as they get older. Some stuffed animals can even double as a night light or a sound machine to ease the child’s sleeping. Not only are they cute, but they are useful too. Books Another great gift to give is books! Children learn to speak and communicate by observing and learning from adults. The best way for them to get a head start is by being read to from a very young age. It allows them to adjust to the sounds and can even increase their likelihood of speaking sooner. According to Dr. Kandia Lewis, “By the time babies reach their first birthday they will have learned all the sounds needed to speak their native language. The more stories you read aloud, the more words your baby will hear and the better they’ll be able to talk.” So, help the parents get a head start on their child’s development by growing their library. Noise Machine Infants spend nine months in the womb insulated from the sounds, smells, and feelings of the outside world. Now imagine coming out of that place and the sensory overload that occurs. Noise machines can help a baby overcome that sensory overload. The machines drown out background noise that could wake them up while they are sleeping. This can help them sleep deeper and longer – which helps mom sleep longer too. Baby Clothes Do you remember how quickly you went through clothing and shoes as a kid? Looking back on it, it is crazy how much children grow in a short amount of time. You can help the parents ease into life with a new child, by making sure they are a little prepared. Not only do you want to get them newborn clothes, but get them 3-month-old clothes too, or even 6-month-old clothes. They may wake up one morning, and suddenly realize their babies clothes don’t fit anymore. And it will be such a relief when they realize you got them something they can use now. Diapers You can never have enough diapers. As a new-time parent it can be shocking to realize just how many diapers babies go through. So while it may seem like overkill, buying them a bunch of diapers will be super helpful. And similar to clothing, try buying them bigger diapers as well so they are prepared when the time comes. Baby Shower Gifts to Make Life Easier It is easy to get caught up in the practical things when we are shopping for new parents or as new parents. Getting the stroller, and clothes, and carseats are all at the top of the list, but what about things that make life just a little easier? While these might not be at the top of the list, these products are incredibly helpful and useful for new parents. Breastfeeding Pillow If you know the mom is planning on breastfeeding when the baby arrives, it is a great idea to get her a breastfeeding pillow. This pillow makes it much easier for the baby to be properly situated to latch on easily. It also helps decrease additional strain that would come from holding the baby in place while it is feeding. Diaper Genie Like we mentioned earlier, it is astonishing how many diapers a baby goes through. While changing the baby, it can be messy, smelly, and difficult to go back and forth with a diaper to the trash. A diaper genie is a great solution. It traps in all the smells and can be used multiple times before needing to be emptied. It is the perfect size and height to be set near the changing table, and easily reached. Medicine Kit One thing many new parents typically don’t think of is a medicine kit/bag for their new baby. That first time your baby gets a cold or a fever can be terrifying. And a medicine kit will make sure you are prepared for anything. Throw in a baby thermometer, baby medications, and maybe even a snot sucker – and the parents will thank you later. Sentimental Box For all the preparing you do, you can never prepare for how quickly the firsts will go by. Your baby’s first haircut, their first word, ultrasound pictures, first month of life – it all goes so quickly. Make sure they are prepared to capture all those first memories, by getting them a sentimental box. There they can keep all the memories in one place and remember to capture those firsts. Baby Shower Gift Ideas for Mom So much time is spent on the baby, and preparing things for the new child, but what about the mom? She just gave birth and now her body is going through even more changes. Imagine the physical strain of growing a child for nine months, giving birth, and then recovering while also taking care of a baby. It is a lot for anyone, so make her life more comfortable. Hospital Kit Yes, the parent(s) probably have a bag or a plan for the hospital, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure that she has something to look forward to. Remember – the entire time the mom is in labor, she can only each ice chips. Labor lasts hours! Make sure that she has a little something to eat once she is done. Snacks, chocolate, a gift card to her favorite food place, all of these will definitely be used once she has given birth. Besides, no one wants hospital food. You can also throw in a pair of really comfortable socks, and a robe that she can change into once she has given birth too. It will give her a little sense of normalcy. Postpartum Recovery Kit Many people forget everything they have to do after giving birth. Having a little postpartum recovery kit can be super helpful. It may seem odd giving them a giant pack of pads and comfortable underwear, but it will be so helpful once she has given birth. Breastfeeding Bra If you know the new mom is going to be breastfeeding, it doesn’t hurt to get her a breastfeeding bra. It makes breastfeeding so much easier. Bellefit even has some nursing bras that are comfortable enough to wear at night, and easy to use for night-time feedings. Bellefit Postpartum Girdle The absolute best thing you can get for a new mom, is a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are a great recovery tool that every single mom can benefit from. Postpartum girdles help to speed up the recovery process and make life after giving birth a little less painful. The girdles are essential in making sure mom recovers quickly and easily. Bellefit has multiple styles, sizes, and colors available to make sure that you are covered no matter what. If you are worried about proper sizing, don’t worry! We have gift cards available, so mom can choose the perfect one for her. We hope that this list of baby shower gift ideas has been helpful.

Has the idea of purchasing a postpartum belt for your childbirth recovery hit you like nothing short of an epiphany? You’ve seen your friends either bouncing back like champs -or struggling all the way through. And then it clicked. Why having a less-than-fun time after giving birth when you could be enjoying your newborn’s first days and months? Table Of Contents Do Postpartum Belts REALLY Work? 1. Wear It After Both Natural And C-Section Child Birth 2. Wear It Right After Childbirth -And Care For Your Other Little Ones Freely! 3. It’s Easy To Put On 4. It’s Subtle Under Your Clothes And Feels Like A Second Skin 5. Helps Your Hips And Core Muscles Go Back To Their Pre-Pregnancy Shape 6. Did You Put On Quite A Bit Of Weight? This Postpartum Belt Comes In Sizes Up To 3XL 7. A Postpartum Belt Will Help Flatten Your Tummy Sources: Why let that back pain, ‘loose’ organs, and a bit of a jelly belly get the best of you? Just think about it. You could be moving freely around the house feeling like yourself again, in just a matter of days or weeks! Do Postpartum Belts REALLY Work? Postpartum belts help you get your body back post pregnancy The process of recovering from childbirth is quite complex. In all honesty, not having a postpartum belt won’t make it ANY easier for you. Let’s just clarify that even when there are many products on the market, they may lack the high quality of medical-grade technology -or are not proper FDA registered medical devices. What’s the point of wearing a postpartum belt that looks bulky, makes you sweat bullets, and doesn’t offer full rear support? So, the answer to your question is: YES. Postpartum belts really work, as long as they present quality design and materials -and offer a great user experience. Your comfort and health should be top priorities. In this article, we’ll share with you how you can make the most of your healing using one of Bellefit’s top postpartum belts! Learn all the benefits of the Bellefit Corset, a girdle loved by hundreds of happy moms. Say ‘Hi’ to your best recovery ally! 1. Wear It After Both Natural And C-Section Child Birth Postpartum belts are an effective tool to take care of your body after child birth It’s great to know that regardless of how you are planning to give birth, you can wear the Bellefit Corset. Women that have gone through a C-section can benefit from the relief this postpartum belt brings to the wound, and feel totally put together! “When my doctor told me that I have to have a C-section (…) I knew I needed to find some kind of postpartum support. Leaving the hospital I wasn’t yet wearing my corset and in the car, I felt every single bump, it was painful. The next day I started wearing my Bellefit Corset, and it has made a difference in the world.” Check out Amber’s full testimonial, here! 2. Wear It Right After Childbirth -And Care For Your Other Little Ones Freely! Wear postpartum belts right after child birth There’s no need to delay your childbirth recovery process. Sure thing, it’s uber-essential to stay calm and be patient while you heal. However, the chance of feeling better right away it’s not something you’d wanna overlook. Many moms that have just given birth to their 2nd or 3rd child can’t afford a ‘disappearing act’ that could impact negatively their other kiddies’ lives. “It was comfortable enough and made me feel more stable during exercise as well. (…) I’m able to love my toddler and newborn better because of the confidence Bellefit gave me. Let’s face it, postpartum recovery is hard enough without feeling unattractive at the same time!“ Read Elise’s full testimonial, here! 3. It’s Easy To Put On Postpartum belts are easy to put on The Bellefit Corset features 3 rows of adjustable front hooks and adaptable crotch opening. It’s easy to put in, take out, and you don’t have to worry about going to the toilet. Just unhook it, sit, slide your legs down the leg holes, lay on your back, and hook it back. This way, putting on your corset won’t cause any pain or abdominal pressure. Look how this 1-week postpartum mom easily puts on her Bellefit Corset! 4. It’s Subtle Under Your Clothes And Feels Like A Second Skin Your body will feel intact wearing postpartum girdles How annoying would it be if everyone could tell you were wearing a postpartum belt!? Velcro flaps sitting on top of each other. Many layers of stiff fabric making you look like the ‘Mummy Returns.’ Binder’s uppers rolling down -not pretty! This is not about vanity. It’s about feeling great in your own skin. A perfectly designed girdle will help you feel just like that. It will provide the right compression without pressing too much or hurting, and it would go totally unnoticed under your outfit. Win-win! “I don’t have to think about how I’m looking, or if my clothes messed up while I was sitting down -and I have to readjust or anything like that. I definitely feel a lot better wearing it knowing that my stomach looks better, and I do feel like it’s helping me recover” Read Beth’s full testimonial, here! 5. Helps Your Hips And Core Muscles Go Back To Their Pre-Pregnancy Shape Getting your hips and core muscles back in shape isn’t tough. On one hand, you may have noticed how your hips look now wider than before! This is one of the most common things happening during pregnancy, as your anatomy is getting ready to help your bub come out into the world. Another quite common ‘inconvenience’ caused by your body expanding during pregnancy is that your core muscles separate causing what’s known as Diastasis Recti. Picture this. Your uterus has been stretching non-stop for 9 months. The pressure on your abdominal muscles during this time is huge! The consequence? Bye-bye, 6-pack! This is when a medical-grade postpartum belt becomes your ultimate ally! By providing the right level of compression in the exact areas of your body, your muscles, joints, and ligaments get the assistance they need. The problem with wide hips and separated core muscles is that both can lead to other symptoms and increased pain. Unstable pelvic floor, back pain, bloating, and constipation are the most common. “My core continued to get stronger as I wore it and I could work my core with the peace of mind that my Diastasis Recti was not being increased or hurt!” Read Whitney’s full testimonial, here! 6. Did You Put On Quite A Bit Of Weight? This Postpartum Belt Comes In Sizes Up To 3XL Postpartum belts are available for all size of women During pregnancy, many women go over the recommended weight. But, heads up: several reasons are causing this! If you had to spend most of your pregnancy in bed due to health issues, or if you went overboard with anxiety eating -powered by hormonal changes- you’d likely put on more weight than expected. This may sometimes lead to feelings of shame or low self-esteem. We’re here to tell you that although this is not an ideal scenario, it’s a very common thing! Did you know that 47% of women don’t hit the right weight gain while pregnant? By all means, you should get guidance from your doctor. But if the time comes and you find yourself struggling, know that the Bellefit Corset comes in a wide range of sizes -up to 3XL. So no matter how much weight you’ve put on, we’re here to help you gain back your confidence and freedom of movement! “I had a very difficult pregnancy and was on bed for many months. The lack of exercise and emotional eating contributed to a 55lb weight gain during my pregnancy. (…) I started to wear my compression corset as soon as I got home from the hospital. It was literally a lifesaver” Read Angelica’s full testimonial, here! 7. A Postpartum Belt Will Help Flatten Your Tummy Postpartum belts are one of best tools to flatten the tummy Why is the Bellefit Corset so efficient at flattening a post-pregnancy tummy? It’s all about perfect compression! The corset’s reinforced compression panels keep your whole midsection controlled and put together. What’s best, its back support panels and inner spiral boning help smoothing those love handles! As the corset has 3 adjustable front rows, you can control how tight it fits. New moms tell us all the time this is their favorite feature because they get to see -and measure- their progress every time they move on to the next row of hooks! Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets – Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes “I’ve Been Wearing The Bellefit Corset For 2 Weeks Now! (…) It Helps Keep My Tummy Tight And My Posture Straight!” Read Emily’s full testimonial, here!   Sources: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/symphysis-pubis-dysfunction https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-binder#takeaway https://www.healthline.com/health/diastasis-recti#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-pregnancy-weight-gain-idUSKBN18X2G6

If you wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you just jumped into a swimming pool with pj’s and all, then you may be experiencing postpartum night sweats -aka hot flashes. It may seem like your hormones are playing you another prank, but yet again, this is a perfectly normal ‘postpartum treat.’ Table Of Contents Are Night Sweats Normal After Pregnancy? How Long Do Night Sweats Last After Delivery? What Causes Postpartum Night Sweats? How To Get Rid Of Postpartum Night Sweats 1. Dress In Layers Of Breathable Clothing 2. Keep A Towel Handy Or Place It On Top Of Your Sheet And Pillow 3. Use A Fan, Open The Window Or Turn On The Air-Con 4. Drink Heaps Of Water 5. Healthy Habits 6. Spatter Talc-Free Powder 7. Run Cool Water On Your Wrists When You Need To See Your Doctor Wearing Postpartum Girdles to Improve Your Overall Health Sources In this article, we answer your most frequently asked questions about postpartum night sweats, causes, symptoms, and how to deal with these wet bursts taking over your sleep! Are Night Sweats Normal After Pregnancy? Yes, they are! According to this study, 29% of women experience hot flashes after giving birth. The study also shows how even though night sweats have always been linked to menopause, the abrupt hormonal changes a woman goes through after childbirth can also cause these annoying episodes. How Long Do Night Sweats Last After Delivery? Night sweats are estimated to peak after 2 weeks of childbirth. Women who are exclusively breastfeeding may experience hot flashes for longer, as this keeps the hormones producing milk and can even stop ovulation. In this case, your hormones may not settle until you stop breastfeeding. What Causes Postpartum Night Sweats? Postpartum night sweats are usually caused by fluctuating hormone levels that raise body heat. Although there are not many conclusive studies on this specific topic, experts agree that low, high, or sudden changes on the levels of estrogen and progesterone after pregnancy can cause abrupt swings in body temperature. It’s also important to know that during the first days after childbirth, your body needs to get rid of excess fluids through urine, perspiration, and post-pregnancy bleeding. This means that hot flashes can also be a vehicle for your body to get back to normal. Although there are no conclusive studies directly linking diet and night sweats, some experts believe certain foods can influence the intensity of these. Coffee, alcohol, highly refined foods, and hot spices lead the chart of triggering foods. Finally, some over-the-counter drugs can induce night sweats. From antidepressants to even ibuprofen and aspirin, you may want to chat with your doctor and find out if this applies to you. As you can see, the main underlying cause that affects women that have just gone through childbirth is just your hormones doing their job! How To Get Rid Of Postpartum Night Sweats It’s not rocket science to guess how waking up during the night drenched in sweat is incredibly annoying! The thing is, even though you can do some things to help prevent uber-hot-flashes, these are just part of the ‘postpartum game.’ Your best bet is to plan ahead and know what to do when the time comes. 1. Dress In Layers Of Breathable Clothing Wear light and airy clothes to prevent postpartum night sweats. Wear loose layers of cotton or other breathable natural fabrics like linen for sleeping. You can also sleep naked, but if you’ve just given birth, keep your mesh undies and pads on, and maybe even your sleeping bra. If you are wearing a medical-grade postpartum girdle, you can leave it on as long as you are comfortable. Bellefit’s girdles are made from breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin and will keep you protected -one less thing to worry about! 2. Keep A Towel Handy Or Place It On Top Of Your Sheet And Pillow Again, if possible use cotton or linen sheets as your bedding as these will let your skin breathe and will help regulate your body temperature. Having a towel near your bed or between you and your sheets is a great way to absorb your perspiration -and also avoid having to change the bedsheets way too often! 3. Use A Fan, Open The Window Or Turn On The Air-Con Turn on the fan or AC to prevent excess sweating. Try not to overuse your AC as it can cause your throat to dry due to a lack of humidity in the air. But hey! If you need it, go for it -just place a bowl of water in your room to keep the air moist. Having a newborn at home tweaks and bends your sleeping patterns in crazy ways, so a bit of fresh air to take you through the night can be a godsend. 4. Drink Heaps Of Water As your body sheds the fluids it doesn’t need anymore, staying hydrated is extremely important! Did you know that humans lose 1 pound every night while sleeping through sweat? So, add to a regular sleeping pattern postpartum night sweats, and bum! you have a recipe for dehydration. Keep your water bottle handy and fill it up every night before you go to bed. 5. Healthy Habits Start your day with a healthy breakfast and cut out all processed foods to improve your overall health. Cutting coffee, saturated fats, processed foods, spices, and excess sugar can have a huge impact on your overall health, including night sweats. Exercise, yoga, and meditation can also help regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and improve your well-being from a holistic point of view. Even though these may not be directly connected to your hot flashes, they are huge allies to navigate both the physical, emotional -and even spiritual- aspects of your postpartum recovery. Talk to your doctor, consultant, and/or find a nutritionist to learn and understand what you can do. 6. Spatter Talc-Free Powder Just a little bit of talc-free powder will assist in getting rid of excessive moisture and keep your skin soft and dry. 7. Run Cool Water On Your Wrists Keep your hands under cold running water for a while to regulate your body temperature. If you can’t or prefer not to take a shower after a night sweat episode, just try running cold water on your wrists. As blood running through your wrists is close to the skin’s surface, fresh water will help cool down your body temperature. When You Need To See Your Doctor Fever or extreme shivering, dizziness, trouble breathing, a sudden drop in levels of sugar, excessive anxiety or fear can also trigger different responses in your body -including hot flashes! Even though postpartum night sweats after childbirth are common and inoffensive, if you experience symptoms of getting sick, by all means, consult with a doctor or healthcare professional. Wearing Postpartum Girdles to Improve Your Overall Health One of the best things you can do right now to get your body and system back on track is wearing postpartum girdles. Wearing these religiously will help you lose the excess inches fast whilst also balancing your hormones in the process. This will in turn help you get rid of the postpartum night sweats and you’ll start feeling better within no time! Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles as well as Plus Sizes. Sources https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322589 https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/postpartum-night-sweats https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(13)02967-1/fulltext https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/breastfeeding https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0301/p1019.html https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/the-deal-with-postpartum-night-sweats/

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

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

Almost every mother has some type of souvenir from their pregnancy; whether that be stretch marks, loose skin, or in some cases c-section scarring. Cesarean sections are more common than you may think, nearly one third of pregnant women will have to get a c-section. Here’s a little guide on what to expect after having a c-section, and how to minimize scars. What is a C-Section? A cesarean section is a type of surgery that is performed on pregnant women. The surgeon will create a small 4-6 inch incision and then reach into your stomach to remove the baby. Types of Incisions There are typically two types of incisions that a surgeon may use to open up your uterus. A vertical incision and a horizontal incision. Vertical Incision - Usually used in an emergency c-section delivery. This incision runs from the belly button area to the top of the pubic bone. Typically these incisions are more painful and more noticeable. Horizontal Incision - Also known as the bikini line incision, runs from one side of your abdomen to the other. It is usually around the top of the pubic bone and is generally considered less painful and less noticeable. How they are Closed There are two incisions the surgeon has to close, the one in your uterus and the one in your skin/muscle. The incision in your uterus is always closed with dissolvable stitches, but the one in your skin can be closed in a few different ways. Just like in all surgeries your surgeon may choose from a couple different options when closing the incision. There are usually three different methods for your doctor to choose from. Staples - considered the fastest way to close an incision and the easiest. The staples will need to be taken out by the doctor about a week after the surgery. Stiches - takes a longer time to close the incision, usually about 30 minutes, but is widely considered to be the least likely to cause complications. They also will have to be taken out by the doctor about a week after the surgery. Glue - surgical glue is applied to the skin and brings the two sections of skin together. It dissolves by itself and does not wash away. Some believe that this method leads to the least visible scar. If you have a specific preference of how you would like the wound to be closed, please speak with your doctor before your surgery. Sometimes you may not have an option, but it never hurts to ask. How to Heal to Reduce C-Section Scarring The most effective way to reduce scarring is by making sure your incision heals properly. The best way to heal your incision effectively is to follow your doctor’s instructions. But in case you need some help, we put together a little guide. Cleaning Make sure you are cleaning the incision daily. You do not have to scrub or put soap directly onto the area, just letting soapy water run over the incision should do the job. Apply Ointment You can also apply some light antibiotic or a thin coat of petroleum jelly, but some women may not need ointment. Talk to your doctor for your specific regimen. Air it Out Make sure you are letting your incision breathe. You don’t need to walk around with it hanging out all day, but be sure to wear loose clothing and allow air flow to the area. Move Around You don’t want to be performing rigorous exercise or stretching in any way, but make sure you are moving around. Keeping your blood pumping and moving in the affected area helps to stimulate healing. To help you move around without fear of stretching your incision, try wearing an abdominal binder. An abdominal binder holds the area together and makes it so that you aren’t able to do too much activity. So go ahead and take a walk, but make sure you talk to your doctor for when you can resume activity as normal. Keep Out of the Sun During the main healing period (first six weeks) you will want to avoid having any sort of sun exposure on your incision. If you are unable to avoid it for some reason wear an SPF so you reduce the amount of UV exposure. Reduce C-Section Scarring (Non-Invasive) If you are really worried about the appearance of your scars there are ways to reduce them. There are two ways that you can reduce your scars with non-invasive procedures and with invasive procedures. You will want to try all non-invasive ways before you try any of the invasive options. Time No matter what type of scar it is, the best way to reduce the appearance is time. Yes, it sucks, but you really won’t know how well it heals until it has been a while. C-section scar in particular can take a while. And any sort of discoloration or raised areas will most likely take a year to completely disappear and heal. Silicone Treatments If you really want to be proactive about treating your scars, you can try using silicone treatments such as silicone gel or silicone sheets. According to one study published in the Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery “Topical silicon gel is safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic and keloidal scars.” Check with your doctor to see if this could be an effective treatment for you. Scar Massage According to one article in Parents, a scar massage is an effective way to help your scar heal. “Beginning four to six weeks post-surgery (get your doctor's clearance first), massage the scar, working it with a rubbing motion—first side to side, then up and down; then diagonal. ‘You can also lift and roll the scar between your thumb and forefinger,’ says. Doing this two to three times a day for five to 10 minutes at a time can keep the scar pliable, soft, and cosmetically appealing.” Problem Scarring Most people do not have any problems with their incisions healing properly. However, there are a couple different types of scarring that are incredibly difficult to heal on your own. These types of scars are keloid and hypertrophic scars. Both of these types of scars occur when the body goes into an “overdrive” healing mode and heals skin. Keloid Scarring - is characterized by Everyday Health as a “thick, irregular scar that rises above the skin level and extends beyond the original wound boundaries.” Hypertrophic Scarring - is characterized in a Clinics study as “visible and elevated scars that do not spread into surrounding tissues and that often regress spontaneously.” The main difference between the two is that hypertrophic scarring will not extend outside of the incision area while keloid scarring will. Both keloids and hypertrophic scarring typically have to be reduced using more invasive procedures. Reduce C-Section Scarring (Semi-Invasive/Invasive) If you have run out of no-invasive options or you are dealing with problem scarring you may want to speak with your doctor about invasive procedure options. Laser Therapy Laser therapy treats discoloration and abnormal texture. The laser promotes healing and can help reduce the appearance of scars. According to an article on What to Expect, “You can begin once any stitches are removed from your C-section (and your doctor clears you) — and you’ll likely have a better outcome if you get laser therapy sooner rather than later.” Steroid Injections Another option to reduce your scars and promote healing is with steroid injections. The injections will reduce inflammation allowing your scar to flatten and become less painful. They are typically required monthly until the problem has subsided. Surgery - Scar Revision If your scars are significant and not decreasing you may want to talk to your doctor about scar revision surgery. As described by a Parents article, a scar-revision surgery “takes place under local anesthetic or sedation, involves opening the scar (but not the underlying muscle) and re-closing it.” No matter what type of scar reducing techniques you want to use, talk to your doctor to make sure it is the right choice for you. Takeaways on C-Section Scarring The best way to make sure you don’t form a scar is by following your doctor's healing instructions. If you are looking for more proactive ways to reduce scarring, there are a variety of options available to you. One way you can reduce c-section scarring is by limiting your stretching and protecting your scar while it is healing. A great way to do this is by using a postpartum girdle. We make our Bellefit postpartum girdles specifically with c-section incisions in mind. The light breathable fabric allows air flow, which is essential in the healing process. The light compression reduces the amount of pain in the incision area. The structure supports your abdomen and helps you heal faster. And finally, our postpartum girdles make sure to hold you in place so you can’t stretch your scars by accident. We hope that you have found some helpful tips to reduce your c-section scarring. Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2918339/ https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/cesarean/c-section-scar-care/ https://www.everydayhealth.com/keloids/guide/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4129552/ https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/c-section-scars#closed https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/cesarean/c-section-scar-care/

Learn how to find your body type and the ideal maternity shapewear for you! Choosing the right postpartum girdle for your body shape it's not just about the looks. It's also a way to help you stay comfy, snug, and confident to move around. Wearing a compression garment that looks and feels like it was designed just for you it's a huge game-changer! For starters, let's agree on something: every single type of body shape is gorgeous as it is. However, your needs may differ from the ones of other women. And just as that refers to the type of activities you do, your diet, your genes, and so much more, it also applies to how your maternity shapewear fits your body. If you are a petit new mum with a short torso, why choose a postpartum girdle that's designed for women with a longer upper midsection? In this article, we show you how to find your body type! We'll also explain the specifics for each of the 5 most common shapes, and which models of maternity shapewear and postpartum girdles will help you ease your way into child birth recovery. How To Find Your Body Type Your body type is going to influence your decision to buy the best maternity shapewear. If you are already way into your pregnancy and planning for your postpartum recovery, it may be hard to be too specific on your measures as your body is already changing, so just focus on the overall proportions of your body. New mums that have already given birth and are still losing weight, take this just as a reference for gaining knowledge on what will suit you best. We'll show you how to take your measures, but in reality, most people can guess their body type just by taking a good look at themselves in the mirror! If you are comfortable with it, grab a measuring tape! You'll need to find out the relation between the different parts of your upper body -these are shoulders, bust, waist, and hips. We'll also tell you how to figure out if you have a long or a short torso! Bust Measuring your busts carefully will get you the best fit maternity shapewear Take the measuring tape and place it gently around the fullest part of your bust. It's up to you to wear a bra or not for this, but remember the tape needs to be just a little bit tight -don't compress it against your chest. Shoulders Choosing the best maternity shapewear needs you to take the right body measurment. Same here! Wrap the tape around the top of your shoulders, at their widest point above your shoulder blades. Check that it doesn't slip off! Waist Measure your waise size carefully as it will help you decide the best size of maternity wear you need. Place the tape on the narrowest bit of your waist, which usually is just above your belly button, and below your rib cage. Hips Postpartum girdles are one of the best fit maternity shapewear for pregnant ladies. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Find the broadest point and wrap the measuring tape around it. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose! For accurate measuring, always make sure the tape is placed horizontally, parallel to the floor. In this video, we show you how to measure your hips for ordering your Bellefit Postpartum Girdle. Knowing The Length Of Your Torso Measure the length of your torso to get the best maternity shapewear to fit your body type. Getting the right compression garment for your body type is also closely connected to the length of your trunk. To get your torso's measurement, find where the neck connects with your shoulders. Measure down along your spine up to the base of your back, which is where your hips start. Place your hands on your hip bones and extend your thumbs towards your back to find the exact spot! The average torso length for women of " 5'2" to 5'6" height is 15" to 17." Identify if your torso stands within these measures and use it to understand which type of compression garment will suit you best -more on that below! What Are The Different Body Types (And Why It Matters When Choosing Maternity Shapewear) Analyse and understand your body type to buy the best fit maternity shapewear for yourself. There are many different body types as we are all different and come in all sorts of sizes and shapes. With the purpose to help you choose wisely, we've selected the 5 Main Body Types and which specific compression garment to use for it! The most likely is that after child birth, you'll try your best to get back into your pre-pregnancy body. Each type of shapewear is functionally designed to compress certain areas of your trunk and back to give you both the right support and a slender look. Some will also press your hips and hold your bum, which comes very handy when your hips have widened or if you suffer from back pain! 1. Pear Shape Or Triangle Shape Pearl shaped body needs different kind of maternity shapewear fit. The main characteristic of this body type is that shoulders and bust are narrower than hips. You may also have a defined waist that softly leads into your hips and a full rear -sexy momma! Another trait of the Triangle Shape is weight gain around the hips, bottoms, and thighs. Best Maternity Shapewear For Pear Body Types For Pear Shape or Triangle body type, we recommend wearing the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset! Its adjustable and removable straps and upper back coverage will help enhance your breasts and offer support along your whole spine. The corset will also keep your bums and hips covered, protected and contained, which is great for women with wider hips and a curvy rear! This bodysuit is also excellent for women with a long torso. Check out the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset here! Another great option for women with this body type is the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up -only after natural child birth. This girdle offers a high level of compression designed to protect your back and core, but also has full rear coverage. The best thing about it is how the tension is distributed evenly along your trunk. This is very important as for this body type, the center of gravity revolves around the hips. Balancing your torso will give you more comfort. Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up here! 2. Apple Shaped Or Inverted Triangle Body Type Apple shaped bodies have wider hips and narrow shoulders, so different kind of fitting shapewears required. The main characteristic of this body type is that your shoulders are wider than your hips. Plus, your waist may not be too defined and your hips may not be as curvy. Women within this body type usually have thin legs and thighs, with weight being evenly distributed across the trunk and average-sized breasts. Best Maternity Shapewear For Apple Body Types We've chosen 2 different types of maternity shapewear to help you feel curvy-licious while you recover from child birth! The Bellefit Corset Thong has adjustable and removable straps that will help your breasts stand out if you wish so. Plus, its thong rear will help shape your bottoms. This girdle will also keep that annoying back bulge and muffin top on check! You can wear it when swelling is at its peak, both after natural birth or a C-section. Check out the Bellefit Corset Thong here! The Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper is another sweet choice if you are not a big fan of thongs and prefer full rear coverage. This compression garment will help shape your waist harmlessly as it's been designed for new mums with gentle curves. Check out the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper here! Both of these compression garments are great for apple shape or inverted triangle body types because they help to softly define your waistline giving the firm compression of a medical-grade girdle. The Bellefit Corset Thong will also focus a bit more on your bust and bottoms, so of course, it's up to you to decide what suits your recovery better! 3. Oval And Diamond Body Types Choosing best maternity shapewear is all about identifying your body type. These body shapes are all very similar as they refer to women who gain most of the weight across their midsections -stomach and back. Diamond-shaped bodies have broader hips, and narrow bust aligned with the shoulders. However, if you have a prominent bust your body type could be the Oval. The other only main difference is Diamonds carry a bit more weight on their thighs, where Ovals have thinner hips and slender legs. Best Maternity Shapewear For Oval And Diamond Body Types One of our new mom's favorite comes up again! The Bellefit Bodysuit Corset is great for Oval and Diamond body types because it's full back coverage help dissipate the wicked back bulge and love handles! Also, it's removable straps and rounded front helps enhance your bust. Check out the Bellefit Bodysuit Corset here! Our second top choice is the Bellefit Abdominal Cincher Corset -which is also good for ladies with long trunks! With 2 front and 2 rear bonings and powerful compression panels, it helps to define your waist shape -big time! Its frontal 3 rows of hooks also let you keep up with your progress as you start getting back into your pre-pregnancy shape. Check out the Bellefit Abdominal Cincher Corset here! 4. Rectangle or Straight Body Type If you have almost similar sized shoulders and hips, you have rectangular or straight body type. Are your shoulders the same width as your hips? Is your waist not hugely defined? Maybe your buttocks are not too curvy? Then you may have a rectangle-shaped body. Some people refer to this body figure as the "athletic type" as the waistline looks quite straight and your general measurements are quite uniform. Best Maternity Shapewear For Rectangle or Straight Body Type Mums with straight body shape, check out the Bellefit's Pull Up Girdle or the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper! Both compression garments offer full support and are designed to fit bodies that are not that curvy. The Bellefit Pull Up Girdle is recommended after natural child birth, whereas the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper is meant for both types of deliveries. Both garments will accompany the natural shape of your body and flatten your tummy for a slender look and feel. Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull Up and the Bellefit Girdle with Front Zipper! 5. Hourglass Body Type If you have a hourglass body type, the need of your maternity shapewear would be different. Women with this body type have a wide bust, wide hips, and a narrow waist. As shoulders and hips are the same widths, and the waist is quite defined, this is the body type that's usually taken as a referent when styling and finding flattering outfits. Keep in mind this is not a very common body type. Sometimes a pear-shape body can be confused with an hourglass, but the actual most common shape is the straight type! Best Maternity Shapewear For Hourglass Body Type We have our Nr 1 bestseller for you, mostly because it's a postpartum girdle that can suit every single woman on Earth! The Bellefit Postpartum Corset with full rear coverage will accompany the natural curves of your body and help flatten your tummy as you recover from child birth. Check out the Bellefit Postpartum Corset here! If you had a natural birth, then we'd recommend the Bellefit Girdle Pull-Up, so you can go back to wearing those tight dresses in no time -while you wear a compression garment that's completely invisible under your clothing! Check out the Bellefit Girdle Pull-Up here! Sources: https://www.sportsrec.com/tell-long-short-torso-8251478.html https://www.healthline.com/health/women-body-shapes https://www.stitchfix.com/women/blog/fashion-tips/find-fit-for-your-body-type/ https://www.metdaan.com/5-common-female-body-shapes/ https://shopyourshape.com/body-shapes/oval-body-shape/

You may be wondering if your postpartum belly will ever go away, and it's taking a toll on your self-esteem. There is no definitive answer to when you'll regain your pre-pregnancy body, as every woman's pregnancy experience and body is unique. However, we're confident you can bounce back to your former self with the right mindset, some hard work, and the right equipment. It's common to end up with stubborn belly fat after pregnancy. What's more, this extra weight seems to creep up on you while you're pregnant—it doesn't come off with breastfeeding and even if you work out, no matter how often or how hard. If you're one of the many women who have experienced this frustrating scenario, don't worry; we're here to help. Our article covers why it's common to gain belly fat during pregnancy and what you can do to get your pre-pregnancy body back sooner. If you're still in your pregnancy and looking to plan a head, you should check out our other articles on 10 Steps to a Healthy Pregnancy Guide and these 5 Tips for a Holistic Approach to Pregnancy to make losing weight after pregnancy much easier. Tips For Flat Tummy After Pregnancy - How To Get Rid Of Belly Fat? Table Of Contents Understanding The After-Pregnancy Belly Enlarged Uterus Accumulated 'Baby Belly Fat' Separated Abdominal Muscles Post-Pregnancy Belly: Loose Skin 5 Tips For A Flat Tummy After Pregnancy 1. Breastfeed To Promote Weight Loss 2. Get A Postpartum Massage 3. Wear A Postpartum Girdle to Support Your Stomach After Giving Birth 4. Eat Clean to Slim Your Belly After Birth 5. Postnatal Fitness for Post-Pregnancy Belly Post-Pregnancy Exercises To Flatten Your Stomach After Giving Birth Pelvic Floor Exercises for How to Get Your Stomach Back After Pregnancy How to Lose Pregnancy Belly - Go For Walks Post-Pregnancy Yoga Or Other Low-Impact Activities Focus On Core Strength for Your Stomach After Pregnancy Tips On Firming Loose Skin After Delivery Nourish Your Skin With Hydrating Products Drink Plenty Of Water Get A Skin Wrap Treatment Wear A Bellefit Postpartum Girdle To Get The Most Benefits Summing Up: Reducing Belly Fat Naturally Sources: @jenniferaffleckk Nora & I sending out good vibes weekly💓 #momsoftiktok #utahmom #postpartum #postpregnancyweightloss #postpregnancy #bounceback #babiesoftiktok #fyp #pregnancy #youngmom ♬ Wanna Be Startin' Something - Michael Jackson - livethelifethatyoudread Understanding The After-Pregnancy Belly One of the most common complaints we hear from new moms is the dreaded "jelly belly" or "mommy pooch" that just doesn't seem to go away. The basic idea behind it is that after pregnancy, your stomach flab hangs on for dear life and won't go away no matter how much you exercise or diet. The culprits behind this are the same ones responsible for stretch marks: hormones, skin elasticity, body fat distribution and genetics. The truth is that two-thirds of women who have given birth to a child will be diagnosed with postpartum weight retention up to 5 years after delivery. Postpartum weight retention refers to the excess weight a woman gains while pregnant, which she cannot get rid of in the weeks and months following giving birth. It's also known as post-pregnancy belly fat or pregnancy pooch even though you may be months or years past your pregnancy. Here are some of the main reasons why your belly is looking a little bigger than you'd like after pregnancy. Understanding the After Pregnancy Belly Enlarged Uterus The uterus that first housed your baby started out as the size of a large plum (3 – 4 inches), and it stretches up to 500 times its size during pregnancy. Just as the uterus didn't grow overnight, don't expect your uterus to shrink back to its original size so quickly. The process of your uterus transforming back to its original size is called involution and the whole process can take anywhere from 6 – 8 weeks after giving birth, which may leave you feeling quite large for longer than you'd like — luckily, the female body is designed to bounce back to shape eventually. After your baby is born, you may experience cramping and uterine contractions, called "afterpains" — which shrink the uterus back to size — from around 72 hours after delivery until involution is complete. 'Afterpains' aren't really pains at all. They can feel like mild menstrual cramps and can be quite uncomfortable—but they're an expected part of the postpartum recovery process and nothing to worry about. Afterpains often start out as a twinge, then feel like a tightening sensation that lasts for about 30 seconds, before subsiding again. 'Afterpains' will probably start between 24 to 48 hours after you give birth. As your uterus begins to involute (meaning it returns to its normal size), 'afterpains' are a result of the contracting muscles pulling on the connective tissue in the uterus. Usually you feel mild discomfort and occur every 15-30 minutes for no longer than 10 minutes at a time. The intensity of afterpains can vary depending on how quickly your uterus has shrunk back down to its pre-pregnancy size, how much your baby nursed or was fed during her first three days of life, and whether or not you've had stitches following the birth. Some mothers find breastfeeding to help with the afterpains and wearing a postpartum girdle can also reduce these pains. There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not to wear a postpartum girdle, including personal preference, comfort, and cost. Some women choose to wear girdles during pregnancy and continue to use them after delivery to help support their abdominal muscles as they heal. Your Enlarged Uterus Accumulated 'Baby Belly Fat' There are several factors that come into play for the stubborn belly fat that accumulates as a result of pregnancy. The first trimester is the most difficult to stay in shape because your body is adjusting to the hormone changes of pregnancy. Your estrogen and progesterone levels are fluctuating, which affects how much you're eating. You may be hungrier than usual or in need of more frequent meals. Either way, it's important to understand that you'll likely gain weight during this time, as your baby needs extra calories for development. Accumulated Fat in the Abdominal Area Belly fat has also been shown to increase when a woman is pregnant, due to hormonal fluctuations. Human bodies generally put on weight around the belly (rather than the hips or thighs) when they consume more calories than they're burning. That's why it's so important to eat right and stay active during your pregnancy to help combat extra body fat. The second and third trimesters are easier because you're getting into a regular routine with meal times and exercising habits by then. However, don't forget that while your body is making room for a baby, you still need to make room for yourself! A few extra pounds won't hurt—the average woman gains 25-35 pounds while she's pregnant—but excessive weight gain can lead to health issues like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure. Most women will find that a significant portion of their weight gain happens in the third trimester. Those same hormones also cause you to hold on to calories and store it as fat to nourish and protect the growing baby. The extra fat is also used for nutrients for when it's time to breastfeed. Separated Abdominal Muscles Diastasis recti is the separation of your ab muscles caused by pregnancy or trauma to the muscles, and 66% of women experience abdominal wall separation in their third-trimester. For starters, you should know where your muscles are and how they work. The right and left sides of your rectus abdominis meet in the middle at the linea alba (the white vertical line running down the middle of your abdomen). If you feel above this line with your fingers, you're feeling above where your ab muscles meet; directly below this point is a gap between the muscles where they are connected to the pubic bone. Diastasis recti can be found in both men and women, but it is more common in women due to pregnancy. The condition can occur with or without symptoms, such as pain, bloating, and digestive problems. If you are experiencing these symptoms and want to get a diagnosis, you should go see your doctor who can determine if you have diastasis recti using an ultrasound or an MRI machine. If you do have diastasis recti, there are exercises you can do to help bring your stomach back together. The most important thing is consistency with your exercises. You should be doing your exercises at least three times per week for best results. Exercises such as planks and side plank variations will help strengthen your transverse abdominus muscle which not only helps stabilize the core but also helps bring the separated muscles back together. Diastasis recti may be responsible for the belly pooch even after you've lost most of your pregnancy weight. There are varying case severities of diastasis recti, but luckily the most common cases don't require surgery to treat. Diastasis Recti — Abdominal Wall Seperation Post-Pregnancy Belly: Loose Skin Loose skin after pregnancy is amongst one of THE most common issues new moms face when working on getting back to their pre-pregnancy shape. When you're pregnant, your body does some really cool things. It grows a tiny human inside of it, and it gets the hang of making milk for feeding the tiny human after he or she is born. Then the baby is born, and suddenly, those same parts of your body have to do some other really cool things: they have to feed that baby with milk from your breasts. A lot of women experience something called "loose skin" as a result of these processes. That's when after you lose fat, your skin doesn't shrink back down to where it was before. Loose skin can sometimes make it so that bras or clothing feels loose or hangs differently on you. If your belly button is stretched out, it may not look like your belly button anymore. This can be hard to deal with emotionally if you're used to seeing yourself one way, and all of a sudden, that way is different. Because pregnancy affects every woman differently, loose skin varies widely in how much it affects each person. Some people deal with a small amount of loose skin after pregnancy; others have a very hard time with a lot of loose skin after pregnancy. The intense 9-months stretch your skin undergoes causes collagen fibers to break due to overstretching. However, there are natural ways to minimize loose skin that doesn't always require surgery — more on that below. Ways to Minimize Loose Skin After Pregnancy View this post on Instagram A post shared by KATY ✨MOTHERHOOD ENCOURAGEMENT ✨ (@katy.fassett) 5 Tips For A Flat Tummy After Pregnancy Now that we've taken a closer look at some of the main reasons for that stubborn mummy-tummy, we'll share our tips on how to slim your belly and waist line. Our advice should never replace the recommendations given to you by your healthcare professional, so before you begin exercising or making any substantial changes to your health regimen, please consult with your doctor. 1. Breastfeed To Promote Weight Loss New mom breastfeeding her baby There are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby — from providing the ideal nutrients, bonding, and strengthening their immune system. But did you know that breastfeeding also promotes post-pregnancy weight-loss? It's true. Breastfeeding requires 300 – 500 calories per day. Studies show that moms who breastfed their babies lost weight faster than women who didn't. For advice on getting your baby to latch, check out our top breastfeeding tips.

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