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With social-distancing guidelines and lockdown orders still in place for the foreseeable future, planning a baby shower can seem lackluster. Don’t let Covid-19 ruin your pregnancy experience, host a virtual baby shower or a drive-by baby shower! In this article, we will discuss the different options you have for virtual baby showers, how they work, and tips for hosting one. What is a Virtual Baby Shower? A virtual baby shower is exactly what it sounds like. Friends and family come together online and celebrate the new addition to the family. There are a variety of online platforms that make this easier than ever. Not only that, but you can get really creative and enjoy time with friends, right from the comfort of your own home. Virtual baby showers allow everyone to meet at a designated time on an online platform and enjoy spending time together. No catering costs, no travel costs, and no risk of health problems. What is a Drive-by Baby Shower? A drive-by baby shower may not be for everyone, particularly if you live in a city or don’t have a car, but for some, it is a great option. A drive-by baby shower consists of your loved one’s driving by your house, honking, playing your favorite songs, and shouting their love and support. Typically, the time is chosen in advance and the family and friends line up like a parade and go by the house at the same time. This allows the mom to experience the love and support of their friends and family, without the risks of a large gathering. The attendees can also drop off their presents and skip the shipping costs. Some family and friends may not live near the mother-to-be, so by incorporating a virtual baby shower ensures everyone gets a chance to share their love. How to Host a Virtual Baby Shower or Drive-by Baby Shower The main goal of hosting a virtual baby shower or a drive-by baby shower is to allow friends and family to show their support and love. If you had a person in mind to host a baby shower prior to the coronavirus pandemic, you can still ask them to do it! The planning process will be much less taxing, but they will still enjoy being able to help you out on your special day. Or, if you don’t want to burden a friend or family member, you can always host it yourself. Planning a virtual baby shower does not take as much effort as an in-person one and is much more manageable. As a host, there are a few things you will need to consider. Where will you host the party? Online platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, and Skype are all great options. You will need to make sure that each person invited has access to the platform that you are hosting on. Some party-goers may be a little less technologically savvy and may need help figuring out how to navigate the platform. Send out Invites. You can make this as formal or informal as you want. You could send out a text message or an email with the details, or you could send a paper version in the mail. Just make sure to include the time, date, and any other information they will need. You can also include the registry information and the address of the mother-to-be. Choose Games and Themes. Just because the shower is online doesn’t mean you have to lose all the fun aspects of a baby shower. You can still play fun games and have a theme! It will all just be online. Open Gifts. You don’t have to, but a fun thing to do during the virtual shower is opening gifts. It allows guests to see your excitement and gives you an opportunity to show your appreciation. Gift Ideas: If you are attending a baby shower, there are a variety of objects that a mother-to-be may want. Make sure to check their registry before choosing. If they don’t have a registry you can always stick with something practical like diapers, cream, wipes, or a postpartum girdle. Tips for Hosting a Virtual Baby Shower or Drive-by Baby Shower Hosting a virtual baby shower and making it fun and creative can feel like a lot of pressure. You don’t want people to get bored and you want to be able to have fun--even if you are socially-distanced. We put together a small list of tips for hosting a virtual or drive-by baby shower that are sure to make your day memorable. Make the Most of Your Time With virtual and drive-by baby showers, some people will not understand the idea. Make sure that everyone is able to access the meeting and knows how to navigate the program. If someone doesn’t know how to work it, you can always set up a time to help guide them through it before the part begins. This will ensure that everyone is ready and you don’t have to deal with any technical problems by the time the party starts. Similarly, if you choose to open gifts during the party make sure you take the gift out of the extra packaging. If a gift was shipped in the mail, it likely came in a cardboard box. Make sure you take all of the gifts out of these boxes. That way they are ready to be opened when the time comes. Having a general timeline for the party can also make it flow much smoother and easier. It can be as loose or as tight as you want it. It just depends on how much you want to get done. Get creative With many of the online platforms, you can display a customized background on your video. Get creative and design your own background, or make it into a fun gender reveal! You can have the background a neutral color at the beginning of the call. Then display blue or pink to reveal the gender to everyone. There is no limit to what you can do. With drive-by showers, you can decorate the front lawn and sit outside and wave to your friends and family. Games One of the best parts of a baby shower is undeniable, the games. They bring out a little competition and make the day more fun. Having a virtual or drive-by baby shower doesn’t mean you have to get rid of them. There are plenty of fun games you can play online. You can also use screen sharing to do fun fill-in games such as How Well Do You Know Mom or a game of The Price is Right. Key Takeaways Baby showers are a fun opportunity to celebrate and congratulate the new mother-to-be. Even with social-distancing and stay-at-home orders, you can still have a fun day with friends and family. Virtual and drive-by baby showers are increasing in popularity, and give loved one’s a chance to share their excitement. Make the mother-to-be’s day special by sending them a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Not only is it a unique gift, but it is practical and helpful too. Bellefit’s postpartum girdles are designed to provide compression to the abdominal region which relieves pain and discomfort. Show your loved one you care by sending them one today.

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

When you first discover that you are pregnant you start to prepare for all the changes that are going to occur. Your belly will start to get bigger, your ankles may swell, your hair may get thicker, but what many mothers forget to mention is the mental changes. In addition to all of the physical changes you can expect when you’re pregnant, you will also begin to change mentally. Maybe you have already noticed it. You temporarily forget your birthday, your can’t remember why you walked into a room, you accidentally leave something in the oven, and my personal favorite--putting the milk in the cupboard and the cereal in the fridge. “Pregnancy brain,” or “mommy brain,” is a real thing that many women experience during their pregnancy. In this article, we explore what pregnancy brain is, why it happens, and how to combat its effects. What is pregnancy brain? And Is it real? When a woman becomes pregnant she may begin to notice changes in her cognitive functioning. Perhaps she struggles to remember things, can’t focus, or can’t pay attention to something for an extended period of time. This is referred to as pregnancy brain. “Pregnancy brain” shows up around the first trimester of pregnancy and stays until a few months postpartum. Pregnancy brain a real struggle and it can be very frustrating. Knowing what causes pregnancy brain and how to combat it can make the dilemma feel more manageable. Why does pregnancy brain happen? There is a variety of compounding factors that occur when you become pregnant that can cause pregnancy brain. These factors include hormones, lack of sleep, and stress. While there is little conclusion about what exactly causes pregnancy brain, research has shown that there is a change in cognitive functions when a woman becomes pregnant. There are many theories about what causes pregnancy brain. Hormones, lack of sleep, and stress are some of these but there have been no conclusive studies. Hormones As with almost every other change during pregnancy, it is likely you can blame your pregnancy brain on hormones. When you become pregnant your body’s hormone levels are changing rapidly and frequently. Hormone changes influence your ability to recall things and focus. In a 2014 study, researchers discovered a correlation between pregnancy and Spacial Recognition Memory. Spacial Recognition Memory is your brain’s ability to remember where things are located in relation to one another. For example, when you set your phone down on the couch, your brain should store that information away for you to remember later. However, when you are pregnant, your brain loses this ability. This means that you forget where your phone is, almost as soon as you set it down. So, when you are late for an appointment because you can’t find your keys, just remember to blame the hormones. Lack of Sleep In addition to your hormones, your changing body can cause a lot of physical discomforts. This discomfort can make it very hard for you to go to sleep at night and stay asleep. In addition, other pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn, restless legs, and nausea can make it difficult for a woman to go to sleep and stay asleep. Later on, once your baby is born, you may also have fitful nights of sleep as your baby can wake you up in the middle of the night. Sleep deprivation has a large impact on your short term and long term memory. Sleep deprivation and pregnancy brain have many of the same symptoms. Stress Stress can cause you to forget a lot of things. Your brain hyper-focuses on things that you are stressed about. With a new baby coming into your life, there are many things that your brain may be stressing about. Doctor appointments, baby preparations, and worries about childbirth can take too much of your attention away from everything else. This can make it difficult to remember small things, such as what you came into the room to do. How to combat pregnancy brain Now that you know what causes pregnancy brain you are better prepared to work against it. While many of the things that cause pregnancy brain cannot be changed, you can work against the symptoms. So, what are some of the things you can do to help combat pregnancy brain? Get as much sleep as you can. It may seem impossible and elusive, but sleep is incredibly important. If you have a hard time going to sleep try to meditate or do things to relax before you go to bed. Make your bed as comfortable as possible and if you need to take a nap during the day. Sleep allows your brain to form short term memory into long term memory, if you don’t have enough you may end up forgetting things. Maintain a healthy and well-rounded diet. Food is an essential part of your brain’s ability to function. Your body, and your brain, need certain nutrients in order to function properly. Make sure you are maintaining a healthy and well-rounded diet so that you can combat pregnancy brain. Set reminders/Make lists. Make it easier for your brain by writing things down and setting reminders for yourself. If you need to take the trash out at 8AM, set a reminder for yourself on your phone. That way you will remember and you will not rely on your brain to file away that short-term information. Similarly, if there are things that you need to complete throughout the day, make sure you write yourself a list. That way you can write it down and forget about it until you need to check it. Play brain games. An essential part of remembering information and having a strong short term memory is through practice. You don’t sit on the couch and then go run a marathon one day, you have to practice and strengthen your muscles. Your brain is the same way, you need to strengthen the neural pathways so that you can remember things when it becomes difficult. Playing brain games such as Soduko or doing crosswords can help strengthen those pathways. Apps such as Lumosity, Elevate, and Impulse can also help you do these things with fun interactive games. Key Takeaways Pregnancy brain is a real problem that many pregnant women deal with. It is characterized by difficulty remembering things, an inability to focus, and not being able to concentrate. Pregnancy brain can be caused by hormones, lack of sleep, and even stress. In order to combat pregnancy brain, you can get as much sleep as possible, eat well, set reminders, make lists, and play brain games. Pregnancy brain can become worse once the baby is born. In your first few months postpartum your body is trying to heal but a lack of sleep and the stress of having a newborn can make it difficult. Invest in yourself and get over your pregnancy brain faster by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Postpartum girdles are designed to offer medical-grade compression and ease the pain from labor and birth. They are ideal for women who have had a C-section or women who have had a vaginal birth. By easing your pain, postpartum girdles make it easier for you to recover quickly and spend time with your newborn. Thankfully, pregnancy brain typically only lasts during pregnancy and for a few months afterward. It is a completely normal experience for pregnant women and while it can be frustrating, it should not be a cause for concern.

After a long night of crying, fussing, and screaming you finally gave in and just gave the baby a pacifier. How are you going to wean a baby off a pacifier now? Will it mess up their teeth? Will it cause ear infections? Don’t worry, in this article, we will address all those questions and more. Why Pacifiers Help Baby’s are born with an innate desire to suck. This “suck reflex” develops in the womb and helps the baby soothe themselves and receive sustenance from their mothers. Even if a baby is not hungry, they will want to suck on something. If they are not sucking on a pacifier, they will suck on a hand, finger, bottle, or breast. The act of sucking on something helps them to self-soothe and is part of the way they control their distress mechanism. Therefore, it is very normal and beneficial for a baby to use a pacifier. Most babies will find a pacifier very beneficial and soothing. As they age, a pacifier turns into a security blanket of sorts and it can be hard to rid them of their habit. In order to avoid this, you will need to wean a baby off a pacifier. When to wean baby off pacifier Between the ages of 6-8 months is the easiest time to wean a baby off a pacifier. Around the age of 9 months, babies begin to develop a sense of attachment to their objects. After around 9 months of age, it will become harder to wean your baby off of their pacifier. However, this does not mean you have to do it at this time, it just means that it is easiest to do it then. You can wean a baby off a pacifier once they reach the toddler stage, and even later if you need. There may be some other reasons you may want to wean a baby off a pacifier. Pacifiers, while great for soothing, can lead to health problems. If you notice your child is developing an increasing number of earaches, or their teeth are beginning to move it may be time to wean them of their pacifier. Pacifiers are a great way to calm down a fussy child so it is sometimes easier to just give in and give them their pacifier. Don’t be too hard on yourself, even if it takes a while, your child will eventually rid themselves of their pacifier. Different techniques to wean a baby off a pacifier There are a few different ways that you can wean a baby off a pacifier. Cold turkey The most difficult way to wean a baby of their pacifier is to cut it out cold turkey. With this technique, you will take away their pacifier and simply not give it back. This technique can be hard and requires a lot of self-will. Your child will scream, cry, fuss, and try everything in the playbook to get it back. In order for this technique to be successful, you cannot give in to their demands. It’s incredibly hard, and some people just can’t take it anymore and give in. However, if you persist, you can have your baby weaned off a pacifier in less than a week. It will be a long few nights, and you may not get much sleep, but it can be done. Phase it out In contrast to the cold turkey method is the phase-out method. With this method, you will slowly determine when and for how long your baby can have their pacifier. You can let them cry it out during their naps, but give them a pacifier when they go to sleep. Slowly reduce the amount of time that they use their pacifier throughout the day. Typically, this can be done over the course of a month or two. This teaches them to self-soothe. Transition Another method is to transition their soothing needs to another object. Instead of them needing a pacifier to go to sleep or calm down this will teach them to reach for a stuffed animal or a blanket. You are not taking away their soothing object, but you are changing the object to something else. You do this by phasing out their pacifier usage and replacing it with another object. This gives them something else to hold onto while they are upset. Almost Sleeping Another way to wean a baby off a pacifier is to prevent them from using it to fall asleep. This technique is different from cold turkey because the baby is not prevented from using a pacifier, but they don’t use it to fall asleep. The technique is used when your baby is almost asleep -- they have stopped sucking on the pacifier. You will simply take their pacifier before they are completely asleep. This teaches the child to self-soothe without the use of a pacifier. Tips for weaning a baby off a pacifier Weaning a baby from a pacifier is a difficult, and sometimes long, journey. Try to be as patient and soothing as possible. Yes, crying and screaming and sleepless nights can make you lose faith, but it is all temporary. The best way to wean a baby off a pacifier is to use a combination of all the different techniques listed above. Phase-out the pacifier use throughout the day and only use it in emergency situations. Similarly, right before they go to sleep offer them a stuffed animal or a blanket instead of a pacifier. If they still want the pacifier, try taking it out before they are fully asleep. Key Takeaways Many parents dread the day that they have to take away their baby’s pacifier. However, with a combination of techniques and tricks, you can have your baby weaned off a pacifier in just a couple of months. Weaning a baby off a pacifier can be hard and difficult and lead to many sleepless nights. Not only are you dealing with pacifier crying, but you may be dealing with night-time feeds as well. Don’t make it more difficult than it needs to be by investing in a Bellefit nursing bra. This bra makes it easy to clip down and give the baby access to your breast without any hassle. Not only is this bra supportive and effective, but it is comfortable too. Don’t waste a second of sleep. Invest in a Bellefit nursing bra today.

As a pregnant woman, you have probably been warned of the restless nights you will experience when the baby comes, but what about now? What about your nights spent awake staring at the ceiling despite being exhausted. Among the multiple struggles of pregnancy is the dreaded pregnancy insomnia. While almost 75% of women experience pregnancy insomnia (particularly in the third trimester) it is not as widely talked about. In this article, we will talk about what causes pregnancy insomnia, how long it lasts, and how to deal with it. What is pregnancy insomnia? According to WebMD insomnia is “a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and/or staying asleep.” Insomnia can be caused by any number of problems and typically lasts a couple of nights. Chronic insomnia occurs multiple nights a week for multiple months. Pregnancy insomnia is insomnia that is induced by being pregnant. Pregnancy symptoms such as pregnancy dreams, frequent urination, inability to get comfortable, and heartburn can all lead to pregnancy insomnia. While it is annoying, insomnia is not dangerous for your baby’s health. What causes pregnancy insomnia? Typical pregnancy symptoms are often the main source of pregnancy insomnia. Your body is going through many changes, so it can take a lot of adjustment to get comfortable. Pregnancy insomnia can be caused by Heartburn Frequent trips to the bathroom Back pain Abdominal pain Breast tenderness Vivid dreams Nausea/vomiting Leg cramps Shortness of breath Causes of pregnancy insomnia are not limited to this list. Increased anxiety about labor, delivery, and being a mother can also lead to insomnia as well. How long does it last? Pregnancy insomnia can last throughout your entire pregnancy. But the good thing about pregnancy insomnia is that it is not permanent. Pregnant women will typically develop insomnia in the late 2nd trimester or the early 3rd trimester. This is due to your growing belly and your increased inability to get comfortable. Thankfully, after you have given birth the things keeping you awake should stop. Pregnancy insomnia may stop, but you may have trouble sleeping for other reasons. If you are still having trouble sleeping after you give birth, talk to your doctor about it. How to combat pregnancy insomnia When it comes to pregnancy insomnia there are two ways you can approach the problem. You can learn to manage it or you can try to prevent it. Both ways are effective and trying to do both will get you the best outcome. Managing insomnia Some nights may be worse than others when it comes to your pregnancy insomnia. So, learning ways to manage those nights is key to getting as much rest as possible. If you find yourself unable to get comfortable, unable to fall asleep, or waking up multiple times a night try out these techniques. Get out of bed. While it may seem counter-intuitive getting out of bed and occupying your mind can help you fall asleep. Particularly if you are stuck in an anxiety rut and are unable to control your wandering thoughts. Get out of bed and read for a little bit, or start on a coloring page. Anything to keep your brain occupied while keeping your body at rest. If you do this for about 20-30 minutes your brain may finally catch up and you may find yourself yawning. As soon as you begin to feel tired, get back into bed, and try to fall asleep. Stretch it out. If you are having trouble getting to sleep because you are uncomfortable, try getting out of bed and stretching. Doing some lunges, or stretching your hamstrings can help with restless legs or leg cramps. Sleep as much as you can and keep track. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Some nights you may get loads of sleep, while others you may get none. While it may feel like you are not getting enough sleep it is possible that you actually are. Try downloading a sleeping app on your phone and track how much you are sleeping a night. Then, log how you feel every day and see if you can find trends. Some people may discover they only need about 6 hours of sleep to feel awake, while others may discover they need 9. Knowing what your body needs can help you feel better prepared for the day if you don’t get as much as you need. Preventing Pregnancy Insomnia Just like a growing belly, pregnancy insomnia is one of those things that you are probably not going to avoid. The physical and mental stress of pregnancy is bound to interrupt your sleep at least a few nights out of your pregnancy. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get the best night’s sleep. Try to prevent pregnancy insomnia as much as you can by following these techniques. Avoid caffeine. Particularly, when it is close to your bedtime. Don’t eat too close to bedtime. Eating too much and too fast can cause you to have heartburn or stomach problems. Try to eat earlier in the evening so that you can avoid the discomfort. Work out. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine. This can help make you tired later in the evening and help you stay asleep. Stop water intake. Try not to drink anything an hour before bed. This can prevent you from having to make any middle of the night toilet runs. Create a bedtime routine. Having a specific bedtime routine will train your body to become sleepy at the same time. Try to go to sleep at the same time every night and try to stop electronic usage at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Download an app. Meditation apps such as Sleep can help soothe a racing mind and help you feel tired. Get a white noise machine. If you are a light sleeper this is an excellent investment. The white noise will help to drown out any other noises that could prevent you from falling asleep. Get as comfortable as possible. Make sure that you have a lot of pillows and that you are not too hot. Body pillows are a pregnant woman’s best friend. Particularly in the third trimester when your belly is big and cumbersome. Key Takeaways Pregnancy insomnia is when a pregnant woman is unable to fall asleep or has a difficult time staying asleep. It typically occurs in the 2-3rd trimester, but it can last throughout the entire pregnancy. Taking steps to manage it and prevent it is the best way to combat pregnancy insomnia. Thankfully, pregnancy insomnia should end after labor and delivery but other things can prevent you from getting sleep. After your baby has arrived, your body will be experiencing a lot of changes. Investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle can help you stay asleep and feel less pain after your labor. A postpartum girdle is a compression garment that eases the residual pain that occurs after childbirth. Invest in a better night’s sleep and deeper sleep by getting a Bellefit postpartum girdle today.

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

Raising a baby comes with many trials and tribulations. Learning how to burp your baby is one of the many obstacles that you will face as a parent. In this article, we will discuss why you need to burp your baby, when you do it, how to do it, and for how long. Why do babies need to be burped? One of the many parenting duties for a newborn is burping your baby. Unlike adults, babies are not fully self-sufficient and need to be burped by their parents. Similar to adults, babies tend to swallow air when they are eating/drinking. The swallowed air creates gas bubbles in their stomach or intestines. Your baby burps to release the gas that is trapped in their stomachs. This prevents them from becoming fussy or cranky. Think of it like this, if we, as adults, have a lot of gas we know how to position ourselves so that we can release that gas. Either in the form of a fart or a burp. Babies cannot do this on their own because they don’t have a lot of muscle control. Therefore it is the responsibility of their parent or caretaker to burp them. Trapped gas bubbles can cause babies to have stomach aches and being uncomfortably full. The only way that babies can express their discomfort is by crying or becoming cranky. Releasing these gas bubbles helps them feel better which can prevent them from becoming cranky and fussy. When do you burp your baby? In general, babies need to be burped while they are feeding, and after they are done feeding. The trick to burping your baby is to gauge when you think they will need to burp. In general, it is best to input burpings into a natural time when your baby will likely need it. For women who breastfeed this generally occurs when you are switching them between breasts. Once they have fed on one of your breasts you can burp them and then let them finish eating on the other breast. If you are bottle-feeding you will generally have to feed them after they have had about 2-3 ounces. Some babies require you to burp them more frequently. Babies who drink really fast or are bottle-fed tend to swallow more air and therefore need to be burped more often. Other babies don’t need to be burped as frequently and can actually become upset if you burp them too much. Based on your baby’s behaviors you should be able to figure out how often they need to be burped when they are eating. How to burp your baby Burping a baby is actually pretty easy. Some babies require a firmer hand, but most babies simply need you to rub or pat their back. Make sure that when you are rubbing or patting that you are doing it on the left side of their back. This is where the stomach is located and where the motion will be the most effective. When you are burping a baby you also need to make sure that you have a burp cloth on you. Sometimes if a baby has too much gas that has been trapped they can spit up some of the milk that they just had. So, having a burp cloth on you ensures that you can wipe up any messes or keep yourself clean. Positions to burp your baby There are a few positions that will make it easy to burp your baby. Resting them on your shoulder, setting them face-down on your lap, or sitting them up. These positions are the best techniques and the most effective for burping your baby. Resting on the Shoulder: In this position, the baby’s belly is placed on either your breast the upper part of your chest and their face is positioned on your shoulder or over your shoulder. You support their body with one hand under their butt and then lightly pat/rub on their back until they burp. Face-Down on Lap: In this position, the baby’s belly is placed on one of your thighs and their head is hanging over your other thigh. You then lightly rub in a circular motion or firmly pat their back until they burp. Sitting: In the last position, the baby is set into a sitting up position and leaned slightly forward. One of your hands is used to support their head and chest and the other hand is used to rub/pat their back. You continue with them in this position until they have expelled all their gas. Each of these positions is effective but you may find one of them to be the most comfortable for you and your baby. Experiment with each position until you find one that both you and your baby like. How long to burp a baby Depending on your baby, you may not need to burp them for that long. For some babies it may take a little longer. Some babies don’t swallow a lot of air as they eat. This means they may not have to burp, or they may only have a little gas to expel. Other babies may have a lot of gas they need to expel but it could take them a little to do it. If your baby is not burping after a few minutes of trying, set them down, and then try again in 4-5 minutes. You can also try switching their position. If your baby is still not burping it could be that they don’t need to. The only way you will learn is by experimenting and listening to your baby. If they are fussy and cranky then it is likely that they still need to burp. Some babies end up swallowing a lot of gas and tend to have gas problems. This is called colic. If your baby is continually crying/fussing for 3 or more hours a day then they may have this condition. In that case, it is essential that you talk to your pediatrician and get the problem taken care of. Takeaway Burping your baby takes time and experimentation to become an expert at. Each baby is different so each of their needs is going to be different. The key to burping your baby is to listen to their cues. If they are fussy/cranky while you are feeding then they probably need to be burped. Make sure that you are prepared for burping your baby by investing in a nursing bra and a burp cloth. Each of these things can make burping your baby much easier for you. Bellefit’s nursing bra is designed to make it easy to clip up or down. This helps you feed your baby quicker and easier without having to worry about taking off your bra. In addition, it is soft and comfortable making it easy to wear all day and even to bed. Take away the hassle of nursing and burping your baby by investing in one of Bellefit’s nursing bras today.

When you are pregnant with your first child, you can typically expect people to throw a baby shower for you. But what happens when this isn’t your first child? Enter the baby sprinkle. In this article, we will explain what a baby sprinkle is, etiquette, and give you some fun ideas for themes, games, and gifts. What is a baby sprinkle and is it different than a baby shower? A baby sprinkle is a smaller version of a baby shower. It is meant to help the mother-to-be stock up on all the newborn essentials. Unlike a baby shower, a baby sprinkle is more about celebrating the new child and less about ensuring the mom has all the proper equipment. Having a child can be expensive and there are many things that you need to get when you are expecting your first baby. Baby showers allow your friends and family to help get you all that you will need--- a crib, high chair, car seat, breast pump, etc.--to take care of your newborn. In contrast, a baby sprinkle is less grand and more subdued. A second-time mom (or 3rd or 4th) won’t need all new equipment; she already has a crib and a car seat. So, a baby sprinkle is designed to help her stock up on the essentials or anything that her other child is still using. This can include things such as diapers, wipes, onesies, formula, stroller, a car seat, etc. Baby sprinkle etiquette There are a few things to remember when you are hosting a baby sprinkle. Baby sprinkles are much more low-key than a baby shower. The parents-to-be already have the majority of their big items so they will likely only need smaller gifts. The guest list can be kept to a minimum and the gifts can be smaller. The baby sprinkle is more about celebrating a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkles don’t tend to have a registry. This may not be true for all sprinkles though. If there is a long period of time in between the two children, it is very possible that the parents-to-be got rid of their baby’s old things. Now they may need the big-ticket items, so it is perfectly appropriate to have a registry; but in general, a registry isn’t needed. The host should not be the mother-to-be or either of the grandmothers. This is true for all baby showers and it is also true for a baby sprinkle. Don’t add any more stress to their already stressed-out life. Be prepared to explain. Baby sprinkles are a relatively new phenomenon and many people will not understand what it is. The typical etiquette is that baby showers are reserved for the first baby. So, many guests can be confused as to why they are being invited to a second one. Make sure that the guests understand that this is a get-together to celebrate a new life, and not to ‘shower’ the mother with gifts. Put gift ideas on the invitation. Because many people have never been to a sprinkle before, they will likely not know what to bring. Make sure to list gift ideas on the invitation so that they know what is expected. How To Plan A Baby Sprinkle Baby sprinkles are a much more casual affair and don’t require a lot of planning. However, you can still have fun with a baby sprinkle and keep it informal. A baby sprinkle typically lasts about 2 hours instead of a whole afternoon. This makes it easy to have a small get-together like a birthday party. Instead of catering, just have a few light snacks. Invite the closest friends and family--including the male relatives--and allow their children to join too. A baby sprinkle should be a fun, small celebration of the new baby that is on the way. Baby Sprinkle Party Themes and Ideas To make a baby sprinkle feel a little bit more special try adding a theme to the decor. Some fun baby sprinkle themes include A Sprinkle of Rain - include clouds and rain imagery in the decor Sugary Sweet Sprinkles - coat a cake with jimmies, and use colorful polka-dots on the decor Growing Family - Use lots of flowers, seeds, and plants to show the growing family New Drafted Player - Add a sports element to the party to show that a new member is going to be added to the team. Baby sprinkle games If you have ever been to a baby shower you are probably aware of how crazy baby shower games can get. People get competitive and it can become a little rowdy. Baby sprinkles are more relaxed. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun games, but they are probably not going to get too out of control. Baby sprinkle games tend to be more creative and fun instead of competitive. For example, you can have a onesie decorating contest and have a prize for the cutest onesie. You could also have everyone create a cute piece of art for the baby’s nursery. Similarly, you can forgo games altogether and opt for a fun advice box. This gives people an opportunity to write their best advice for a growing family and put it in a box for the parents to read later. A baby sprinkle is all about spending time with family and friends and getting excited for a new addition to the family. Baby sprinkle gift ideas Typically, there will be a small list of gift ideas that the parents are looking for on the invitation, but sometimes that is not the case. Other times, you may just want to give them a little something special. If you are attending a baby sprinkle and have no idea what to get the mother-to-be, here are a few ideas. Stick to the basics. You can never go wrong with the essentials. Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby powder, etc. Your gift might not be the most amazing or the most creative, but they will be the most grateful for it. Clothes. Clothes are another thing that parents will be grateful for. This is particularly true if the baby is the opposite gender of their previous child. If they are the same gender, then try going for larger clothes designed for one-year-olds. They may not be immediately useful, but they will be grateful later on. Big-Ticket Items. If you know that they don’t have a lot of the bigger items they will need, go ahead and get it for them. Maybe their stroller is only designed for one--get them one for two. That way there is enough room for the new baby and the other child. Gifts for Mommy. Trust us, a gift for mommy is going to go a long way towards keeping them sane. Especially in the last trimester. Get them a spa gift card, or a prenatal massage, or if you want to go the extra mile--a postpartum girdle. A postpartum girdle is designed to help support and compress the mother’s abdomen after giving birth. It promotes a faster healing time with less pain. A postpartum girdle is a perfect and thoughtful gift to get your friend or family member who is expecting. Because it is not something they would think to get for themselves, but they will thank you for it. Key Takeaways A baby sprinkle is a time to get celebrate the arrival of a new addition to the family. It brings together family and friends and helps the parents stock up on the essentials they will need. A baby sprinkle is much more relaxed than a baby shower, but cute themes and small games are always a plus. Make sure that you take the time to get the growing family a thoughtful gift and invest in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Trust us, they will be forever grateful.

Sleep. The ever-important yet sometimes elusive beast. A good night’s sleep is necessary to maintain your mental and physical health. Sadly, once you add a newborn into the house it is unlikely you are getting that much of it. However, once you figured out a schedule that works for you, and become attuned to your baby’s habits you have probably settled into a routine. Suddenly, your baby is deviating from that routine--fussing when you put them to bed, waking up more often, or even not falling asleep. If any of these sound familiar it is likely you are experiencing a case of sleep regression. In this article, we will discuss sleep regression, what it is, why it happens, when it happens, and how to deal with it. What is sleep regression? Sleep regression is when your baby (who normally sleeps pretty well) suddenly has trouble sleeping or falling asleep. Cases of sleep regression typically last between two to four weeks before the baby settles back into its old routine. The occasional nighttime interruption or temporary changes are to be expected with a newborn, but if these turn into the new regular you are probably dealing with sleep regression. This break from their normal sleeping habits can be frustrating for you and for them, and can even be an indication that there is a bigger problem to deal with. Signs of sleep regression So, what are the signs of sleep regression? And how are they different from the occasional sleeping disruption? The signs of sleep regression can vary depending on the reason for your baby’s change in sleep schedule. In general, the signs for sleep regression include: Fussing or crying when you try to put them to sleep Waking up more often during the night Not wanting to take naps Trouble falling asleep or getting back to sleep Changes in appetite Why does it happen? There are multiple reasons why your baby may be experiencing sleep regression. A change in routine A growth spurt (causing them to be hungrier than usual) Teething pain Illness Developmental Milestones Traveling All of these things can cause your baby to wake up more frequently or have problems going to sleep. When does it happen? Depending on the reason for their sleep regression there may be no way to tell when your child will experience a sleep regression. However, some reasons, such as developmental changes, teething, or growth spurts are pretty predictable. There are typically about three sleep regressions that you are likely to experience in your child’s first year of life. They occur around four months, six months, and eight months of age. At four months, your child is experiencing a developmental change in their brain that causes them to wake up more frequently. When your baby is first born their brains are wired to have two sleep cycles a night. Around the four-month mark, their brain begins to develop and mature, and their sleep cycle changes to four times a night--like an adult. This means that they are having lighter sleep cycles and are more likely to wake up. At six months, your baby is experiencing a growth spurt and this can cause them to have an increased appetite. Similarly, at eight months, your baby is going through a lot of developmental milestones. They are learning a language, starting to crawl, teething, and growing. All of these things can cause them to experience a sleep regression. How to combat sleep regression In order to combat sleep regression, you need to ensure that your baby is tired, pain-free, and full when putting them to sleep. One of these three things is often the culprit when it comes to sleep regression. Here are some tips to combat sleep regression: Put your baby to bed when they are drowsy but not yet asleep. This teaches them to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own. Rocking your baby or holding them until they are almost asleep and then setting them in their crib can help. You can also remain in the room and offer reassuring touches and sounds until they fall asleep. If they begin to fuss and cry again then you can pick them up and try again. Feed them as much as needed. If your baby is going through a growth spurt they can sometimes wake up hungry. Try feeding them a little bit more food before putting them to sleep and seeing if that helps. If they wake up in the middle of the night, try seeing if they are hungry before putting them back to sleep. Keep it quiet and dark in the room. As your baby’s sleep cycle changes, they will be easier to wake up in the middle of the night. Making sure there are no noises or excess light to wake them up can help them stay asleep and fall back to sleep if they wake up. Investing in a white-noise machine can help keep the room quiet. Try to stick to a routine. Sticking to a routine can help your baby stay asleep and fall asleep because their body has adjusted. Deviating from this routine can cause problems with sleep regression. Adjust their bedtime. If your baby typically has two naps a day but decides not to sleep for one of them, adjust their bedtime accordingly. If they have two 30 minute naps, but they missed one, put them to bed 30 minutes earlier. If a baby is overtired it can increase its crankiness. Preventing sleep regression Sleep regression is a natural and normal part of child development. In most cases, there is not a way to prevent sleep regression. Developmental milestones and outside influences are likely leading to your baby’s sleep regression. Try your hardest to makes sure your infant’s needs are met, keep them on a schedule, and alleviate any pain (if they are sick or teething); but if those are not the cause it could be indicating a bigger problem. When to contact a doctor If your baby appears to be sick contact your pediatrician. Illness or pain can be causing sleep regression. Similarly, if you have been working on a consistent sleep routine for a while and nothing seems to be helping, contact your pediatrician. They can address any concerns you may have and offer advice. Key Takeaways on Sleep Regression Sleep regression is when your baby deviates from their normal sleeping routine and wakes up frequently or has trouble going to sleep. It can be caused by many different factors, but staying consistent with a routine, making sure their needs are met, and keeping them pain-free are the best ways to combat it. As it has been said, sleep is an important part of your life as well as your baby’s life. Make sure you are getting enough of it and make sure you are staying pain-free by investing in a Bellefit postpartum girdle. Bellefit postpartum girdles are designed to help your body heal after childbirth. They offer medical-grade compression and can help prevent diastasis recti. Stay pain-free, heal faster, and take care of your baby with the help of a Bellefit postpartum girdle.

Potty training is a difficult time and frustrating time period. The key to success is ensuring your child is ready and having patience. Potty training is complex and can be difficult. Many children struggle with it and learning styles can be different for each child. Knowing when to start potty training, tips and tricks, and setbacks you can expect, make it easier to deal with the struggles of potty training. When to start potty training Many parents are very eager to start the potty training journey, but while you may be ready that doesn’t mean your child is. Not only does your child need the necessary motor skills but they will also need proper communication skills. In general, children are ready to begin potty training around 2-3 years of age. Many times they will begin to show signs that they are ready to start potty training on their own. For example, they may begin to show interest in the toilet, they may start to tell you or communicate to you when they have to go to the bathroom, and they may come to you to change their diaper soon after they have gone in it. The best way to determine if your child is ready is to ask yourself the following questions? Is your child able to travel to and get onto the toilet? Can your child pull their pants up and down by themselves? Do they understand directions? Are they able to communicate their need to use the restroom? Can your child hold it for more than a couple of hours? Do they seem interested in potty training? If your child can do most or all of the above then they are probably ready to begin potty training. If they cannot do most or any of the above then they are probably not ready to begin potty training. In addition to your child, you need to be prepared for potty training as well. You will need to have the time and patience to deal with the ups and downs of potty training. In addition, you will need to prepare yourself for accidents and setbacks. Potty training is not easy and quick, it takes a while and can be mentally draining. Make sure you are ready to deal with it. Steps for potty training Once you have determined that you are ready to begin potty training, there are a few steps to take before you begin the actual training. Build up positive bathroom associations. Let them come into the restroom with you and see what you are doing. Toddlers are naturally curious and they like to imitate what they see. If you demonstrate to them how to use the restroom, properly wipe, and flush the toilet they will likely want to imitate you. Get them excited about potty training. Your toddler has to want to use the restroom on their own. To do this many parents go with them to the store and let them pick out their “big boy/girl underwear.” This gives them an incentive to want to use the restroom properly so they can wear their new underwear. You will need to get the necessary equipment. Some children prefer their own smaller potty to go in, while others prefer to use the big potty right away. For training potties, make sure they are stable and durable so that they won’t tip over by accident. For adult potties, you can get a small seat attachment that makes it easier for them to sit on. Start to make the connection. You have probably become very attuned to your child’s tells. When they begin to show signs that they need to use the restroom, or that they have used the restroom, ask them if they need to use the bathroom. If they haven’t gone yet you can guide them to the potty and encourage them to use it. If they have already gone you should still bring them to the toilet and encourage them to use it again. This will link the need to go to the bathroom with the act of sitting on the toilet. Tips for potty training Potty training is hard, but thankfully parents all over have been sharing their tips for potty training. We compiled a list of the best potty training tips we could find. This list of tips can help your child learn to use the bathroom faster. Switch to Pull-Ups. Pull-ups are a mix between diapers and underwear. They make it easy for your child to pull up and down and use the restroom when they need to, but they also make it easy for you to clean up if they end up having an accident. Keep them motivated to use the bathroom. Praise your child when they successfully use the restroom and tell them what a “big boy/girl” they are when they do. This positive reinforcement makes them more willing and excited to use the restroom. Giving them another motivation can also help them want to use the restroom. Some parents choose to create a bathroom calendar. On the calendar, the child gets a sticker every time they use the restroom successfully. This can motivate them to use the bathroom. Teach them to listen to their body. Some children have a hard time recognizing and acting on their bathroom urges. In order to make them be more cognizant of their body, you can have a time period during the day that they are naked. This naked time encourages them to recognize the signs their body is giving them before they have an accident. Make sure that you have a potty nearby during this time, and that you are on hardwood, or a cleanable, surface should they have an accident. In addition, you can ask throughout the day if they are dry or not. If they are dry, give them a high five or a hug, but if they are not dry don’t punish them. Be patient and don’t fight them. Potty training typically takes several weeks of practice to master. And even after they have seemingly mastered it they may still have the occasional accident. Don’t worry if they do it is a normal and natural part of the training process. Setbacks are completely normal, but if your child is actively fighting you or they do not want to work on potty training do not force them. Forcing a child or toddler to do something they don’t want to do can actually lead to more problems. Give them the space to do it themselves and then come back to them once they are more ready to participate. Key Takeaways Potty training is a long and hard journey. It can seem daunting and overwhelming at first, but success is all about waiting until they are ready and having patience. When your child starts to demonstrate signs that they are ready to start potty training start slowly and work your way towards the goal. This can take a long time and a lot of patience, but you will be successful. Make sure you are ready for the journey too by investing in some comfortable underwear and leggings. Not only will these keep you comfortable and ready to take on the day but it can also encourage your child to imitate your actions. If you have a pair of underwear that you are excited to wear, and leggings that are easy to pull down your child will see this and want that too. Invest in yourself with Bellefit’s postpartum garments.

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

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