

News
5 Highly Recommended Labor Positions for Pregnant Women
Whichever position you choose to be in at the time of delivery, know that it can help ease the process and make you feel more comfortable. That’s why it’s as important as it is to choose wisely when making this decision. This list contains the most common labor positions.
10 Tips to Manage Visitors After Birth (#9 gets rid of most of the stress)
The natural response to a loved one giving birth is to go visit her and the newborn baby in the hospital. It’s likely what you’ll experience yourself after delivering and truthfully, managing visitors after birth can be very overwhelming depending on the size of your inner circle.
Best 5 Ways to Help Your Friend Deal with Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression isn’t something Hollywood made up to increase ratings. It’s a real condition experienced by many mothers after giving birth. Postpartum depression is commonly referred to as “the baby blues”. Some of its symptoms include anxiety, crying, mood swings, and difficulty falling asleep.
Table Of Contents
1. Be supportive without defaulting to giving advice
2. Help prepare meals for the new mother
3. Help your friend do her housework
4. Run simple errands so she doesn’t need to get herself and the baby ready
5. Watch the baby so she can rest
Most women experience postpartum depression for a short length of time as in two to three days after delivery, with the lengthier cases lasting as long as two weeks or more.
Refer this guide to find 5 best ways to help a friend going through lowness, downheartedness, melancholy or peepers.
1. Be supportive without defaulting to giving advice
Your unconditional support matters a lot to her.
Even if you have children of your own, it may be difficult to understand how your friend is feeling. Make it a point to show your support without overwhelming her with parenthood tips and tricks.
She has plenty of time to learn the ropes and may respond differently to the advice once she feels better moving out of her peepers.
2. Help prepare meals for the new mother
Prepare food for your friend and family.
Among one of the easiest tasks for you to do is to make food for your friend and her family. You can do it in her home or at your own.
If you bulk prepare meals, she’ll have nothing more to do than heat them up and serve them. It’s a welcome sight to see food in the fridge after a long day of caring for a newborn.
3. Help your friend do her housework
Help your friend with her housework.
There will be a lot of tasks that go by the wayside when a new baby is born. Make sure that you take over some of the housework for your friend. You can easily run the vacuum, wash dishes, and dust while she tends to her little one.
Having a clean environment to be in helps improve your friend’s morale. If the laundry piles up and the floors haven’t been swept in days, she could very well feel worse than she already does.
4. Run simple errands so she doesn’t need to get herself and the baby ready
Help your friend in her daily tasks so she can stay more at home.
Drop off bills for her. Collect her mail at the post office. Do her grocery shopping for the week for her. There are so many things you can do to help her out. Keeping your friend from having to leave the house with baby in tow is imperative.
If she isn’t thinking clearly or feels too exhausted to move, having her drive from one location to the next is risky.
5. Watch the baby so she can rest
Do some childcare for your friend so she can relax.
Take over childcare for her so she can get a good nap in. After all, she can’t feel better if she's overextended herself. You can even get her baby to nap around the same time that mom is catching up on zs by putting their Owlet smart socks on and gently rocking them to sleep in a rocking chair.
Postpartum depression can be very serious. If you fear that your friend’s health may be compromised by how she is currently feeling, urge her to seek help from a trusted mental health professional.
They’ll be able to effectively step in and assist the new mother in ways you cannot. Remember that being supportive does not mean that you have all the resources a licensed therapist or psychologist has at their fingertips.
New moms using a Bellefit postpartum corset have found it very effective to boost their self-confidence and help with their postpartum depression. After all, wearing a Bellefit postpartum girdle makes women feel put together and more confident about bouncing back to their pre-pregnancy shape.
Many new moms feel sad and depressed that their bodies aren’t what they used to be before pregnancy. Most women eventually realize that this physical change is normal and that it doesn't last for too long. It is important for women to be intentional about loving their bodies through this transitional period in their lives.
Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets - Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Doctor-Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles as well as Plus Sizes.
Don't you think that coming out of postpartum depression is more about going to its root causes, and then finding the solutions?
What to Look For When Shopping for a Postpartum Girdle
It turns out that our grandmothers were right all along: Postpartum girdles are an important part of the recovery process. They can help you to stave off back problems, poor posture, and diminished muscle tone in the core region. However, they are not a miracle cure. Postpartum girdles will not restore your pre-baby figure in a week, and they are not a substitute for exercise.
What they can do is give you an instant confidence boost and make it easier to get back to your daily life, including caring for your new bundle of joy.
The History Of Girdles
You may think that wearing girdles is a relatively new phenomenon, but the concept has been around for thousands of years. Girdles have been used by many ancient cultures worldwide, and were typically linked with fertility and childbearing. In fact, Ishtar – the Egyptian goddess of fertility – was illustrated wearing a girdle.
The Difference Between a Girdle and A Corset
Girdles and corsets have a similar purpose, to helps slim and support your core.
In terms of their differences, the boning used in corsets makes them stiff enough to remain in place on your body. Because they lace up, corsets can be pulled extremely tight to temporarily or permanently reduce waist size and elevate the breasts. If used incorrectly, they can cause damage to vital organs, result in broken ribs, and can create breathing difficulties.
Comprised of firm but stretchy material, girdles do not contain boning. The design allows them to provide compression and support without being so tight as to risk damage to your organs.
What Can a Girdle Do For You?
Following delivery, a girdle can help you to:
Recovery faster
Relieve diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Shrink the uterus
Boost confidence
Reduce pain
Help protect C-Section incision
Wearing a postpartum girdle can help you walk farther after delivery – getting you back to your normal activities faster.
Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP)
Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP) affects up to 25% of mothers after delivery. Although PPGP often resolves within 4 months, 20% of women may experience symptoms even 2-3 years later.
Abdominal support, like a postpartum girdle provides, is one of the standard treatments for PPGP. It is believed to reduce intensity and duration of pain.
Incidence of Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP)
25% of women experience PPGP after delivery. In most cases, PPGP resolves within 4 months. 20% of women still have symptoms and pain 2-3 years postpartum
Choosing the Right Girdle For You
There are several things you should take into consideration when you are choosing the right girdle for you.
What’s Your Area of Concern?
Some girdles are designed to give you lots of tummy support, but not a lot of back support. Others may give you firm compression in both areas. Most girdles will have compression panels, so you can easily see where they offer support. This is important not just for aesthetic purposes, but to help relieve pain. If you have pain in your abdomen, back, or both, you will want to choose a girdle that supports those areas.
Hook and Eye Closure vs Zipper
There are many different styles of girdle on the market. Some offer 3 rows of button-up closures in the front so that you can adjust their tightness according to your needs. These are a great option if you want to avoid having to purchase more than one girdle as your abdomen starts to return to its normal size.
Some girdles come with a zipper on the side. Although these are convenient (easy to put on or take off) they are not adjustable.
Other designs offer the best of both worlds, featuring an adjustable button closure and a zipper on the side.
Alternatively, some girdles have no closures and are simply one piece. These can be more difficult to get into, but they stay in place and you won’t have to worry about the closures being seen under your clothes.
Bathroom Consideration
You’ll want a girdle that allows for easy bathroom access, especially considering how frequent your bathroom trips will be following delivery.
Many girdles have snaps or buttons on the crotch, called a gusset, so that you can use the bathroom without removing the girdle. I highly recommend selecting a girdle with this feature.
Bra or No Bra
A majority of girdles will hit directly below your bust line. However, some are designed with shoulder straps for maximum support and to help with your posture. They can also prevent the girdle from moving out of place.
Some girdles also have a built-in corset that functions as a bra. I do not recommend this type of girdle for postpartum wear, because your breasts will change sizes and likely much sooner than your waistline. In other words, finding a girdle that fits your breasts now and a few weeks down the road can be a difficult task.
A better option is to choose a girdle that allows you to wear your own bra. This ensures the proper fit and support in all areas. This is also great if you are nursing, because it allows you to combine a nursing bra with your girdle.
Full Rear?
Are you feeling cheeky? If you enjoy wearing thongs or high cut underwear, you can find girdles with the same design. You can choose full rear coverage, or “cheeky” minimal coverage. Girdles are also available in thong, so you can choose the rear cut that fits your needs best.
If your butt needs firming and shaping after your delivery, a full rear offers the lift and support that makes you look great. However, if your butt is already on the smaller side, a full rear can make it look flat. If you want to show off your natural curves, choose a cheeky cut or thong.
Registered Medical Device
Some postpartum girdles are registered medical devices. A registered medical device is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to diagnose, prevent, or treat a disease or other condition. When selecting a postpartum girdle, choosing one that is registered as a medical device to ensure that you get the support and quality that you need.
Quality
When you purchase a girdle, you will likely be wearing it up to six months after pregnancy. In fact, many women choose to continue wearing girdles long after they give birth. Simply put, you will want a girdle that can stand up to everyday wear.
Some less expensive brands sacrifice quality for price. Bear in mind that it may fit well at first, but will likely become looser and less supportive over time. In addition to choosing a girdle with support panels (that is a registered medical device), there are a few other factors to consider.
First, the best girdles have 3 different layers. It is unlikely that you will be able to see these layers, but the information will be contained in the manufacturer’s listing.
Second, when shopping for a girdle, check the quality of the fasteners. Velcro is cheaper than other methods, and may indicate a lower overall quality. Hook and eye closures or a well-made zipper are better options, though a little more expensive to manufacture.
Lastly, check the product reviews. A quality girdle will have honest testimonials attesting to its benefits, as well as how well it holds up over time.
A postpartum girdle can bring you many benefits. They can relieve PPGP pain, diastasis recti, shrink your uterus, reduce postpartum bleeding, and protect C-section incisions. They can also help you to be more active and experience less pain following childbirth.
Not Just Physical Benefits
In addition to the physical benefits, wearing a postpartum girdle can give you a confidence boost. Your body performs a miracle throughout pregnancy and during childbirth, but all the changes your body goes through can be difficult to handle.
After you give birth, you may experience frustration when your body doesn’t return to its pre- pregnancy state as quickly as you would like it to. No one wants to be asked “When is the baby due?” after giving birth.
A postpartum girdle can instantly make you look slimmer and more shapely, which can give you the confidence to enjoy your postpartum life and focus on building a bond with your new bundle of joy.
8 Best Postpartum Girdles by Bellefit
Benefits of a Postpartum Girdle After Birth
Congratulations on the arrival of your new bundle of joy! No doubt you are eager to share your happiness with your family, friends, and social media followers, but are also hesitant for them to see photos of you so early into your recovery process. It is challenging to accept the postpartum stage – psychologically, emotionally, and physically.
Well, what if I told you that you can have it both ways? Not only can you savor the joys of motherhood, you can get your body back.
Although there are a variety of methods and products on the market that you can use to achieve this, I want to draw your attention to the postpartum girdle. It is cheap, easy to use, and it works.
What is a Postpartum Girdle?
Postpartum girdles are worn around the abdominal region to help the abdomen, hips, and bum regain their former shape. Not to be confused with waist trainers, girdles fall into the “shapewear” category. Tight yet breathable, they are made of medical-grade fabric, nylon, and spandex
They have recently gained popularity after celebrities, like Jessica Alba, announced that she wore one following her delivery and that she achieved incredible results.
Beyond celebrities, women worldwide are writing raving reviews about the benefits of Bellefit’s postpartum girdles:
A Better and Immediate Alternative to Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is expensive, often requiring a 5-figure budget for the (non-insured) procedure. In New York City, $9000-$12000 is the minimum budget required. A cheaper and comparable alternative is a $72 postpartum girdle from Bellefit. That same $10000 that had to be saved and set aside for plastic surgery can now be put into a college savings account for your new little bundle.
The last thing you should do following childbirth is subject your body to an arduous surgery and a prolonged recovery process. It typically takes between 2-4 weeks to recover from plastic surgery, and it can take months before you start feeling like your usual self.
Plastic surgery also comes with a number of side effects, including pain, numbness, and bruising that can last several weeks. Like any surgery, it also carries risks and complications. Your likelihood of experiencing complications increases if you have a history of poor circulation, liver disease, lung cancer, diabetes, or if you smoke. Complications can range from scarring, slow healing, altered pigmentation, infection, and bleeding to fluid build-up.
One of the best parts of the postpartum girdle is that you can start wearing it the day you are discharged from the hospital. By contrast, doctors are skeptical about recommending a tummy tuck after a C-section, and even ideal candidates have to wait 6 months to undertake the invasive procedure.
Why wait when you can benefit from your postpartum girdle? Our custom C-section girdle removes pressure from your incision, speeding up the healing process.
According to the latest evidence, the postpartum girdle helps women experience less bleeding, pain, and to get back up on their feet quicker after a C-section.
Speed Up Your Body's Healing Process
If you experience diastasis recti, the girdle’s design helps to realign your over-extended abdominal muscles. Generally speaking, it allows women to quickly regain their natural body shape, relieves postpartum cramps, reduces pain, conditions you to become more agile, and steadies your pelvic floor.
Some nursing mothers have also described how the girdle helped them to lose weight. However, there is no medical evidence to support this claim. In any case, one of your goals as a nursing mother should be to recover your core strength quickly and connect with your bundle of joy, and a postpartum girdle helps you to achieve this.
Postpartum Girdles Support Well-Being
A mother's mental stability and recovery after childbirth is just as important as her physical recovery. Although a newborn often brings unbridled joy, one of the most significant challenges today’s mothers face is accepting the incredible changes that happen to their bodies.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where slim is the barometer for what is socially acceptable and sexy. Add social media to the mix, and a new mother’s self-esteem can take a considerable bashing. When you are regularly exposed to images of slim, sexy women, you are more likely to compare yourself to them and worry.
A postpartum girdle gives new moms hope, confidence, and an effective tool they can use to get their body back to its former state. When you wear Bellefit underneath your clothes, you look slim and it provides you with an hourglass shape. That feeling of confidence and having a plan can give you a sense of achievement and a continued source of inspiration. It also helps you to accept the current state of your body and chart a course for recovery.
After all, the postpartum period is a time to bond with your baby, regain your core strength, adapt to motherhood, and get back to your pre-pregnancy activities. Constantly staring at your abdomen in the mirror is not part of the list.
Instead of worrying, focus on your goals and have something to look forward to by wearing Bellefit.
How to Wear a Postpartum Girdle
A postpartum girdle should be worn immediately after childbirth, as soon as your doctor allows.
How NOT to Wear Your Postpartum Girdle
Do not wear it while pregnant
Avoid direct contact with the skin by wearing your girdle over an undershirt
Do not wear it in the shower
To avoid distress, ensure the girdle is loose enough and adjust it regularly to support healing and comfort
Suitability for a Postpartum Girdle
Women who have amnionitis, infections, or wounds from a C-section cannot wear postpartum girdles (or postpartum wraps).
A postpartum wrap should be worn immediately; if your doctor permits you to proceed.
Waist Trainers Should Not Be Confused With Postpartum Wrap
What makes a postpartum wrap so effective is that it offers gentle compression and support to aid the healing and recovery process. The waist trainers you see some celebrities wearing on social media are made from dense materials, such as metal and latex, creating heavy compression. They are worn to reduce the size of your waist and are not medically advisable.
We know that the postpartum period is never easy. That’s why we have created Bellefit’s postpartum girdle to help you through this process. With exercise and a balanced diet, your body should return to its normal shape in no time. Take it slow, and enjoy this blissful moment with your child.
Top 10 Most Embarrassing Pregnancy Problems
Pregnancy causes your body to change in many ways. In fact, you may look down at your stomach in the next few weeks and wonder if you’re even the same person that you were before getting pregnant. With the influx of hormones, weight gain, and swollen feet comes some exceptionally embarrassing pregnancy problems. Knowing what to expect from the body during the nine months you’re carrying a child is ideal because it allows you to plan for the unexpected.
This list of ten embarrassing pregnancy problems are very common for most pregnant women, so don’t worry. There is no need to feel humiliated because many women can relate to what you’re currently going through.
Skin Problems Such as Acne
If you find your skin breaking out worse than it did when you were a teenager, it’s due in part to an influx of hormones.
A Quick Fix: Keep your hands off your face and make sure to cleanse and exfoliate regularly. That way, you’re able to remove impurities easily without causing the problem to worsen.
Gastrointestinal Distress
You may experience bloating and burp a lot because of it. That’s because the baby you’re carrying is filling the space as he or she grows.
A Quick Fix: Eat smaller meals and more frequently to avoid this problem. Stay away from fried and fatty foods as well as carbonated beverages.
Darkened Nipples
Known as linea nigra, this problem is due in part to the estrogen in your body increasing the amount of melanin or skin pigment. This issue doesn’t normally occur until the second trimester.
A Quick Fix: Use sunscreen regularly to prevent the problem from worsening. Stick to dark colored shirts, too, as white is often too revealing.
Itchy Nipples
The skin stretches in the area due to the breasts preparing for breastfeeding. You’ll notice a difference in the size and appearance of your chest because of the changes occurring in your body.
A Quick Fix: Lanolin cream will become your best friend. Also, make sure that the bras you’ve chosen are soft, supportive, and comfortable.
Constipation
Since your baby is absorbing many of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you’ve consumed, you may notice that your digestive system has taken a severe blow. Once you’ve had a hard time going to the bathroom, it’s time to switch to high fiber foods.
A Quick Fix: Make sure that you’re drinking enough water and eating beans, fresh fruit and vegetables, and whole grains. You may need to take a gentle over-the-counter laxative if diet alone doesn’t correct the problem.
Groin Pain
The ligaments around your pelvis are stretching causing a great deal of pain in the groin. Standing up is often when you feel the severity of this problem, and you might cry out in pain as a result of it.
A Quick Fix: Prop your feet up. Rest until the pain has gone away.
Bouts of Nausea and Vomiting
Morning sickness can occur at any time during the day. Some medical professionals believe that it is due in part to a change in hormones.
A Quick Fix: Ginger candy helps curb symptoms of nausea. Crackers are also a quick fix because they soak up excess stomach acid.
Urinary Incontinence
You may find it hard not to pee when you laugh, sneeze or move suddenly. With a baby sitting on your bladder, it’s to be expected.
A Quick Fix: Wear a panty liner until you’ve given birth. Use compression underwear to help keep the weight from pushing down so hard on your body.
Wild Dreams
Uncertainty about the future can cause undue stress. That’s why it’s important to create a calm, safe sleeping environment for yourself.
A Quick Fix: Use a white noise machine or sleep sound app to help lull you to sleep. If that doesn’t work, write out your worries in a journal or try reading something inspiring in bed until you fall asleep.
Hemorrhoids
Not enough fiber in the diet can cause you to become constipated. That’s why you need to make sure that you drink enough water, eat enough roughage, and don’t strain no matter how bad you need to go.
A Quick Fix: Cooling wipes help reduce inflammation. If the hemorrhoids won’t go away after taking a Sitz bath, an over-the-counter suppository may be the next step in reducing the inflammation.
Now that you know which embarrassing pregnancy problems most pregnant women face, you can plan accordingly to minimize the fallout. Being prepared is among the easiest ways to move quickly past the humiliating circumstances that occur within your body when carrying a child. It won’t even phase you because you’ve done what you could to make it less embarrassing for you and those around you.
Labor Fears and How to Get Rid of Them
If you have concerns about labor but aren’t sure if they’re valid, don’t worry. Misinformation can cause unnecessary fear. Having the information needed to prepare for your labor is key. It allows you to take advantage of the situation so that you’re in control of your body and emotions before delivering your child.
The following list reveals common labor fears as well as tips for overcoming them.
A C-Section is Inevitable for Me!
If you want to increase your chances of giving birth vaginally, hire a doula to assist you with the birthing process. The non-medical assistant possesses knowledge about how your body should be positioned to help assist labor. The doula will also provide soothing massages which calm fears and advocate for the best possible medical treatment of you and your baby. If a C-Section does prove to be inevitable for you, know that it’s a quick and easy process that allows your partner to be in the room with you. Many women have the procedure done with no real side effects and minimal scarring.
It is Going to Hurt So Bad!
If you make yoga a part of your everyday routine leading up to your delivery date, you’ll experience less pain. Not only will you be able to move and breathe more succinctly, you’ll also find that you can apply the technique to help with labor pains. Use a guided visualization that has been pre-recorded to take your mind off the pain and onto a beach in Maui or lakefront cottage in Colorado. Birthing classes don’t eliminate pain but instead, teach you tips to help push past discomfort. When you focus on your breathe and pair it with the contractions you’re having, you’ll be able to give birth easier and with a lot less pain.
The Baby is Going to Get Stuck While I’m Delivering!
Rocking back and forth can prevent this from occurring. In fact, it’s advisable to use a birthing ball to help shake things up. By doing so, you’re opening up the pelvis wide to allow room for the baby to come through gently. You won’t need to worry about ripping and tearing horribly because you’ll not have that problem if you move a lot. If the baby does get stuck because it’s too big or you’ve grown tired of pushing, the doctor will assist in getting the child out as gently as possible. It may require the use of a pair of forceps or vacuum which supplies pressure that helps pull the infant out of the birth canal.
The fears listed here are legitimate as many pregnant women aren’t sure what to expect even after speaking in detail with their OBGYN. By seeking out answers and following the advice listed above, you’re able to take action and prevent difficulties from shaping your labor experience.
Labor isn’t something you should fear. With the right knowledge, you’ll know how to prepare your mind and body for pregnancy. Once you’re aware of what will occur physically, you’ll be able to ready yourself mentally for this stage of your pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes 101
Just under 10% of pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a form of the disease that occurs during pregnancy. Although it’s alarming to think of what could happen if complications occur, regular monitoring of blood sugars, as well as diet and exercise, help prevent the unthinkable of occurring.
After your doctor has diagnosed you with gestational diabetes, you’ll be required to see him or her regularly to ensure that the disease isn’t worsening with time.
Here is what you need to know about gestational diabetes.
The placenta is to blame for the blockage of insulin you’re experiencing.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts fats and carbs and uses the sugars that your body makes as a source of energy. When you’re unable to produce insulin on your own, the blood sugars go haywire and can cause irreparable damage to the body. It can negatively affect your blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs.
Gestational diabetes typically occurs in the middle stages of pregnancy.
You’re most likely to develop it during the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Blood tests administered by your doctor reveal the disease. You’ll then be forced to take your blood sugars regularly with a glucometer to monitor them. Hyperglycemia occurs when the insulin in your body is low or non-existent which causes your blood sugars to skyrocket.
There are risk factors that increase the likelihood of you having gestational diabetes.
You’re at higher risk for the disease if you’re overweight, older, and have a history of gestational diabetes. If your mother or grandmother had diabetes during pregnancy, you, too, could have it. These are things to consider when visiting with your primary care physician. Giving detailed information about your family history and personal experience with gestational diabetes helps the medical professional determine the course of action that is best for you.
You’ll notice some rather significant symptoms with the disease.
If you can’t seem to quench your thirst and need to go to the bathroom frequently, it’s likely due to the gestational diabetes.
Other symptoms include fatigue and sugar present during urine analysis. Your physician will let you know if it is present so that you can do what you can to prevent the disease from worsening.
Ways to treat gestational diabetes range in approach and level of difficulty.
There are many ways to treat gestational diabetes. Among the easiest is through diet and exercise. By eating right and being more physical, you’re able to prevent blood sugar levels from increasing. Eating small meals and snacks throughout the day can prevent your blood sugar from dropping. It also keeps you from bingeing on foods that you shouldn’t eat because you feel like you’re starving.
Don’t Let Gestational Diabetes Progress into Another Type of Diabetes
If you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s important that you follow your physician’s instructions for diet and exercise. That way, you don’t exacerbate the problem and cause harm to yourself or your unborn child. This form of diabetes usually goes away after birth but could turn into adult onset diabetes if not closely monitored.
Should I Wear a Girdle After Giving Birth?
As a new mother, you likely have questions about what you can and cannot do after giving birth. There will be a period of rest and recovery following the birthing process that you’ll be recommended to take. You’ll also want to be very careful with your physical body while bathing and dressing, particularly if you have sutures due to the surgical procedure you’ve just undergone.
So, how do you know if a postpartum girdle is right for you or not? Do a lot of women find it necessary to wear such an undergarment? Are there risks involved in using a post-pregnancy corset for lower back and abdomen support?
These questions may come to mind after you’ve delivered your child. Legitimate in every way, we’re here to help you come to the conclusion that girdles are, indeed, safe to wear after giving birth. That way, you’re able to decide which style best meets your needs physically and fashionably.
Not for the Faint-Hearted According to an A-List Celebrity
Take it from actress and entrepreneur Jessica Alba that wearing a corset after having a baby isn’t for the faint-hearted. She wore a double-corset day and night to get back to her original pre-pregnancy shape. Her biggest complaint was how incredibly sweaty she was but then explained that it was doable for some women.
Weighing the pros with the cons helps you determine whether wearing a girdle after birth is right for you. To better understand what you’re up against, let’s look at both sides in greater detail.
The Pros of Wearing a Postpartum Girdle
Among the many benefits that comes with wearing a postpartum girdle is how well it keeps things in place. With pregnancy weight being an issue for many women who have just given birth, a postpartum girdle helps compress the abdomen, giving you a seamless look that can be worn under dresses, skinny jeans, and even sweatpants.
Next, it provides extra support for the lower back which has a tendency to hurt whenever weight is gained. Having a garment that keeps everything in place makes it easier for you to exhibit good posture and prevent muscle strain. That means that you won’t risk injuring yourself while you work to lose the extra weight you gained while pregnant.
Corset-Wearing Cons
Some of the negatives that come with wearing a corset include cost and restriction. Investing in a girdle can set you back quite a bit of money depending on the brand and style that you choose. It’s more expensive than any bra or pair of underwear that you’ve purchased but does offer durability which leads to its long-term use.
The other thing you’ll want to be aware of is how binding a corset can be. It compresses the abdomen and back. Although there are many styles available making it easier to put on and take off a corset, it’s still very form-fitting and restrictive.
Choose Bellefit for the Ultimate Comfort and Support
Bellefit products are designed to maximize comfort while providing support in all the right places. We offer a variety of styles of girdles to choose from, too, making it easy to find one that you love wearing. See for yourself what selections await you by checking out our inventory today.
How Long Does It Take for a Woman’s Body to Go Back to Normal After Pregnancy?
A common question that many new mothers have is “How long does it take for a woman’s body to go back to normal after pregnancy?”. The answer depends on the person and the actions that she takes to restore her body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Because all women are different, it’s safe to say that there is no firm deadline for normalcy. There are things you can do, however, to expedite the process.
Knowledge is Power
Among the best ways to prepare for the changes that occur is to be aware of them. For example, while pregnant, your sex drive goes into overdrive thanks to the increased amount of estrogen that is produced in the body. After giving birth, however, your libido weakens for a short time. That doesn’t mean that you won’t want to be intimate again soon but it is something that you should take into account and dismiss as normal after delivering.
Here are some other changes you’ll witness in your body after delivering a baby:
The Battle of the Bulge.
Just because you’ve given birth doesn’t mean that your stomach automatically reduces in size. Gaining weight stretches out the skin. Although delivering a child does make you lose pounds, it takes six to eight weeks before the uterus returns to the size it was before you got pregnant.
Bigger Feet.
With all the swelling and expanding your feet do while carrying a child, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many women need to buy new shoes after delivering. If you think that your feet will go back to normal, there is a very good chance that they won’t.
Smaller Breasts.
Your breasts swell when you’re pregnant and breastfeeding. They will, however, go down a cup size in most cases. The more children you have factors into the appearance of your breasts, too. You’ll eventually notice them sagging if you’ve had several kids.
Hair That Falls Out.
When estrogen levels are high, your hair benefits. You’ll notice how shiny and pretty it looks while pregnant. When you’ve delivered your child, however, you may notice the opposite. Your hair may be lackluster and falling out more regularly. Don’t worry, though, because it will eventually go back to its prior state once your hormones even out again.
You’ll notice these body changes more after you’ve given birth. If they become a big concern to you, telling your physician about them is advisable. The belly bulge can be addressed on your own, however, with the use of a postpartum corset or girdle, which is designed to provide extra support to your back and abdomen as you work on losing the excess weight you gained while pregnant.
Accelerate Your Healing with the Help of Bellefit
Your body will go back to normal after pregnancy. Now that you know what will expedite the process, you’ll be able to focus your energy on healing. Thanks to Bellefit’s postpartum corsets and girdles, you have options that look great and feel even better to wear.
Tips for Your Nesting Urges
Preparing your home for baby becomes a bit of an obsession while pregnant. The act of nesting is one that most creatures do by habit. You’ll find that many animals prepare their nests for their children. You’ll even notice that the urge gets stronger during the 38th and 39th weeks of pregnancy which is completely normal.
You will need to proceed with household chores and obligations with caution considering your current state. In fact, your doctor may put you on bed rest, so good luck putting those last minute touches on the baby’s nursery. If you’re lucky enough to stay on your feet, you may not be allowed to climb, reach for items high on a shelf, stand on ladders or lift anything with any weight to it, though, while you’re pregnant.
Use this list to satisfy your nesting urges.
Shop with convenience in mind.
Start thinking about the staples that you would normally keep in your pantry. Buy them in bulk and make sure to store them in lidded containers where they remain safe. Reducing the number of trips you’ll need to take to the store with a newborn is key. It will save you time and your sanity. If you see that a grocery store or health food store is having a sale on items, stock up on them so that you have them when you need the items most.
Meal prep so you’ll always have something to eat even when you don’t feel like cooking.
A little advanced preparation makes a world of difference when it comes to the meals and snacks you eat. There will be days when you don’t feel like cooking. That’s why investing in a large freezer is essential. You can make food in advance, freeze it, and reheat it whenever you need to. You’ll also have plenty of premade food options that you made up to choose from for a quick lunch or snack. You’re able to gain greater control over the quality of the foods you eat that way.
Stock up on baby necessities such as bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash cream.
Having plenty of these items on hand ensures that you don’t need to shop for them later on. You won’t be forced to make a late night diaper run after the baby is born because you’re down to the last of the Pampers. You’ll have what you need to make baby happy and comfortable. Make sure to add these items in bulk on your baby registry so that you’re able to save money initially, too.
Break down big jobs into smaller more manageable tasks. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, either. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You could easily overdo it and cause yourself to be limited on what you’re able to do to nest going forward. Ask your family or friends over to help you and enjoy the added benefit of their company as you put together a crib, hang art on the nursery walls or meal prep for the upcoming week.
How to Deal with Lack of Energy During Pregnancy
It’s not a surprise that pregnancy changes your body chemistry. An influx of hormones causes physical and emotional differences to occur. One of the most common symptoms that women experience after being pregnant for some time is a lack of energy. It may feel impossible to get up and get moving each day.
For that reason alone, we felt compelled to delve deeper into the subject of lethargy and the things you can do to help keep your energy levels high while carrying a child. Although diet and exercise help, there are other suggestions that can be every bit as helpful to expecting mothers who can’t shake feelings of overwhelming tiredness.
This list provides solutions that help you deal with a lack of energy during pregnancy.
Make exercise a priority even when you don’t feel like it.
Among the easiest ways to deal with lethargy while pregnant is to make good use of the time you spend watching TV. While you’re catching up on the latest episode of Survivor or The Bachelor, you can pedal your way to euphoria. A stationary bicycle helps you release endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. Pedal long enough and you’ll experience what is known as a “runner’s high” which is when endorphin levels are at their peak because of the intensity of the physical activity you’re engaged in.
Drink plenty of water.
Most people are chronically dehydrated without knowing it. Feelings of lethargy are among the most prominent symptoms that come with dehydration. Making sure that you sip enough of the clear stuff can help you fight headaches, restlessness, and lack of energy. When your body is hydrated, you feel awake, alert, and ready to take on the day’s tasks with great ease.
Up your intake of fruits and vegetables.
If you’re not one to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, your body needs the added boost of vitamins and nutrients. It’s important to choose fresh produce and find ways to include it in the meals and snacks that you prepare for yourself to eat. Broccoli is full of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Antioxidant-rich blueberries give your brain a jumpstart which significantly helps you fight the sleepies that you feel throughout the day.
Give your mind a break by meditating.
In the equivalent of ten minutes a day, you’re able to gain peace of mind with meditation. Make it a point to quiet your racing thoughts which can lead to mental exhaustion and physical fatigue. Focus on your breath. Deep breathing is an energizing practice used worldwide. Take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds before releasing it. Notice your tension melting away with each breath you take.
Follow the suggestions listed above for ways to deal with low energy. Do what you can to remedy the situation naturally. If you don’t have solutions that work, contact your primary physician for medical advice and additional testing. They may discover that there is an underlying condition causing your experience with low energy during your pregnancy.