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If you’re debating whether to breast or bottle feed, know that fed is best. A combination of the two gives you greater freedom. It ensures that your growing tyke gets adequate nutrition all the days of his or her infancy. Don’t Let Other People’s Opinions Stand in the Way of Your Child’s Health Rather than feel guilty that you don’t breastfeed full-time, know that you’re taking care of your baby’s needs excellently when you opt to make sure he or she is fed well. If that means preparing a bottle for them while you work or run errands, consider it done. Only you know what is best for your child, and they want nutrition in whatever manner they can get it. Here are some tips to help you get started: Nurse right after the baby was born. He or she may need extra help with latching onto your breast. Attempting to breastfeed in the hospital allows you to take advantage of the staff there who are trained to help with the process. It also provides the baby with colostrum which helps strengthen the immune system and prevent disease. The very first time you breastfeed, your baby gets the substance that is vital to their health and well-being. Use formula the first few days. While you’re waiting for your milk to come in, it’s good to supplement the baby’s diet with formula. It helps you want to nurse longer because you know that you can give the child a bottle. Make sure that the amount of formula given is small so that the baby still wants to nurse later on through the day. If he or she is too full, they won’t breastfeed which means you’ll have to pump. Keeping them on as regular of a feeding schedule as you can and monitoring the amount of formula that you give the child helps tremendously. Invest in a good pumping machine. The sooner you learn how to pump your breasts, the better. You’ll know that your baby is getting the finest quality nutrition. You’ll be able to pump excess milk out of your breasts and store it for your baby to drink. You’ll depend less on formula that way. It also gives you a break from nursing. Your baby will still be getting breast milk from you but in another manner. The way you choose to feed your infant is a personal decision that is yours and yours alone. The list of suggestions above has helped many mothers provide sustenance to their children either by breast or bottle. Even if you choose to only bottle-feed, know that you’re doing best by your child. Continue to Feed Your Child However You Feel is Best for Them Fed is undoubtedly best. Don’t take a chance on your child’s health by allowing other people’s opinions to influence your actions. Give your baby the breast when it’s convenient and a bottle when it’s not. They won’t care so long as they’re being fed!

Stress is often unavoidable during pregnancy and after you’ve given birth to a child. After all, your life and body have changed in many ways. If you’re not sure what to do to lower your stress levels, don’t worry. We’ve got plenty of suggestions for you to follow. Although we can’t list them all here, we’ve come up with a few of the most effective solutions for you to try. This list includes five effective stress relief tips for women. Learn to Say No to Things That Don’t Serve Your Well-Being The demand for your time doesn’t decrease because you have a child. It increases with time. If you’re constantly being asked to do things that don’t serve your well-being, politely decline by saying, “No.” It’s a simple phrase that can bring you exceptional amounts of peace. If someone gets angry because you declined their invitation or request for assistance, that is on them. Your time is limited even more now than it was before baby. Choose the right people, projects, and places to spend your time and energy on. Practice Deep Breathing for Instant Relaxation Generally speaking, most people do not practice diaphragmatic breathing like they should. The breaths they take in are shallow. This does little to calm the body which is why slow, deep breathing is better because it forces you to focus on the moment, not the long list of things you haven’t done yet. Keep a Journal of Your Thoughts, Frustrations, Goals, and Triumphs Journaling has notable health benefits. It gives you a safe space to voice your grievances, face down fears, and record your hopes and dreams. It’s a place where you can draw, write poetry, and even record details about your pregnancy or the birthing process so that you don’t forget a thing. Schedule Downtime So You Can Catch Up on Rest or Complete Projects Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to do what you need to do to feel whole. Rest, spend some time in quiet solitude or complete those last minute projects before baby arrives. You’ve got things that you must do all the time. Why not focus on the things you want to do, too? Ask for Help When You Need It Most There is no shame in admitting that you can’t do it all alone. Having an excellent support system allows you to ask for help when you need it. No one will make you feel guilty for reaching out. Instead, they’ll be so glad that you recognized that you couldn’t go solo one second longer. Get more done in less time by asking someone for a helping hand once in a while. Stress causes a myriad of physical and mental health problems. Whenever you have the opportunity to relieve symptoms of stress in positive and productive ways, take time to do so. Raising children is no easy task and you’ll want to engage in self-care practices regularly despite how busy motherhood makes you feel. Bellefit provides postpartum girdles and corsets that get your body back to pre-pregnancy shape quickly. Feeling like your old self is important because it increases your self-confidence. When you feel good about yourself, you’re able to make the right decisions concerning stress which can lead to a better life for you and your family.

A strong relationship is necessary for couples expecting a child. After all, things will be very different once the baby arrives. You’ll instantly have another person’s needs and feelings to consider. Developing a bond that withstands the test of time provides a strong foundation of love and support for the baby you’re bringing into the world. Use this list to strengthen your relationship during pregnancy. Keep the romance alive. It’s important to give your partner the time and attention they deserve. You can do that easily by scheduling weekly date nights and being intimate whenever possible. Although your body is changing due to the hormones and weight gain that comes with being pregnant, celebrate every glorious inch of you. Your partner likely loves the way you look and can’t get enough of seeing you pregnant. Let them experience you this way. Do something unexpected. Spontaneity counts for a lot. Being surprised feels great. Keep your love alive by adding an element of surprise to your partner’s day. Do something unexpected and make them feel how important they are to you. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Something small and heartfelt will do the trick. Slipping a note in their wallet or gym bag is one idea. Taking them to do something they’ve always wanted to do is another. Use your imagination and come up with a list of ways to surprise your partner. Communicate your wants and needs, but make sure you actively listen to your partner. It’s not enough to be a good communicator. You also need to be an excellent listener. That way, you’re not doing all the talking and failing to hear what your loved one has to say. Take turns talking and show interest in what your partner has to say by giving them verbal and non-verbal confirmation of what has been said. Take a trip or a short weekend getaway before you no longer can. The closer you get to your due date, the less likely you’ll be able to leave home. After all, you’ve selected a doctor and hospital to give birth at. If you’re in a different location and go into labor, you’ll be forced to rely on a stranger to help deliver your baby. Plan a vacation or spur-of-the-moment getaway. Make it something you both enjoy thoroughly by including activities that are different than what you normally do. Take lots of pictures, and don’t forget to sleep in whenever you get the chance. When you have a baby to tend to, that will get harder to do in the future. Your relationship automatically changes when your baby arrives. You become parents responsible for keeping a bouncing bundle of joy alive, well, and happy. That’s why it’s important that you work on strengthening the relationship you have now. You’ll be able to handle the demands on your schedule easier, be clear about whom will do what with the baby, and better prepare yourselves to be the type of role models every child deserves.

Pains and pregnancy often go hand-in-hand. The changes you’re experiencing in your body are unpredictable, and oftentimes, annoying. Rather than get frustrated by how you feel, try to be proactive. Taking charge of your pain is the fastest way of not letting it control you. This guide aims to explain the five most common pregnancy pains you’ll experience as well as provide pain-relieving solutions for you to try to make your symptoms subsist. Pain in the Lower Back Pregnancy can cause frequent distress in the body. Most women feel discomfort in the upper or lower back. You’ll notice that in the last few months of carrying a child, the pain increases. Causes According to Parents magazine, the uterus has the capability of expanding 1,000 times its original size to make way for baby. Add that to the extra weight you’ve packed on and you’ve got a literal pain in the butt. Lower back pain can also be due in part to pregnancy hormones and the way they cause the ligaments in the body to become lax. Ways to Get Relief Heat helps. Soak in the tub or use a heating pad or water bottle in the areas of the back that hurt the most. Heat is a natural muscle relaxer. Swelling Water retention or edema is noticeable in the hands, ankles, and feet of pregnant women. The symptom appears around the third trimester of pregnancy for many moms-to-be. Afternoon and evening tend to be the worst for swelling. Causes Fluid build-up causes edema. Up to 75 percent of women experience some form of swelling while pregnant. If your symptoms worsen, it’s time to contact the doctor for further testing to rule out preeclampsia. Ways to Get Relief You can use compression socks, gloves, and even girdles to help reduce swelling. You’ll also want to be mindful of the amount of time you spend outdoors in the warmest months of the year. Elevate your legs often for instant relief. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) Tingling or a burning sensation in your fingers, palm, wrist or arm can be due in part to carpal tunnel. Your hand may feel like it is falling asleep a lot. It’s best to give your hands and arms a break from repetitive motions which cause CTS to worsen. Causes Keep your weight gain minimal to prevent damage to the ligament in your forearm to your hand. Talk to your physician about ways to reduce swelling. A diuretic may be prescribed if the fluid retention you have is severe. Ways to Get Relief Get and wear a wrist brace. Do hand strengthening exercises. Take a break from the computer, tablet or phone regularly. Sciatica A literal pain in your butt that traveled from your lower back to your hips and leg, this condition causes great discomfort and numbness. Many women experience it in the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. It can affect any of the areas it travels to. Causes Pressure on the sciatic nerve is the factor. You may be sitting and standing differently due to the weight you’ve gained. As your uterus grows, it can cause back, pelvic, hip, and leg pain. Ways to Get Relief Do prenatal yoga. You can also do exercises against a wall for added support. This helps with sciatica. Leg Cramps Muscle contractions typically only last a few minutes when they occur in your legs. They are very painful but can be relieved rather easily. Pregnant women often experience the severity of them at night while they are laying down to sleep. Causes Extra blood and water sit in the veins. The effect hormones have on the vascular system causes this issue. That’s why you’re experiencing cramps. Ways to Get Relief Walking and stretching help tremendously. Like other types of muscle cramping, heat helps, too. Invest in a good heating pad or hot water bottle at the start of your pregnancy to get you through the worst times. Take Action to Relieve Pregnancy Pain Right Away Now that you know which pains are predominantly related to pregnancy, you can do your part to relive them. You’ll feel a lot better because you’ve taken action and decided not to let your pregnancy-related pains get the best of you. Carrying some pain-relieving treatment options with you wherever you go is key as it helps you recover from your symptoms quickly.

Pregnancy insomnia can take its toll on you fast. It’s imperative that you get a good night’s rest as often as possible because sleep deprivation affects your physical and mental health. Now that you know what you can do to avoid pregnancy insomnia, you’ll be more mindful about your actions when it does come time to sleep. If you’ve ever experienced insomnia without being pregnant, you know how disruptive it can be on your life. When you haven’t had enough sleep, you have difficulty concentrating. You’re too tired to think clearly and may do things out of character or even harmful to yourself accidentally. Aches and Pains That Come with a Change in Hormones and Weight Gain Pregnancy insomnia is even worse because you have new aches and pains that you haven’t yet found the perfect treatment for. You not only have yourself to worry about but also your unborn child. Learning how to manage periods of restlessness is essential to your good health and overall well-being. That is why we decided to discuss the subject today so that you’re well aware of what you can do to rest easier at night even when your belly is gigantic and your ankles are swollen. Use this list as inspiration on ways to avoid and overcome pregnancy insomnia. Gain relief and better quality sleep by taking note of the following. You may have no problem falling asleep. Staying asleep once you’ve had your sleep disrupted is another story. If you lay awake at night staring at the ceiling after a short period of rest, you’re likely experiencing insomnia. It can be due in part to the weight you’ve gained and the level of discomfort your body feels. Do what you can to make yourself comfortable. Wear lightweight pajamas that feel soft against your skin. Read something inspirational until you can no longer see clearly. Try counting sheep. Focus on your breathing. Each suggestion helps you fall asleep when you feel like you can’t. A sleep routine is imperative because it connects the body to the mind. When you give your body signals that it is time to wind down, relax, and go to sleep, you’re able to fall asleep quicker. Start an evening routine that emphasizes calm. Meditate right before bedtime to allow your mind and body to achieve blissful slumber. Make sure your bedroom is clean, comfortable, and the right temperature for the season. Darken the space by closing blinds, drawing curtains, and even wearing an eye mask if needed. Put your phone on airplane mode and refrain from checking it throughout the night unless there is an emergency that needs to be dealt with. Give yourself ten minutes to worry and then let it go. If you tend to overthink things, put a time limit on worrying. Give yourself 10 minutes to fret before letting it go. A good night’s sleep is often what is needed to put things into perspective. If you can’t come to terms with moving past it, write a few lines in your journal and promise that it will be the first thing you deal with in the morning. Knowing that you’ll be level-headed and clear-minded with rest makes it so you can relax and get some much-needed sleep before solving your problems. Get a Good Night’s Rest by Putting Pregnancy Insomnia to Bed Pregnancy insomnia can take its toll on you fast. It’s imperative that you get a good night’s rest as often as possible because sleep deprivation affects your physical and mental health. Now that you know what you can do to avoid pregnancy insomnia, you’ll be more mindful about your actions when it does come time to sleep.

Pregnancy and childbirth are miracles a woman’s body can adequately perform. Women have the capability to carry a child in their womb and experience bodily changes that are at times nearly impossible to believe can happen. One such change is subluxation of symphysis in pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium. You may ask what is that? An explanation may be necessary to break down these big words, so you may understand even a small portion of what your body is doing to accommodate the growing child inside you. Definition Subluxation of symphysis is also known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD). This is a condition that causes excessive movement of the pubic symphysis. The symphysis is a midline, nonsynovial joint that connects the right and left superior pubic ram. Because of the misalignment of the pelvis, pain is associated with this diagnosis. Basically, this joint holds the right and left sides of the pelvic muscles together. When this joint becomes soft, pelvic muscles and bones move more freely. With the weight of a growing baby, this can become a painful condition. Diagnosis The major symptom of subluxation of symphysis is pain in the pelvic region. Some sufferers even notice a clicking or popping sound in the pelvic region when they move. If you are suffering from either symptom, you should contact your doctor. Causes Subluxation of symphysis is primarily caused by pregnancy. The bodily changes, weight, and position of baby all play a part in this diagnosis. The symphysis is a strong joint due to the dense network of ligaments surrounding it. During pregnancy and childbirth, the joint and pelvic muscles expand due to the release of the hormone relaxin. This hormone makes it possible for you to deliver your bundle of joy. If this hormone begins to release too early, your body will begin to react by loosening the ligaments surrounding this joint. Once the ligaments have become loose, the joint can move more freely which can be painful during pregnancy and peurperium. Treatment While this condition can cause pain during and after pregnancy, there are ways to manage the pain and enjoy your pregnancy and those beautiful first moments at home. During pregnancy you may want to see a physiotherapist. They can provide exercises as well as manual therapy techniques to ensure you a strong pelvic floor and muscles surround the joints of the pelvic area. Other treatments can include: Hydrotherapy – performing exercises in water can be beneficial to managing pain and increasing flexibility in the pelvic region. Abdominal support garments – wearing a support garment allows you to support your pelvic region and prevent excessive stretching of ligaments. After childbirth and the puerperium period, continuing to wear abdominal support or compression garments are a fantastic way to help alleviate any pelvic pain and allow your body to heal effectively. Prognosis The good news is that subluxation of symphysis usually subsides once you have given birth and does not affect the baby. While your prognosis is good, understand that your body has undergone great changes and will need time to heal. With exercise and the use of an abdominal support garment, you should not only heal quicker but enjoy motherhood pain free. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® girdles come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

Spend five minutes online and you’ll likely see at least one maternity photo of a family member, friend or acquaintance. Websites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are full of maternity photo ideas. If you’re newly pregnant or have just given birth, you’ll want to experience the beauty, creativity, and experience of having pictures of you and your baby together. The following list includes the five maternity photos everyone should take. Hands in a Heart Shape Over the Belly A symbol of love that translates into every language, the heart is perfect for every pregnancy shoot. When placed over a pregnant belly, it demonstrates the tremendous bond between mother and child even before they’re born. Your maternity photo shoot needs to include at least a few shots making a heart symbol with your hands. Big Brother and Big Sister Shots Having the older sibling take part in the photo session is key as they were the first baby you got to love and their expressions will be priceless. Deck them out in Big Brother or Big Sister gear and let the good times roll. Kids are geniuses when it comes to making faces, being tender, and seeing the beauty in the ordinary. That’s what makes them the perfect subject for mommy/baby photo shoots. Beautiful Baby Props Sweet baby shoes, heirloom furniture, and fuzzy baby blankets make excellent props. Use them to tell the story of your pregnancy and your plans for the little one once he or she arrives. There are plenty of ways to do this, so it’s up to you to select a theme. Using a piece of clothing that you wore when you were little and placing it next to a new article of clothing is a sweet reminder of what a big milestone you’ve achieved by becoming a mommy. Count Down to Baby Who can resist a physical countdown to baby? Holding up a sign with the number of days left until you reach your due date is downright adorable. It shows your excitement and just how close you are to giving birth. It’s the perfect reminder of the date of the photo shoot, too. You can add the photo and details about the day in your child’s baby book. Pet Siblings If it’s your first child but you’ve had pets before them, make the animals part of the shoot. Fur siblings are great subjects. They’re loyal friends and beloved family members, too. Your child will grow up having a deep bond with animals because of your upbringing. They’ll love the fact that their beloved pet was part of the photo shoot you took while pregnant. Maternity photos are special. They allow your creative side to shine through. If you want to show your child how much they mean to you once they’re old enough to understand things, schedule a shoot and have the five maternity photos listed above taken by a professional photographer. It’s well worth the expense and provides a permanent keepsake from the time you spent pregnant to giving birth to your baby girl or boy.

You’ve probably come up with a list of things you know you’ll need while pregnant. You may have, however, overlooked many items that bring comfort. With so many preparations to make before having your baby, is it any wonder that you’ve forgotten some of the not-so-obvious essentials? This guide contains eight items that may not have made it onto your to buy or to do list that are essentials for pregnancy. Comfy and stylish pants that fit perfectly. You can be fashionably pregnant. There is no rule stating that maternity clothes need to be frumpy or uncomfortable. In fact, finding a cute pair of pants that match everything you own is ideal because they’ll not only look great but feel great on. Think dark denim or black so that you’re able to get the most bang out of the bucks you spend on them. Foods that satisfy the weird pregnancy cravings you’re having. Keeping your favorite meals and snacks on hand to satisfy your growing hunger for something sweet, salty, and strange is comforting. You may not think it’s necessary until a craving strikes at 2 AM, and you’re forced to hunt for something similar in taste and texture. Stock up on the goodies you love most and rest easy knowing that you probably won’t want these items again after you’ve delivered. An uplifting movie, scent or book. When you need a boost, you can turn to a favorite flick, pregnancy-safe fragrance or inspiring book to keep your spirits up. It’s the small things that deliver the biggest results. That’s why having a few of these items available as go-to resources for comfort is ideal. You’ll be amazed at how effective they are on turning a frown upside down. Undergarments that support your back and growing belly. Bellefit garments are ideal because they provide you with the prenatal support necessary to protect your back. You’ll be amazed at how soft, breathable, and comfortable they are. The extra weight you put on is supported with the garments that stretch as your belly grows. They’re available in different sizes to meet your individual needs. Affirmation cards for mothers. Having an affirmation or mantra to recite is very healing. There are affirmation decks that prepare pregnant women for delivery and motherhood. The images are colorful and light-hearted. Your heart will swell when you recite the words written on the cards out loud because you know your baby hears you. A beautiful journal. Record your thoughts, milestones, and dreams in a gorgeous journal. Don’t forget to include it on your baby registry list. It’s something that you can share with your child as he or she grows up. It serves as a written record of your baby’s life before he or she enters the world. A support group consisting of mommies-to-be. If you can’t find women in your community to meet up with, join an online group for pregnant women. You’ll get a lot of support and guidance there. It’s a great place to share your experience with others, ask questions, and even swap items that your baby no longer needs after he or she is born. Wide-width shoes. A little extra space to move your feet is a luxury especially after they’ve swelled like balloons. Look for wide-width shoes to see you through your pregnancy. They’ll be a welcome sight when you know you’re going to do a long day of walking. Your feet will thank you for taking good care of them. Being prepared for a baby takes time, research, and funds. You must make space in your life physically, mentally, emotionally, financially, and even spiritually for your little one. Having the items that you need to comfortably navigate pregnancy is ideal. You may not even realize that some things are beneficial to have until after you’ve acquired them. The essentials are key to survival as they allow you to maintain your sanity and engage in self-care while carrying your child.

Definition The perineum is the tissue that is located between the vagina and the anus. There are layers to the tissue being skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are important muscles in regards to the passing of stool and urine. Diagnosis During vaginal delivery, the perineal tissue is stretched with the passing of the baby, mainly the head and shoulders, which can lead to tears of the perineal tissue. There are different grades ranging from 1 to 4 of perineal lacerations. Grades 1 and 2 are most common. Grades 3 and 4 are more severe with tearing of muscles and the anal sphincter. An episiotomy is an intentional perineal laceration made by the physician at the time of delivery. This was performed routinely some number of years ago, but is no long a routine procedure. Episiotomies are usually performed if there is concern for grade 3 or 4 perineal laceration or if there is concern to deliver the baby quickly. Causes Perineal lacerations only occur with vaginal delivery and therefore women with Cesarean sections are not at risk for perineal lacerations. Perineal lacerations most commonly occur with women delivering their first baby. A woman is also at risk for a perineal laceration if the baby is large or if any assistive devices are used by the physician or midwife to deliver the baby such as forceps or a suction device. The diagnosis of a perineal laceration is made at the time of delivery. After the baby has been delivered, the physician will inspect the vagina and perineum for tears that may have occurred. In the case of episiotomy, it will be known that a specific laceration has been made in the perineum. Treatment Initial treatment for perineal lacerations is repair with sutures at the time of delivery. Many women will have local anesthesia or use the anesthesia from their epidural to suture the laceration just after delivering the baby. Women with grade 3 or 4 lacerations, may likely need to have a surgery in order to repair the perineum adequately. The remainder of treatment is aimed at taking care of the wound at home, using ice, avoiding harsh soaps and cleaning in the area, abstaining from vaginal intercourse, reducing constipation, and avoidance of high impact exercises. Bellefit abdominal binders are also beneficial by providing compression to the abdomen to help reduce the abdominal pressure and any straining. Reduction of the abdominal pressure allows for proper healing of the tissue in the perineal area, as they are not subject to straining and pressure. Having a perineal laceration with one delivery does not correlate with the chance of sustaining a perineal laceration with another vaginal delivery. The majority of repaired perineal lacerations will heal within 3-4 weeks after repair with sutures and with the proper after home care. There can be long term issues with perineal lacerations. The most common complication is persistent perineal pain or pain with vaginal intercourse. This type of pain can be common for the first 3 months after delivery, but can also persist much longer. Other complications are urinary or fecal incontinence and the risk for the development of prolapse of the organs in the pelvic area, which may be the uterus, bladder, or rectum. Prognosis Persistent pain, urinary or fecal incontinence, or feeling a bulge in the vaginal area, are all signs to seek care from your doctor for a possible complication of a perineal laceration that may need further medical management.

Flying will never be as easy with a baby or toddler in tow, so take advantage of the mode of transportation early on in your pregnancy. Your physician will recommend that you don’t fly once you’ve reached 36 weeks. The likelihood of you going into labor and being away from home is high. Hence, the restriction. There are some other things you should know about flying while pregnant. Even the airlines consider it a risk once you’ve reached the final stages of pregnancy. Rather than take a chance that could leave you without your primary care physician, stay close to home as your due date nears. If you insist on traveling for one reason or another, knowing what to expect can help avoid any conflicts that might occur along the way. Consider this your short, but helpful, guide to flying restrictions during pregnancy. Fly early in your pregnancy. You’ll get an “all clear” from your doctor as well as the airline when you opt to fly before you’ve reached the latter stages of your pregnancy. You won’t be feeling as fatigued early on as you will when you’re ready to give birth. The likelihood of you going into labor on the plane lessens, too, making flying somewhat less risky when you’re first pregnant. Make sure that the airline doesn’t enforce restrictions on pregnant women. Ultimately, the company has the right to say whether it feels comfortable tending to pregnant passengers. When in doubt, contact the airline. Make sure you’re able to request seating that is comfortable. An aisle seat is often best because you may need to use the restroom several times during the flight thanks to your baby pushing on your bladder. Stay hydrated and get adequate nutrition before flying. Carry an empty, refillable bottle with you. That way, you can fill it up with water before boarding. You may also want to eat a little something pre-flight to make sure that you don’t feel nauseous. Look for healthier options such as yogurt, fresh fruit, and cut up vegetables if possible. Wear comfortable clothing. You’ll appreciate the added support that Bellefit products give you. Our undergarments are meant to help alleviate discomfort by supporting your abdomen and back. They come in various sizes to fit your body comfortably, too. Be prepared just in case you do go into labor. Rather than fly blindly into another city, it’s important to know the name of a local practitioner and the hospital that you can go to in the event you go into labor while visiting your destination. You can even provide the information to your general practitioner at home so that the two can be in communication with one another if necessary. Having a copy of your medical history on hand is also important because it allows the medical staff at the hospital to help you quickly. Being prepared to fly while pregnant helps eliminate many of the mishaps that occur while traveling. You’ll be ready for anything that comes your way. More importantly, you won’t feel sick or uncomfortable because you took the extra time to be prepared. This Article was brought to you in collaboration with Bellefit, the makers of the best postpartum girdles Founded in 2008 Bellefit® is the most mom-trusted and awarded brand of postpartum girdles corsets for recovery after c-section or natural childbirth. Bellefit® https://www.bellefit.com/come in five designs made using proprietary compression fabrics. Their unique design features triple-layered reinforced front and back support panels. As a woman-owned company, Bellefit® is no stranger to the challenges new moms face during and after pregnancy. The company helps women feel supported and confident in their changing bodies. Bellefit Girdles

If your OBGYN has deemed your pregnancy “high-risk,” there are a number of factors that could potentially contribute to the diagnosis. After thoroughly examining you and knowing your medical history, lifestyle choices, daily habits, and prior pregnancies, the medical professional will determine whether your pregnancy poses a risk to you and your baby’s health. If it does, you’ll receive additional care and instructions on how to take good care of yourself until it’s time to deliver. What Causes a High-Risk Pregnancy ? So, what makes your pregnancy different than other people’s? Why are you considered high-risk? Is there something that you’re doing to make your pregnancy riskier than other people’s? Your pregnancy is considered high-risk if: You are overweight or underweight. Are under the age of 18 and over the age of 35. You have had problems with pregnancies in the past. Had issues getting pregnant in the past. You have an autoimmune disease such as lupus. Have a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, cancer or blood disorders. Have a STD including HIV. This list is just a sampling of why your pregnancy may be higher risk than others. Your doctor considers your unique medical history. He or she knows you as an individual, your wants, and needs which helps the medical professional come up with a plan of action that is in your best interest. You may even discover that after being pregnant for a while that your pregnancy becomes high-risk. This is the case for mothers who are carrying multiples, ones who have preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, and ones that even go into labor before the 37 week. Women who have infections such as Zika, listeria or toxoplasmosis are also at greater risk during their pregnancies. Receiving follow-up care from your physician is an absolute must because it helps you safely carry and delivery a healthy child until his or her delivery date. If you are considered “high-risk” by your OBGYN, they will want to follow-up with you more regularly. You may have extra appointments scheduled, so the doctor can monitor the baby’s growth and development. Making sure that you always do what your OBGYN has suggested helps prevent problems related to high-risk pregnancies. You’ll want to get the pregnancy tests and screenings needed to ensure a healthy delivery as well as eat nutritious foods, move your body by doing safe exercises, and take the pre-natal vitamin prescribed to you to prevent birth defects. Taking charge of your health and well-being by being knowledgeable, compliant, and communicative is key. Your doctor is available to assist you by answering questions and providing you with medically-sound advice along the way. Prepare for a High-Risk Pregnancy by Following Your OBGYN’s Advice Knowing what may occur during a high-risk pregnancy helps you better prepare for it. You’re not caught off-guard because you didn’t take the precautionary measures necessary to prevent complications. You’re able to follow up regularly with your physician who wants to monitor you and your baby closely throughout your pregnancy.

Bringing home a new baby is an unforgettable experience — which is why our mission at Bellefit is to support women through their recovery, so they can cherish this time. Our postpartum girdles are designed to provide women abdominal support and pain relief with the broadest selection of sleek, medical-grade postpartum shape wear. C-section deliveries require major abdominal surgery. As a result, the recovery from c-sections will be very different from a vaginal birth experience. One way to speed your healing and added comfort is to wear a postpartum girdle or corset. We want to share the experiences of real c-section mommies who loved wearing their Bellefit girdles as they transition back into their pre-baby clothes. We'll also cover some common questions about wearing a Bellefit girdle after a c-section, and discuss the unique features of c-section-friendly compression garments, so you can choose the best girdle that suits your needs. Table Of Contents How Soon Can I Start Wearing A Girdle After Having A C-Section Delivery? How Does A Girdle Help With C-Section Recovery? Provides Abdominal and Back Support Decreases Pain With Medical-Grade Compression Allows For Deep Breathing To Reduce Stress Kim's C-Section Recovery With Bellefit Chelsea Experienced Pain Relief With Her Postpartum Girdle First Time Mom, Malva Recovers with Abdominal Binder After C-Section Bellefit Results Bellefit Makes You Feel Stronger Bellefit Makes You Feel Confident The Best Bellefit Girdles For C-Section Recovery How Soon Can I Start Wearing A Girdle After Having A C-Section Delivery? You can wear your postpartum girdle hours after giving birth. In fact, many doctors and nurses recommend it for c-section recovery. For the best results, you should wear your girdle day and night in the first few weeks of healing. You'll be able to adjust and tighten your girdle as your body changes in the months following childbirth. How Does A Girdle Help With C-Section Recovery? Provides Abdominal and Back Support The first few days with your new baby is an extraordinary experience, and it's the best time to begin bonding. Your abdominal wall is a lot weaker now after having surgery, so wearing a girdle around your midsection will give you support to your lower back and core muscles, allowing you to move around more comfortably and hold your baby. As you recover in the hospital for the next couple of days, nurses will encourage you to move around and increase circulation in the legs. The trouble is, the foundation of all movements begins at the abdominal muscles, and it's now at its weakest. A high-quality postpartum binder will help you feel secure and supported through your movements. Decreases Pain With Medical-Grade Compression Especially after the first 24 hours after c-section labor, you should support your wound with pressure. A compression garment designed for post-pregnancy provides constant pressure to the incision to assist you with hands-free compression for when you laugh with your baby and loved ones, sneeze, or use the washroom. Those actions can unexpectedly cause the abdomen to strain, which can accidentally rip your incision. Allows For Deep Breathing To Reduce Stress Breathwork is one of the best, natural pain-relieving strategies. Pain triggers the fight-or-flight response, which creates a surge of the stress hormone, cortisol. Improving your oxygen supply to your muscles activates the parasympathetic system (rest-and-digest mode) to ease anxiety, tension, and manage your pain. Wearing a post-pregnancy girdle improves your back posture to open up space for your diaphragm to expand, allowing you to take full, deep breaths. Now, let's get to the stories of our incredible Bellefit moms who experienced c-section deliveries. Kim's C-Section Recovery With Bellefit Kim during her third trimester. Kim began wearing her Dual-Closure Girdle on the third day postpartum. She also has the Bellefit Corset, which she wore a week after as she transitioned down in size. As a military wife, Kim needs every bit of energy she has to care for her new baby and her own needs, while her husband is away on duty. She loved how secure she felt in her movements while wearing her corset. "Bellefit Girdles helped me have an awesome recovery from my c-section! It gave me back support and the tightness I needed to tighten my belly! I love love love the Bellefit girdle and the results it has given me so far!” Kim holding her baby (5 weeks postpartum) Kim completed her postpartum recovery with Bellefit 8 weeks after her c-section — However, every woman and postpartum recovery is unique. Chelsea Experienced Pain Relief With Her Postpartum Girdle With Chelsea's first pregnancy, she had undergone an emergency c-section that caused her to suffer unbearable pain. She recounts even walking around the grocery was difficult, and she needed a wheelchair. She didn't know about Bellefit after her first c-section. When she was pregnant with her second child, she was determined to find the right products that would help her in her postpartum recovery. Chelsea came home three days after delivering her second child and immediately wore her Bellefit Abdominal Binder, designed for c-section births. This time her recovery experience was much more bearable. “I just felt so much better <...> I felt like I was able to walk around, get up and down the stairs a lot easier – even laughing, I didn’t feel like my stitches were gonna come out when I was wearing my girdle." First Time Mom, Malva Recovers with Abdominal Binder After C-Section Malva was amazed at how quickly her stomach bounced back to its pre-pregnancy size after wearing her girdle in just one week. “Not only that, the muscles in my belly were starting to feel hard again, <...> It was so comfy that I forgot I was wearing it, and another very big plus is that it improved my confidence. I was able to sit, bend over, lay down and I slept wearing it, too." Malva shows her photo at the peak of her pregnancy, just postpartum, and after wearing a Bellefit Abdominal Binder Bellefit Results Women who wear Bellefit typically experience two types of results which can happen within 1 – 12 weeks postpartum. Bellefit Makes You Feel Stronger The moment you put on your girdle, you’ll immediately feel the difference. Bellefit tightens your abdomen, providing relief to your weakened midsection. Being able to keep up with your baby and get back to exercising sooner is a liberating experience, which is why others are saying such great things about waist training post pregnancy. Abdominal Binder After C-Section alleviates pain Bellefit Makes You Feel Confident These garments are more than your typical shape-wear underwear, in that they provide medical-grade compression. But you can't deny how good you'll look in your Bellefit corset. The garments are sleek under clothing and are designed to trim your waistline and smooth the belly. Over time, women notice their abdomen is reducing in size as their postpartum swelling diminishes. Wearing Bellefit within the first year after giving birth will give you the best results. Now, let's briefly outline some features of the best post c-section garments. The Best Bellefit Girdles For C-Section Recovery Bellefit has the widest selection of FDA-registered postpartum girdles with 8 styles in sizes XS – 3XL. We'll go over the 7 best styles women love specifically for c-section recovery. Garment Style Features Corset • This is best for when swelling is at its peak• 3 row adjustable front hooks• Full rear coverage• Accessible crotch opening Dual-Closure Girdle • Excellent for swelling • 3 row adjustable hooks• Convenient padded zipper with anti-pinch• Full rear coverage• Medical-grade protection for c-section incision area• Accessible crotch opening for flow pads Bodysuit Corset • Best for long torsos• Full rear coverage• Open bust body suit• Adjustable and removable straps • 3 row adjustable front hooks Cheekster Corset • No-panty line cheekster-style panty• 3 adjustable front hook closures• Medical-grade protection for c-section incision area• Accessible crotch opening for flow pads Corset Thong • Thong-style panty• Adjustable and removable shoulder straps• Can be worn classic, cross-back, or strapless• Accessible crotch opening for flow pads Girdle with Front Zipper • Easy-to-fasten front padded zipper• Full rear coverage panty• Accessible crotch opening to accomodate heavy flow pads Girdle With Side Zipper • Seamless front, discrete under clothing• Padded side zipper • Accessible, adjustable crotch opening Bellefit Postpartum Girdles, Corsets & Abdominal Binders If you're looking for panty-less option waist trainers and abdominal binders, people also love Bellefit's selection in sizes XS – 4XL. Ultimately, shopping for the best c-section girdles for you will depend on your personal recovery needs and style preferences — You can rest assured that Bellefit has your needs in mind when designing these garments.