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Here at Bellefit Maternity we’re no strangers to the challenges many women face. Our line of postpartum girdles is just one way we’ve been working to make a positive impact in the lives of new moms. Launched in 2008, Bellefit girdles have helped thousands of women around the world find comfort after having a baby. They’ve also helped women discover happiness and enjoy more confidence in their bodies. We’ve decided to expand our outreach even further through a new partnership with the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center in Pembroke Pines, Fla. Susan B Anthony Recovery Center The Center has provided rehabilitation from substance abuse to expectant mothers and women with children since 1995.One of only a few full-service recovery centers in the United States, the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center provides residential and outpatient treatment in a loving, structured environment. A woman receives the support she needs while living with and caring for her children while in their care. Our general manager, Andy Suarez, and public relations manager, Carolina Suarez-Garcia, will meet with the residents to share Bellefit’s background and provide education about the postpartum benefits of using a Bellefit girdle Beginning March 3, Bellefit Maternity donated Postpartum Recovery Girdles to current patients of the center. Furthermore, we will continue to donate to future patients at the Center who are expecting a baby or have recently given birth. Bellefit founder Cynthia Suarez recently recalled how much her own daughter struggled after having children. She developed the product to not only alleviate the discomfort of an incision from a C-section, but also provide a much-needed boost of confidence to recovering moms. “Being a mom of four and a grandmother of seven, I know, first-hand, how challenging motherhood can be,” Suarez said. It was through the Center’s partnership with The Rotary Club of Weston that Suarez’s son, Andy, a Rotarian, met Whitney Hughson, associate director of marketing at the SBARC. When Hughson shared the stories of moms who struggle with addiction while trying to raise their children. She explained that the Center helps women lead healthier, more productive lives. Suarez immediately knew Bellefit needed to get involved. “Bellefit Girdles make moms’ lives easier after childbirth. It gives them a boost of confidence during a time when women are focused on their baby and usually feel guilty about caring for themselves,” Suarez said. The girdles reduce uterus swelling by safely supporting and compressing the abdominal and lumbar regions. They provide a faster and more comfortable postpartum recovery for those who have undergone a C-section or natural childbirth. It’s especially helpful for those experiencing diastasis recti or pain. Suarez called the partnership a perfect match. Our hope for women at the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center is that they continue to find the courage and strength to improve the quality of their lives, so they can give the best of themselves to their children,” she said. The center can accommodate housing for approximately 60 women at any given time during rehabilitation. However, the outpatient program extends far beyond that number. The Center is certain to see positive benefits from the generous Bellefit partnership. Find information to Donate time, money or items the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center at www.susanbanthonycenter.org or by calling (866) 641-8986.

The pregnancy glow is a reality for a lot of mothers, but most women experience some sort of pregnancy skincare conundrum before giving birth. Let’s take a look at what’s going on and how you can take care of your skin by taking care of your basic health. https://youtu.be/DLMkHHKS93w The Realities of Pregnancy and Skincare Pregnancy is a time of major hormonal change. These hormones can produce that pregnancy “glow” that makes some mothers look so radiant and lovely from beginning to end. However, similar to puberty, pregnancy hormones can also cause your skin to freak out a bit and react in ways you aren’t used to. Understand that everyone’s bodies are different and, as with nearly every part of a pregnancy, your experience is unique to you. Some women glow with no effort, some women break out unexpectedly. Your skin may get drier, redder or even stay the same. Don’t focus on what “should” be happening—just take care of yourself. Taking Care of Your Whole Body Skin can often reflect systemic nutrition and health issues, so one of the best things you can do for your skin is to address your basic health and nutrition. Drink plenty of water and get as much sleep as you can. Hydration and rest can work wonders for the skin, even when you aren’t pregnant. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. You can indulge your pregnancy cravings, but try to balance that out with some healthy food. For example, if you want some ice cream, try giving yourself a small portion with some fruit and nuts. Consider working with a registered dietitian (RD) rather than simply taking your doctor’s advice on diet and nutrition. Your doctor has special training that makes him or her an excellent resource for most elements of your pregnancy. However, this training many not include detailed or current nutritional education. Many doctors take a single nutrition class in medical school and do not receive continuing education in this specialty area after the fact. This means their information can be both outdated and incomplete. Dietitians, on the other hand, have specialized professional education focusing solely on what you should eat. In most states they must keep current on research and education to keep their licenses. There are lots of dietetic resources for pregnant women. Some dietitians even specialize in pregnancy nutrition. Books about pregnancy diets written by qualified professionals are a good option as well. Taking Care of Your Skin Use gentle cleansers so you don’t further irritate your skin. Try all-natural products that address the specific issues you’re having. However, don’t make dramatic changes to your skincare routine. Doing so can actually prolong some issues that might have resolved on their own with some patience. Your face isn’t the only area you can care for at this time. Using nourishing lotions containing ingredients like vitamin E or shea butter on your belly can minimize the appearance of stretch marks as bump expansion progresses. Mothers expecting multiples may want to start early. If you found these lotions effective during pregnancy, you can use also use them afterwards. Additionally, you can even treat fully healed c-section scars the same way. Don’t suffer through nipple soreness at this point. Conditioning your nipples during pregnancy can better prepare you for breastfeeding. It can also help with some of the breast tenderness you may be experiencing at this point.

Gestating a fetus is no small feat. From the physical changes and hormonal swings, , to the sense of excitement and even anxiety you may feel during pregnancy. Your entire body is really going through it while you’re waiting for your little one to arrive. However, is your brain really functioning at a lower capacity? Let’s explore the legend of pregnancy brain. Momnesia: Real or Fake? The foggy head some mothers feel during pregnancy was once attributed to an overall decrease in brain function. A 2002 study that seemed to prove the existence of “pregnancy brain” as a reduction in overall functionality has been refuted by subsequent studies, including a 2009 study performed by a female researcher in Australia. This researcher, Helen Christensen, was the director of Australian National University’s Centre for Mental Health Research at the time of the study. She concluded in 2009 that women’s brains actually tend to increase in capability during pregnancy. As with all scientific research, there’s a bit of nuance, and the way the study itself is conducted can affect the outcome. However, given how much mothers are able to accomplish during their pregnancies, it stands to reason that our brains are kicked into overdrive during this time. What’s Really Going On? While brain function may be higher during pregnancy, that doesn’t necessarily translate into a feeling of being alert and energetic. This is normal. During the first trimester, hormonal changes are often to blame for a feeling of fogginess, forgetfulness and fatigue. Anxiety may also play a role in this feeling for some women. The second trimester is often associated with a return of energy. However, not all women experience this. Women who’ve maintained a fairly consistent body weight for most of their adult lives could be feeling the strain of suddenly carrying around some extra weight. Even a few pounds can make a difference when it’s with you all day. In the third trimester, fatigue is often associated with difficulty sleeping and, again, increased weight requiring more physical effort throughout the day. This can be especially tough during hot weather. Throughout the entire pregnancy, many women are trying to maintain their normal lives. This is in addition to taking on massive additional tasks of caring for themselves and preparing their homes and lives for a baby. It doesn’t take a team of researchers to determine that anyone experiencing this kind of extra workload might not be as sharp and on top of things as they ordinarily are. What You Can Do Be compassionate with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with other moms. Every pregnancy is unique, and whether or not yours is “perfect” and “blissful” is mostly a matter of uncontrollable factors. This includes genetics, not a moral or intellectual triumph. Don’t put unfair pressure on yourself, this can make it harder to deal with your feelings. Make written lists to help combat forgetfulness. If you’re feeling tired, give yourself permission to relax. Ask your partner, friends and family members for help picking up the slack. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. You might not be able to do exactly what you used to do before you got pregnant, and that’s OK. Do you have experience with forgetfulness and fatigue associated with “pregnancy brain?” Tell us about it and how you coped with it.

Everyone’s pregnancy is different, but there are some experiences that all mothers tend to share in common during those all-important nine months (and after). Here are a few of the most common/eventful, and also the most major milestones of pregnancy! https://youtu.be/vo1BVzxs5jw First Trimester Getting positive confirmation that you’re pregnant from a home test or a doctor. Sharing your exciting news with your partner. If you choose, sharing the news with your friends and family. Having your first moment of unusual exhaustion. Seeing firsthand what morning sickness is all about—and realizing that it can happen at any time of day. Experiencing strange appetite changes, whether it’s a craving for weird flavor combos or a sudden distaste for something you ordinarily don’t mind, Finding your OB/GYN and going through the information flood that is your first few visits. Seeing your baby for the first time with an ultrasound and hearing its tiny heartbeat. Noticing some changes in the shape of your body, though not necessarily a pronounced baby bump. At the end of the first trimester, you’ll realize that you’re one third of the way done with your pregnancy! Second Trimester Feeling a bit more comfortable as the morning sickness and fatigue of the first trimester starts to subside. Making the announcement to friends, family and coworkers who don’t already know—many couples choose to wait until the second trimester to reveal the big news because the first trimester is the period of greatest risk for miscarriage. Starting to show more dramatically after the relatively mild bloating or bump development of the first trimester and buying maternity clothes to fit your new belly. Noticing that other people are noticing and reacting to your growing midsection, potentially including unwelcome comments and unexpected well wishes. Feeling your baby move around, kick and generally make his or her presence felt. Seeing more detailed ultrasound images and even learning the gender if you choose to do so at this point. At the end of your second trimester, you’ll be more than halfway done with pregnancy and will have just a few more weeks left before you meet your new little one! Third Trimester Tying up loose ends and finalizing details around the house and your life, from picking out the right car seat to finishing the decor for your nursery. Attending a baby shower and receiving gifts from loved ones and friends, then arranging and organizing those gifts. Seeing your OB/GYN on a more regular basis—you could even have weekly appointments. Packing a hospital bag and coming up with a plan for when you go into labor. Watching the days to your due date tick away and, most likely, being surprised on the actual day of arrival. Learning the difference between real contractions and Braxton-Hicks. Meeting your little one after your delivery or c-section! These milestones may come with their own ups and downs, and some of them may be more significant than others. That’s normal, so don’t worry if your pregnancy ends up looking a little bit or even a lot different from the typical path described here. What’s important is that you’re prepared and healthy!

From the moment you go into labor you want to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for giving birth! Moreover, a great way to make sure you’re ready for the first day is know what to pack in your hospital bag. Follow this checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything for yourself, your partner and your precious new arrival. https://youtu.be/dv6jdEUJhNI Packing Checklist For You Comfortable shoes to wear around the hospital. Flip flops, slip-on flats or sturdy slippers are great choices. Socks to wear in bed and around your room. Warm, cushy and comfortable socks are great for comfort. However, if you can find a pair with some kind of traction on the soles, that may be useful as well. Hospital clothes. This includes pajamas, your own hospital gown, underwear, nursing bra and a robe. Also make sure to bring anything else that might help you feel more comfortable. Personal care items. This includes maxi pads, a hairbrush, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste. Don’t forget hair ties and other hygiene or cosmetic items will help you feel clean and refreshed. Personal comfort items. This could be your phone or tablet loaded with your favorite music. Also bring important family keepsakes you want to keep with you as you push or have your c-section. Going home outfit. Pack comfortable stretchy pants or skirt, nursing bra, underwear, socks and shoes. Packing Checklist For Your Partner Partner support gear. This includes the birth plan instructions, snacks, a playlist of your favorite songs. Don’t forget phone or tablet chargers and anything else that your partner should take care of. Comfortable hospital clothes. Clothes your partner can feel good in even if it’s necessary to sleep in a cramped hospital chair. Personal care items. Don’t forget the toothbrush and toothpaste, haircare and other items for an overnight trip. Personal entertainment items. Bring books, movies on a laptop, podcasts on a device with Bluetooth speakers . Bring anything else your partner or you may want if you’re waiting a while. Going home outfit. Include a change of underwear, socks, pants and shirt. Cash. It’s always helpful to have an extra stash of cash for cafeteria, vending machine or gift shop runs. Packing Checklist For Your Baby Receiving blanket. Pack a versatile blanket (or two) for your first official swaddling and nursing attempts. Nursing pillow. Bring your nursing pillow so you can get used to using it right away. Hat, onesies and mittens. Bring a warm newborn hat, 1-2 newborn onesies for use at the hospital and scratch mittens. Diapers and wipes, Bring a stash of the diaper and wipes brand you plan to use at home. Going home outfit. Include a fresh going-home onesie and socks plus seasonally appropriate clothing such as a warmer hat and a blanket for the carrier.

Do you ever look at celebrity gossip magazines and wonder how these celebrities look so flawless in these form-fitting dresses? Their secret weapon is a body shaper. Shape wear underwear is excellent for a night out — however, one of the downsides is that it often doesn't provide enough support for post-pregnancy bodies. Every mom experiencing anxiety over their post-baby body has wished for something to make the transition back to normal easier. What product offers the best control for the tummy post-pregnancy? A belly bandage is a step in the right direction — You can wear it while pregnant, and some options provide gentle support as you recover from delivery. However, we have another option that takes the best of both worlds. Read on to find the best body shaping garment for post-pregnancy bodies. When should you wear a body shaper? Body shaper undergarments are great for when you want to look flawless beneath form-fitting outfits. Ladies' body shapers are designed to appear seamless under clothing while maintaining light compression around the midsection to give the illusion of a slimmer body. You can think of body shapers, such as the popular Spanx, as a band-aid patch to the extra weight around the belly. They help to smooth and minimize, but it's not going to help you effectively lose weight. The benefits of body shapers include: A comfortable, seamless fit Available in various colors, shapes, and sizes A toned appearance Affordable When should you wear a belly band? Abdominal bands or wraps hug the midsection to provide gentle compression. There are band options to wear while you're pregnant to support the back and abdomen as the baby grows and other varieties designed after delivery. Do postpartum wraps help with post-delivery pain and support? Yes, they do — but they're not always the most comfortable fit. Because these garments only wrap around the midsection, they can easily get displaced. Cheaper belly bandages are often made with bulky, itchy materials, which aren't the most discrete under clothing. The benefits of belly bandages include: Available in different sizes and styles (before and after pregnancy) Comfortable fit Offer shaper compression benefits Gentle compression to reduce severity of the pain post-baby delivery Encourages improved posture very light support abdominal band circular knit band with targeted support zones bulky midsection belts with velcro What's the best post-pregnancy garment? Body shaping underwear empower women's confidence while offering comfort and support — Bellefit Maternity takes this one step further. The Bellefit Postpartum Girdle provides the benefits of both a belly bandage and a body shaper for women who have recently given birth. Wearing a Bellefit C-Section Recovery Corset or Dual-Closure Girdle protects and supports the c-section incision. It simultaneously compresses the abdominal area and uterus to help reduce swelling due to fluid retention. Those suffering from diastasis recti can find comfort with a postpartum girdle. They're made with durable, flexible materials that provide high-grade compression to minimize the pain after delivery and support the back and abdominal muscles, so you can get back to your normal range of motion faster. The best way to lose the extra baby weight is exercise and a healthy diet, so the sooner you get moving again, the sooner you can get shedding the excess weight. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles and Corsets — Medical Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended since 2008, Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes The benefits of Bellefit girdles and corsets: Offers the same seamless toning benefits as body shapers and belly bands Medical-grade compression to reduce pain and swelling High-quality, comfortable materials Comes in different styles and adjustable sizes (from XS - 3XL) Added padding to protect c-section incisions Excellent to wear during exercises for its abdominal and back support Accessible crotch opening with 3 rows of adjustable hooks to accommodate heavy flow pads How long should you wear your girdle or belly band? You can wear a post-pregnancy girdle or belly bandage 24/7. Many new moms find that wearing their compression garments alleviate pain symptoms, which helps them get a better night's sleep. The Verdict: Bellefit Girdles Are The Way To Go Post Pregnancy Bellefit Mom, Robyn Robyn began wearing her Bellefit Dual Closure Girdle the day she delivered her son. She wore it 24-hours a day for the first six weeks. Not only did the corset keep her posture straight and allow her to carry her son with ease, but it allowed her to sit more comfortably, easing discomfort in her back – and after nine hours of back labor, that was an important feature. She was amazed by the positive comments she received about her appearance post-pregnancy. “I received many compliments on how quickly I was getting my pre-pregnancy body back,” Robyn said. Watch Robyn’s Video Testimonial Robyn has since given birth to her second son, another natural labor that left her with painful cramping as her uterus returned to its natural size. She found that using the Bellefit Postpartum Girdle was the only thing to offer relief: “I was actually able to feed him comfortably, without pain while wearing it, so I wore it 24/7 for the first three months after giving birth.” The extra support even allowed her to help out when the family moved just 20 days after giving birth! The active mom said it was the compression and support that also allowed her to quickly get back into running and playing soccer within a month-and-a-half of giving birth. The benefits are endless when it comes to the support a postpartum girdle can offer but choose the product carefully to ensure not only short-term results but long-term confidence.

Hi I am Debra Geymayr, directress of Prenatal Plus Yoga, here in Coral Gables Fl. Basically dealing with pregnancy, birth and beyond. Dealing with the wonderful time of pregnancy where women stay fit physically, emotionally and spiritual and just helping them feel comfortable and enjoy their 9 months of pregnancy. https://youtu.be/fiJhTXTorcQ The Best Postpartum Girdle I see hundreds of moms during a week and the ones that need the Bellefit and purchase the Bellefit have greatly greatly benefited from the physical alleviation of discomfort. With the postpartum moms usually the Bellefit Postpartum Girdles are worn right after birth and this has been an extreme benefit to helping moms bring the abdominal muscles back together and make them feel so much better about their bodies coming back to pre-pregnancy size after birth. Even with c-section it’s been wonderful to help them keep those abdominal muscles and the uterus intact. I am a certified childbirth educator so I do spend a lot of time educating women and couples helping them to prepare for labor and birth and working with them after birth with the babies. I am a certified doula and childbirth educator. Prenatal + Yoga is a Miami specialty center for pregnancy, birth and beyond. We are located in the heart of Coral Gables. Its www.prenatalplusyoga.com Im Deborah, Directress and look us up we have a great time with pregnancy ,birth and beyond. Thank you

Ever wonder how celebrity moms, like Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kim Kardashian-West, get back to their pre-baby bodies so fast? Unfortunately, there's no one hack to losing pregnancy weight. It involves a lot of exercising, clean eating, and the help of a high-quality compression garment to support postpartum recovery. If these moms can do it, so can you with the right tools and mindset. In this article, we'll dive into a few major topics, including: How a compression therapy works for strengthening the abdominal muscles The best habits to combine with waist training to lose weight The different types of compression garments How to shop for a high-quality postpartum corset We have a lot of great tips to share, so let's jump into it. Table Of Contents How Does Abdominal Compression Help With Postpartum Belly Recovery? Keep Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain At Bay Get Back To Exercising Sooner Exercise 1: Transverse Abdominis Activation Exercise 2: Pelvic Tilting Exercise On An Exercise Ball Exercise 3: Bridge Pose The Different Types Of Postpartum Support Garments Pros & Cons of Each Postpartum Garment How Soon Can You Start Wearing Your Postpartum Corset? How Long Should You Bind Your Belly After Birth? Key Habits In Combination With Waist Training For Losing Weight Exercise Breathing Techniques For Stress Management Eat A Variety Of Fresh Whole Foods & Eat Intuitively How To Shop For A Postpartum Girdle For Abdominal Support Shopping Tips For The Best Postpartum Belly Garments: The Best Postpartum Girdles To Wrap Up: Get The Best Abdominal Support With A Postpartum Girdle How Does Abdominal Compression Help With Postpartum Belly Recovery? Your uterus, pre-baby, is the size of a pear. By the third trimester, the uterus stretches to the size of a watermelon to accommodate your growing baby. As the baby grows, your organs shift, and your belly stretches to make room. This rapid stretching can lead to a condition called diastasis recti. The growing uterus pulls your six-pack abdominal muscles apart from the midline, which weakens the integrity of your core strength and causes lower back strain. Diastasis is common in petite women, women carrying twins, or already have reduced abdominal strength. After giving birth, you may feel like your belly is heavy and hanging loose over your hips. Part of this heaviness is water retention and bloating, but a lot of this is due to excess weight gain, your enlarged uterus, and weakened core muscles. Compression around the torso with a belly band, postpartum belly wrap, or better yet, a postpartum girdle squeezes that heavy belly in so your organs and muscles come back into alignment, helping you feel more supported through your movements. Over time, your uterus will shrink back to size, and your body will naturally drain the excess fluids, but wearing a postpartum girdle will make the transition more comfortable. Keep Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain At Bay The pelvic region — which sits at the base of the spine — is made of several bones. 20% of pregnant women suffer from pelvic girdle pain at some point in their pregnancy (PGP). During labor, it's not uncommon to damage the pelvis, and it can be excruciating. Pelvic girdle pain can happen when the baby's head pushes down on the pelvic bone during childbirth, resulting in a gap between two bones at the front or the back of your pelvis. This pain can radiate to different areas of the body, such as the hips, thighs, and lower back. PGP can severely affect your daily routine when climbing stairs, sitting, or standing for too long, becomes unbearable. Moms who experience PGP after labor swears by their postpartum girdle because it helps relieve pain caused by a weakened core and pelvis. Abdominal compression improves your posture, which aligns your back and core muscles over your hips to reduce the curvature of the spine. Supporting your torso with compression relieves strain off the lower back and pelvic floor muscles. Get Back To Exercising Sooner To keep pain at bay and get your pre-pregnancy body back sooner, you need to start exercising — and the sooner, the better (with your doctor's approval, of course). The strength of your core and pelvic floor muscles have dramatically decreased, so you'll need to build tension in those muscles to strengthen them gradually. An abdominal binder acts as a splint around the torso to keep your posture in line and hold your belly in tight, so you can feel more confident and supported through your movements. All exercises are stabilized by your core — wearing a high-grade compression binder helps with discomfort and allows you to get exercising sooner. Here are a few excellent exercises you can do while wearing your compression garment: Exercise 1: Transverse Abdominis Activation These muscles are your corset muscles. The fibers of the transverse abdominis run horizontally from just below the ribcage and into the pelvis. It narrows the waist and stabilizes the lower back, just like a corset. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor (about hip-width apart). Place your fingers inside the iliac crest — the part of your pelvic bone that sticks out at your hips. Move your fingers about an inch and half to the center of your body and about an inch and a half down. Activate these muscles and feel the resistance against your fingers as you breathe normally. Try holding the activation for 10 seconds (don't forget to breathe). As you get more comfortable in this position, try lifting your heals one at a time as you activate this muscle. Exercise 2: Pelvic Tilting Exercise On An Exercise Ball Pelvic tiling on an exercise ball is a gentle exercise that helps to strengthen the pelvic floor — the hammock of muscles that run from the front of the bone to the back. Strengthening this region contributes to supporting the lower spine and maintains upper abdominal muscles. Sit on an exercise ball with your legs hip-width apart. Begin to shift your weight on the ball so that your pelvic bones scoop up and forward as you sit. Your back will naturally curve to follow the movement. Hold for a few seconds before reversing the movement to an upright, straight spine position. https://youtu.be/dWiKbJ02DCo Exercise 3: Bridge Pose The bridge pose is an abdominal and shoulder stretch while simultaneously strengthening the abs and back. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width distance apart. Your fingertips should just graze the backs of your heels. On an inhale, lift your butt and back off the ground keeping your arms and shoulders on the floor to stabilize you. If your feeling okay here, you can intertwine your fingers behind your back and hold this pose for 10 seconds. Let's go over the types of compression garments for postpartum recovery. The Different Types Of Postpartum Support Garments Belly Wrap — Belly wraps cover your torso from your hips to the bottom of your bra line. It's usually a padded fabric that wraps around the belly and fastens with velcro straps. Belly Band — Belly bands are tube-like garments worn around the belly, hips, and low back to provide milk compression and help slim the appearance of the stomach. Abdominal Binder — It's a wide compression belt, similar to the belly wrap, but it has a more streamlined design with hook or zipper closures. It offers high-grade medical compression to the midsection. Girdle/Corset — These come in the most abundant styles. High-quality postpartum girdles provide medical-grade compression while still providing the benefits of shape wear in a breathable, flexible design. Pros & Cons of Each Postpartum Garment Garment Style Pros Cons Belly Wraps • Inexpensive• Lots of coverage around the midsection • Doesn't offer firm consistent compression• Bulky• Often shifts around the body Belly Bands • Inexpensive• Light-weight and flexibly material • Doesn't offer strong enough compression• Usually not adjustable• Often shifts around the body Abdominal Binder/ Waist Trainer • High-grade compression• Adjustable hooks• Seamless, flexible material • More expensive• Doesn't offer rear support Girdle/Corset • High-grade compression• Available in different panty styles• Adjustable hooks• Crotch openings to accommodate heavy-flow pads• Offers more versatility as body shaping underwear and compression therapy • More expensive Girdles and corsets are the most commonly recommended by health care professionals because they provide the best postpartum support over a belly band or wrap. While it may cost a little more, it truly is a small investment for your health and comfort. How Soon Can You Start Wearing Your Postpartum Corset? You can start wearing your postpartum corset or wrap hours after you deliver your baby with your doctor's approval. There are even girdle styles that are suitable for c-section recovery. For the best results from compression therapy, wear your device 24-7 for at least a week. Many moms found that their postpartum girdles gave them comfort and relief from pain as they recovered at the hospital. It's important that you shop for garments specially designed for the postpartum body — not just body shaping underwear. Postpartum binders offer a higher level of compression and have thoughtful design features with recovery in mind. How Long Should You Bind Your Belly After Birth? Every woman's body and pregnancy is different, so this will depend entirely on the individual. Many moms wear the binder for up to a year after delivery as they get back to their pre-pregnancy size, while other moms bounce back within a few months with the help of their post pregnancy girdle. New mom, Laurie lost 17 lbs two weeks postpartum, which she credits to her girdle. She began wearing her dual closure girdle three days after her vaginal delivery. https://youtu.be/ti_Dv_Z9siM Key Habits In Combination With Waist Training For Losing Weight Exercise Postpartum girdles help to relieve pain in the lower back and abdomen, so you can feel confident about getting active again. Once you have the green light from your doctor, start exercising. Make sure you start slow. Your body has undergone massive changes in the nine months of carrying your baby, and it will be a while yet before you regain all your strength and flexibility back. Gentle exercises weeks after pregnancy can include going the exercises we discussed, going on walks, postnatal yoga, and pilates. Wearing a belly binder or corset while you workout will help you move more confidently, so you can focus on gaining strength back to your core. Breathing Techniques For Stress Management An invisible culprit for why many women hold on to their pregnancy weight is stress. While having a baby is a joyous time, it's not without new stress — disrupted routines, lack of sleep, and weight loss anxiety can all play a part. When you experience stress for a prolonged period, your cortisol levels (stress hormone) are high, which can increase your appetite. Managing your stress is a crucial factor in helping you lose excess weight successfully. Where does breathing come in to help? Breathing exercises are one of the best ways to reduce stress in the body. When you concentrate on deep breathing, you send signals to the brain to slow down and relax. An abdominal binder or postpartum girdle wraps around the torso and covers your whole belly. Compressing this area pushes your shoulders and back into alignment with your hips to make space for the diaphragm, allowing you to take deeper breaths. Eat A Variety Of Fresh Whole Foods & Eat Intuitively The work is far from over after delivering your baby. Breast-feeding mothers burn an extra 500 calories a day to produce milk — and they lose weight faster than moms who don't. To keep your energy levels high, so you can keep exercising, and provide wholesome breast milk for your baby, you need to nourish your body with the right foods. No miracle diet will help you lose weight and sustain it. The best advice we can give you is to eat a wide range of fresh, whole foods — proteins, fruits and veggies, clean carbs, healthy fats — and to eat intuitively. Intuitive eating is a practice of mindfulness, wherein you pay attention to how your body feels as you eat. It's not easy at first, but in time, you'll learn to read the signals your body is telling you when it's full and when you should reach for healthy, satisfying foods. Bellefit Postpartum Girdles & Corsets – Medical-Grade, FDA-Registered, Recommended Since 2008. Available in 8 Styles & in Plus Sizes. How To Shop For A Postpartum Girdle For Abdominal Support Now that you have a better idea of the differences between belly bands, belly wraps, and girdles — and more importantly, what goes into losing weight and keeping the weight off, let's go over the different garment styles. Shopping Tips For The Best Postpartum Belly Garments: It has medical-grade compression — This is what separates a garment from shapewear. The material is flexible and breathable — You'll be wearing your girdle around the clock for the best results. You want to make sure it fits like a second skin. It has adjustable hooks and straps — Your body is undergoing a lot of change after delivery, the girdle or corset should have features to adjust compression levels. FDA-registered — Be aware of the potential dangers of waist training. FDA-registered compression devices have a safe level of compression. It's easy to use — The last thing you want is to struggle to put on or to remove your underwear. Find a garment that's simple to use. It can accommodate heavy flow pads — Expect a lot of leakage postpartum. A garment that allows easy access to the crotch and space for pads is a handy design feature. Bellefit has you covered for the best postpartum shapewear and FDA-registered postpartum girdles and corsets from sizes XS – 3XL. Many moms purchase two girdles. One to wear after right after giving birth when swelling is at its peak, and another a size down as their body adapts closer to their pre-pregnancy shape. The three hook-closures on most of our garments adjust the level of compression at multiple stages of recovery. Best of all, these garments look great. They're discreet and seamless, so it sits flawlessly under your clothes while giving you a slimmer silhouette. Following delivery, a girdle can help you to: Relieve diastasis recti (abdominal separation) Improve posture Shrink the uterus Boost confidence Support your core and lower back during exercise Reduce pain and swelling Help protect c-section incision Bellefit has you covered for the best postpartum shapewear and FDA-registered postpartum girdles and corsets from sizes XS – 3XL. Many moms purchase two girdles. One to wear after right after giving birth when swelling is at its peak, and another a size down as their body adapts closer to their pre-pregnancy shape. The three hook-closures on most of our garments adjust the level of compression at multiple stages of recovery. Best of all, these garments look great. They're discreet and seamless, so it sits flawlessly under your clothes while giving you a slimmer silhouette. Deanna wearing her postpartum girdle days after childbirth “It provided so much core and back support,” Deanna said. “That support helped me keep up with our active 4 ½- and 2-year-old. I felt much more comfortable in my post-baby body and was able to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes within a few days.” Following delivery, a girdle can help you to: Relieve diastasis recti (abdominal separation) Improve posture Shrink the uterus Boost confidence Support your core and lower back during exercise Reduce pain and swelling Help protect c-section incision The Best Postpartum Girdles Girdle Style Features 1. Corset • Full rear coverage• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Adjustable crotch opening• Excellent for when swelling is at its peak• C-section friendly 2. Dual-Closure Girdle • Full rear coverage• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Convenient padded side zipper• Adjustable crotch opening• Excellent for when swelling is at its peak• C-section friendly 3. Cheekster Corset • Cheekster panty• 3-row adjustable front hooks• Adjustable crotch opening• C-section friendly 4. Bodysuit Corset • 3-row adjustable front hooks• Full rear coverage• Open-bust bodysuit• Adjustable & removable shoulder straps• No boning• Adjustable crotch opening• C-section friendly 5. Corset Thong • 3-row adjustable front hooks• Thong style panty• Adjustable & removable shoulder straps• Adjustable crotch opening• C-section friendly 6. Girdle with Front Zipper • Padded zipper• Full rear coverage• Adjustable crotch opening• C-section friendly 7. Girdle with Side Zipper • Padded side zipper• Full rear coverage• Seamless front• Adjustable crotch opening• C-section friendly 8. Girdle Pull-Up • Slip-on design• Full rear coverage• Seamless for discretion under clothing• Adjustable crotch opening To Wrap Up: Get The Best Abdominal Support With A Postpartum Girdle While belly bands and belly wraps can be helpful in alleviating mild pain and providing comfort postpartum, the best postpartum support device is ultimately a corset or girdle because it allows for constant, high-grade compression. Bellefit has the most extensive girdle and corset styles to suit natural and c-section deliveries and range from sizes XS – 3XL. Our abdominal compression garments are designed to support your changing body. Moms recover much faster when wearing a postpartum corset because it maximizes comfort, reduces pain, and allows you to get exercising sooner. Getting back to your pre-baby body in no-time isn't just a secret luxury of celebrities. Now that you're equiped with the right tools and understand what goes into losing that postpartum belly weight, you're well on your way to seeing the results you want.

You have had a confirmed positive pregnancy test from your doctor and it’s time for your first sonogram. You were lucky enough to conceive without fertility treatment, and you’re excited to meet your first child through imaging. It’s obvious this pregnancy is progressing very quickly, but with no basis of comparison, you tell yourself everyone’s body is different. But this — this was something you never expected. There on the screen, you meet not one, not two, but THREE of the tiny beings growing rapidly in your belly. Kimberly Pregnant with Triplets You go through the emotions in a matter of seconds – shock, happiness, excitement and apprehension, all rolled into one half-hour visit with your obstetrician. Three babies!? Will you have the room, the money, the sanity to handle three infants? All crying, feeding, sleeping – NEEDING — at the same time? How will this change your delivery plan? How will this change your body!?? Extremely rare, only a handful of the 4 million babies born in the United States each year are Spontaneous Triplets, or triplets conceived without the use of fertility drugs. When Kimberly K. learned she was pregnant with Spontaneous Triplets in December 2015, she thought her body would be ruined. Weakening & Separation of the Abdominal Muscles? Diastasis Recti after childbirth Kimberly was skeptical of spending money on an abdominal binder for after pregnancy without knowing for certain that the benefits would be worth the cost. It must be false advertising, she thought.Diastasis recti is common not only after a solo pregnancy, but with three scrambling for room, the condition is significantly more difficult to manage after delivery. The separation of the abdominal muscle, which can be identified while pregnant or after birth, causes back pain and a weak abdominal wall. “But, honestly, I’m so glad I invested in this girdle,” Kimberly said. “I wear it every day, all day, from the time I wake up until nighttime. I know you can sleep in it, but it’s easier for me to wear it 12 hours a day.” Better Healing with an Abdominal Binder After Pregnancy Kimberly began wearing her abdominal binder after pregnancy as soon as she delivered and has been wearing it ever since.“Wearing it all day will increase the benefits and help heal better, as there is compression on the stomach all day, allowing everything to get back into place,” Kimberly said. Walking is the only exercise she has done and the photos of her progress speak for themselves. Closing the Diastasis Gap During 2nd Pregnancy “I was looking for a product that would help close the gap,” Faith said. “I came across Bellefit! I read the reviews, I loved it, I ordered it and it came right away.” https://youtu.be/9h8HWc2ILiY Faith found out she was pregnant with her second child 22 months after she delivered her first. She tried abdominal exercises for breathing and head tilts, but nothing seemed to close the gap caused by diastasis recti. She was worried her condition would only get worse. Faith began wearing her abdominal binder right out of the hospital and discovered its amazing benefits immediately. In fact, she was back in her pre-pregnancy clothes just two weeks after delivering her son. “It is the most comfortable garment that I’ve worn,” she said. “I can wear it all the time – I do – I wear it 24 hours a day, unless I’m washing it. It is a product that I firmly believe in. My family and friends can’t get over how amazing my stomach is, considering how bad it was after my first pregnancy.” Kimberly and Faith both quickly discovered the benefits of using an abdominal binder after pregnancy. The compression from the girdle tightened their cores, helping everything get back into place. Each also experienced tremendous back support, which helped with comfortably getting out of bed, holding their babies and even breastfeeding. Bellefit Abdominal Binders

C-Section belly bands aid your abdominal muscles while they begin to heal and strengthen, they help prevent or alleviate Diastasis Recti, and they reduce recovery time.

You’ve seen it in the movies: the unsuspecting actress feels a sudden gush of water, she takes a dramatic taxi ride to the nearest hospital and as easy as 1, 2, 3 she gets to hold her newborn baby in her arms and lives happily ever after. But in reality a labor experience is a little less predictable than Hollywood makes it seem. https://youtu.be/2C39AwYU9MQ Although there isn’t ONE specific way to know that it’s really time, here are 5 signs to tell you’re in labor. 1 – Drop, Baby, Drop! One of the most common signs that you’ll be going into labor soon is the lightening or “dropping” of the baby into the pelvis. During lightening you’ll notice that your belly now sits lower on your abdomen and appears heavier and rounder than before. You’ll begin to feel more pressure surrounding your pelvis which of course increases frequency in urination. The good news is that once your baby has dropped and settled in position you’ll experience less shortness of breath, which is a great relief! 2 – Hello Braxton Hicks Another sign that your body is preparing for labor are Braxton Hicks Contractions. These infrequent contractions can be experienced throughout your entire pregnancy, however, they tend to become stronger as you get close to your due date. Unlike labor contractions they do not progress in frequency and only last a few seconds. These may increase their frequency at night but usually fade when you change positions unlike labor contractions which will not dissipate as easily. 3 – Bye-Bye Mucus Plug An exciting sign that labor is near is the loss of your Mucus plug. The Mucus plug is an accumulation of thickened Mucus that seals the Cervix tightly during pregnancy. This seal protects your fetus and prevents any outside elements from entering the womb. The “plug” can look clear, bloody or pinkish and is also referred to as “Bloody Show”. You can expect to evacuate your Mucus plug 1 – 2 weeks prior to labor. Although it can happen all at once it’s common for it to come out gradually. 4 – Water Everywhere! For nine months your baby grows inside your womb and is safely cradled in a perfect pod called the Amniotic Sac. This well-cushioned pod is filled with a fluid called Amniotic Fluid. Your baby floats in the fluid and also gets nutrients, hormones and antibodies that help her development. A huge sign that your body is beginning to experience labor is when your “Water breaks”. When your amniotic sac naturally ruptures the amniotic fluid is expelled from your body in either a big gush or a steady trickle. No need to panic, this doesn’t mean that your baby will suddenly pop out, in fact, some women will labor for hours or even days after their water breaks. If your water has broken, contact your doctor or midwife right away so they can monitor your progress and help guide you through the next steps. 5 – OMG, Contractions! The most certain sign that you are in Active Labor are True Contractions. True contractions compared to the Braxton Hicks, are strong, frequent and at times painful cramps that overpower your abdomen and lower back. These contractions intensify in both frequency, length and pain levels as your body prepares to give birth. True Contractions are often described as severe menstrual cramps. Anytime you feel contractions, take note of the time and length. This will help you tell whether you are experiencing True Contractions (which will continue until your baby is born) or if they are only irregular Braxton Hicks Contractions.In reality every woman’s labor experience is different. Some of us go through every possible labor symptom in the books while others will only experience one. This is perfectly normal. A few simple rules to follow are: Track everything you feel Keep your Doctor or midwife informed Trust your body and have your birth plan ready to welcome your much anticipated baby into your arms.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be complicated when your list includes getting a gift for that special someone who is pregnant. It’s always best to consider that although she is already expecting her own amazing gift, (her baby, of course); giving her a heart-warming and sincere gift is a great way to show her you care. To guide you along the way, we’ve gathered a list of the most comforting pregnancy gift ideas. Spa Packages Every woman loves a visit to the Spa where she can indulge in a soothing pregnancy massage, a relaxing foot rub and even a stylish Mani-Pedi. Your options for this gift can vary from a Home Spa kit that she can use in the comfort of her own home, to a Gift Certificate for a Spa package where she will get pampered with minimal effort from her part. Pregnancy Beauty Products During pregnancy, women can go through periods of dry skin, acne flares and the much dreaded – stretch marks. There are many lines of Pregnancy Skin Care products in a varying range of prices to fit any budget. This is a simple gift that can provide her much comfort for an extended period of time. Pregnancy Pillows If you have ever seen a pregnant woman trying to get comfortable to sleep, you know that a regular pillow is just not enough. A pregnancy pillow, although big and bulky, can be the most amazing gift she will ever receive. These pillows are designed to contour around a pregnant woman’s body and provide maximum support and comfort. Cleaning Service One of the things that women need the most help with can be the most overlooked and basic tasks of her daily life, especially when she is reaching her due date and her nesting instinct kicks in. What better way to show her you care than with the gift of a cleaning service? There are a number of national, reputable cleaning services that offer gift certificates and can make her life easier when she needs it most. Gift Cards for ANYTHING There are a lot of things that a pregnant woman can find comfort in and sometimes it’s difficult to figure out exactly what they are. Be her hero by enabling her to delight in the things she loves most with a Gift Card that she can use anywhere and for anything. How can you go wrong with that Pregnancy Books You may think that because a woman is pregnant, she might already have everything figured out, however, learning about their pregnancy is something that women love to do. You can find a number of great and very resourceful pregnancy books online and at your local bookstore. This is a great gift that she will appreciate and use for her entire pregnancy. Babymoon Getaway Parents-to-be spend a lot of time preparing for the arrival of their baby, but they can really benefit from spending some time just enjoying each other’s company and relaxing in a Babymoon. There are a variety of options to fit your budget that can be either local staycations or involving a little bit of travel. A Babymoon getaway will give the mom-to-be a much-needed break before she joins the busy club that is parenting. Motherhood Comedies There is something extremely comforting and therapeutic about laughter, especially when what you are laughing at are things that you can relate to. The world is filled with hilarious mom comedies, which can provide a very entertaining insight into motherhood for expectant moms. Give the gift of laughter! Postpartum Comfort Kit This is one of those things that most people don’t think about, yet comforting a new mom after she’s given birth to her baby can be priceless. A Postpartum comfort kit can include useful items such as a gift certificate for a postpartum recovery girdle, lip balm and stretch mark lotions, a comfy bathrobe, a pair of cozy slippers, a parenting magazine and even a delicious treat such as fruit or chocolate for mom to indulge in. You can be creative and put a kit together yourself or purchase a kit that includes a variety of these items with all the work already done for you. Maternity Photo Session There is a very unique glow that women effortlessly achieve during pregnancy. Look into photography studios or professional photographers in her area who will capture her grace during pregnancy and provide her the lasting memory.