Do you need to take a load off your back, get rid of the pain, tone the abdominal muscles, and tighten the skin after childbirth? A special bandage will help. What are the kinds of postpartum belly bands and which one will fit you? Choose a postpartum belly band with us!
The Kinds of Postpartum Belly Bands
A belly band belt is an elastic postpartum belly band 6-12 inches wide which covers the entire abdomen and thighs and is fastened with velcro. It is the cheapest kind of belly band, therefore the most popular among young mothers. However, it has a disadvantage – active movements can cause the belt to ride up.
A universal belly band differs from the band-belt; one side of it is wider than the other and it is strengthened by a rigid patch. You can wear such a belly band during (the elastic part covers the belly) and after childbirth (the belly band is turned over). Velcro fasteners allow you to adjust the degree of tightening.
A grace belly band is elastic panties with a wide belt, high waistline, thick fabrics insertions on the abdomen, and lower back zones. Correctly chosen graces visually narrow your waist and hips. There are several varieties of graces – corset panties, knee-length Bermudas, or “cellulite panties”
There is another type of belly band for women who had a cesarean section (in pharmacies it is called a “surgical post-operative belly band”). Usually, it looks like a grace band with a fastener on the bottom or a belt on a velcro. The main task of the surgical belly band is to fix the postoperative suture and support the abdominal muscles.
The Postpartum Belly Band Precautions. Consult Your Doctor
It is important to remember that there is a number of precautions for the use of postpartum belly bands, so, before buying one, you need to consult a doctor. Your doctor will tell you which postpartum belly band to choose. It depends on your body type and the course of pregnancy and childbirth. The use of the postpartum belly band is not recommended if you have diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, certain types of sutures after cesarean section, kidney diseases as well as skin damage, and allergic reactions.
How to Buy and How Long to Wear a Postpartum Belly Band?
When choosing a belly band you should focus on your prenatal size of clothing. If during pregnancy you have gained more than 26 pounds, add 1-2 sizes. Do not be afraid of the big postpartum belly – it is usually soft enough to fit into the belly band. However, if after a couple of days of wearing a postpartum belly band you feel excessive tightness and discomfort it means that you have picked up the product incorrectly.
It is not recommended to purchase belly bands via the Internet (it is possible only if you are certain about a particular model) because you will not have the opportunity to evaluate the quality of the product. Ideally, the belly band should be elastic, easy to absorb and evaporate moisture. It’s great if the band is two-layered. As for the fasteners, remember that velcro is a good thing but they can be seen under tight clothes and begin to cling to thin fabrics and tights after being worn. Models with velcro on the bottom make it easier for you to go to the toilet.
You need to put on a postpartum belly band lying on your back, the abdominal muscles relax. If your doctor doesn’t mind you can start wearing a postpartum belly band after a month and a half from the very day you gave birth (but keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to do so in any hospital).
Remember: you need to tighten your postpartum belly not only by using the belly band but also by doing postpartum physical exercises regularly.
Born in Belarus, 1985, a pedagogue and family psychologist, mother. Taking part in procedures of social adaptation of the foster children in new families. Since 2015 is a chief editor of the motherhow.com project, selecting the best and up-to-date material for those, who are planning, expecting, and already having babies.