Pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful phases in a woman’s life. There’s no better joy than to carry your baby for nine months and give birth to them. But, with the joy comes its fair share of conflicts and changes.
A woman’s physical and physiological body undergoes many changes during and after pregnancy. And everyone’s recovery after childbirth is a subjective experience too. One topic that often sparks a conversation is the post-pregnancy body.
How does one take care of their body, handle the changes to their appearance and ensure they are comfortable while recuperating from such a major medical transition? Postpartum shapewear is often a topic of discussion related to this subject.
If you are curious about wearing a postpartum belt after C-section, this article will explore all the details.
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What Is Abdominal Wrapping?
An abdominal wrapping, a belly band or belly binder, is a type of postpartum shapewear that supports recovery after C-section surgery.
Studies indicate that wearing a well-fitted and high-quality abdominal wrap can relieve pain and prevent risks of hernia in women after delivery. It also supports the organs and muscles to relocate to their original position inside the abdomen after a C-section.
Do C-Section Belly Bands Work?
The primary reason postpartum shapewear, especially belly bands, is popular is its effectiveness. They work, and hence women prefer wearing them after their C-section surgery.
There are multiple benefits to wearing them, including:
- Alleviating the pain that comes with a C-section
- Ensure comfortable moving without straining the incision
- Improves blood flow
- Promote healing of the incision after the C-section
- Reduce inflammation or swelling from the C-section
- Support the posture of a new mother
Wearing belly bands after a C-section also have benefits in:
Also Read – 4 Little-Known Fact of Postpartum Life That You Should Know About
Supporting the Pelvic Floor
To make room for the developing fetus, the organs present in the abdominal region undergo many changes and shifts during the pregnancy.
The hormonal interaction also relaxes the pelvic floor muscles to ensure the smooth delivery of the baby. After childbirth, wearing a supportive belly band strengthens and supports the pelvic floor muscles to prevent risks of involuntary peeing. The compression from the abdominal wrapping restores the muscle’s flexibility and the pelvic floor’s normal functioning.
Prevent risks of Diastasis Recti
Two major abdominal muscles that run down on either side of the stomach are expanded during pregnancy, creating a split area. This phenomenon is called diastasis recti.
Generally, the separated stomach muscles return to their place of origin by the second month of post-partum. A belly band is a compression material that moves your muscles back into place, recovering that open gap in the abdomen.
When Can I Use the Postpartum Belt After the C Section?
Belly bands or a postpartum belt isn’t a waist trainer. It doesn’t help you lose weight. However, the primary function of these belts is to retrain the flexibility of the muscles and promote quicker recovery after a C-section.
But when is the right time to wear them?
Ideally, you must wait 2-4 weeks after your C-section before wearing the postpartum belt over the incision or the abdomen. The main reason behind this buffer period is to let your incision heal before you put a compression garment over it.
Also, there are different types of belly bands available that you can check out. Ideally, we’d suggest you get your doctor’s clearance before wearing one.
Furthermore, choose the fabric or material of the belt wisely. You don’t want to indulge in irritating or synthetic materials. Instead, hypoallergenic materials like cotton work great on the skin.
Also Read – 6 Ways New Moms Are Learning to Love Their Postpartum Bodies
Is It Too Late to Wear a Postpartum Belt?
The primary purpose of wearing a postpartum belt isn’t just to
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