Pregnancy Belly Band: Choose a Right Postpartum Girdle After C-Section

Pregnancy Belly Bands After C-Section Delivery

If you have had a C-section delivery, you should probably be looking for ways to speed up the healing process to get back to your pre-pregnancy life. Well, if so, a postpartum belt may be the best choice for you. Postpartum belly bands are nothing but the abdominal binders (also called postpartum girdles), which will encircle your abdomen and compress it. The abdominal wrapping is not a new thing in the post-pregnancy world; women have been using some kind of belly bands or shapers for thousands of years to get back to their normal bodies after childbirth.

The basic idea behind using a postpartum belly band after C-section (belly bands are also used by mothers who have had vaginal childbirth) is that the material of the belly band will help protect the surgical incision while the compression helping in the reduction post-surgery pain. Yes, of course, there are also several other benefits associated with a postpartum belly band. In the following article, let’s dive deep into the topic of how to choose a postpartum belly band after having a C-section. Keep reading…

Do Postpartum Belly Bands Really Work?

According to the health specialists in the field, the abdominal binders have been prescribed for several years now. They say that these belly bands would help women recover from a C-section delivery or a vaginal childbirth in terms of the posture, support to the abdomen, and self-confidence. Some experts even claim that these bands can help close the abdominal muscles that are separated in a condition called “diastasis recti”. Although there is no scientific evidence for this claim, several women use these bands with a hope that it will help.

Other Benefits of Using a Postpartum Belly Band:

In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, there are other purported benefits linked to the use of postpartum abdominal binders. They include:[1]

•  Shrinking down the uterus back to normal size
•  Alleviating pains and aches
•  Increasing comfort
•  Protecting the incision
•  Supporting the back
•  Supporting the abdominal muscles

What do Doctors and Studies Say About Using a Postpartum Belly Wrap?

Until today, it has been noted that postpartum belly bands are recommended by some doctors, while others think that they are not worth your time. To confuse you even more, most research studies on belly bands have been carried out on general surgery patients and not on postpartum mothers specifically.

The results of a research study[2] showed that the belly binders help the wearers to walk farther when compared to those who don’t use them. Another study showed that the patients who use belly bands after a c-section experience decreased pain and symptom distress. In addition, they have less blood loss. Here, we would like to mention that the major problem associated with all of the research on belly binders is the length of the study. So far, the studies have looked at the results only for a few days after surgery. But, when it comes to using an abdominal binder, we have received positive feedback with the long-term effects of using a postpartum belly band. It will typically take six to eight weeks for the tissues to come back together.[3]

Buying a Right Postpartum Girdle:

In order to experience optimal results with a postpartum belly band, it is essential that you address the major considerations while buying one. The following guide will help you choose the right belly band for you:

Size: Your body will be swollen when you begin with your belly band, but after using it for a few days, your size will change. Therefore, it’s important that you choose a band that is fitted with adjustable hooks that will enable you to alter the size.

Type of Fabric: You need to choose the belly band in which the fabric is very soft, as well as stretchable, so make sure that it will offer easy movement and strong support. At the same time, the material should be durable enough to withstand all the wear and tear.

Ease of Use: The bands that come with elaborate buckles and/or ties will take time to wear. It’s always good to buy a band with minimal clasps to prevent the wearing difficulties.

Additional Features: Some belly bands like Everyday Medical’s Postpartum belly band will have additional features to enhance comfort and ease of use. They are worth the investment.

References:

1..https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/belly-band-benefits

2..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2909864/

3..https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26892694