Postpartum belt – advantages, use, types. How much is the postpartum belt?

Proven content

Postpartum belts are designed to help a newly-minted mother regain her pre-pregnancy shape and shape. The pregnancy-related changes in a woman’s body are enormous, and it often takes a long time to recover. Unfortunately, most often a young mother does not have enough time and energy to take care of herself properly. Then you should think about buying a postpartum belt.

The postpartum belt helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles, and the whole process becomes less painful and demanding for the woman.

The postnatal belt is usually a wide belt of fabric made of elastic, stretchy fabricwhich resembles a corset or elastic bands put on the knee or ankle joint. Postnatal belts are most often available in white or flesh-colored to make them less visible under clothing. Such a belt can be put on by a woman as underwear or fastened with Velcro, hooks or snaps. For many people, the postpartum belt is primarily supposed to be slimming. However, his role is somewhat different.

It should be remembered that the postpartum belt actually makes the figure look slimmer, but for women who put it on, it is important that the belt:

1. strengthens the stretched abdominal wall;
2. prevents the occurrence of postoperative hernia;
3. supports the woman’s body during the first exercises after pregnancy and childbirth;
4. supports the maintenance of a correct and upright figure. 

When can you start postpartum training and what exercises should you do? Check: Exercises for the stomach after childbirth – how and when to start activity?

The postpartum belt supports the work of the abdominal muscles, thanks to which the woman experiences much less pain, which is characteristic of the time of puerperium.

In addition, the operation of the postpartum belt makes it easier for women to start physical activity by properly securing the abdomen and spine.

The postpartum belt also acts as a protection against the formation of new stretch marks. The belt keeps the belly in the corset, thanks to which the skin does not stretch and the collagen fibers do not tear.

The postpartum belt is also an element of clothing that helps a woman to properly model her figure, which also helps to maintain a proper and healthy position for the spine while feeding the baby. Its additional function is to stiffen the spine in the loins, thanks to which you can avoid pain in the lower back that often occurs after childbirth.

It is also worth remembering that the operation of the postpartum belt depends on the type of delivery. After natural childbirth, the belt keeps the skin, abdominal wall and abdominal muscles in the correct position. On the other hand, after cesarean section, putting on the postpartum belt is to prevent the risk of postoperative hernias and alleviate the pain and discomfort around the postoperative wound.

While many women are reluctant to admit it, in many cases the postpartum belt is an aesthetic choice. A quick slimming of your figure improves your mood and improves your self-confidence. It is very important for women during the puerperium, when there is not enough time to do something just for themselves or to take up physical activity and plan a proper diet.

When and what exercises can be performed after caesarean section? Check: Post-cesarean exercises

Putting the belt on earlier disturbs the puerperium period, causes contraction of the uterus and may, consequently, even contribute to hemorrhage or indirectly to lactation disorders. It is reasonable to put it on, but occasionally for a maximum of several hours a day, if it improves the woman’s well-being and affects her sense of comfort.

Always consult your doctor about installing the postnatal belt. This decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

How to care for a caesarean section wound? Check: Close to the emperor

Postpartum belt after cesarean section

Postpartum belt after cesarean section should be properly selected. Before we make a choice, you should measure yourself and then check the available offer. You should then find a product that will most closely match the size of a woman. Only now can you choose a specific model.

Wearing the postpartum belt after cesarean may be appropriate as it helps the woman to insert and rise, fuse the abdominal wall and exercise. On the other hand, one cannot forget that the cesarean scar heals much better when it is not pressed – neither with underwear nor with a belt. Therefore, the postpartum cesarean belt should be put on no earlier than 4 weeks after delivery.

What are adhesions after caesarean section? Check: Are post-cesarean adhesions dangerous?

Postpartum belt after natural childbirth

As in the case of caesarean section, the postpartum belt should not be used immediately after a natural birth. After natural childbirth, you should wait about 2 weeks and only then, if necessary, decide on a belt.

It is worth remembering that using the postpartum belt too early may cause abdominal pain, disrupt the rhythm of uterine contraction or cause circulatory and respiratory problems.

Do you know what a birth plan is and how to prepare it? Check: Delivery plan – how to prepare it and what to write?

Postpartum belt – types

You can get two in stores types of postpartum belts, these are:

1. retractable belts;
2. Velcro straps. 

Retractable postpartum belts are definitely easier to wear every day. The compact design of such a belt gives great wearing comfort and ensures that the belt will not detach or fall off.

However, its big downside is functionality. Putting on the retractable belt is not easy because the belly after giving birth is quite large. On the other hand, at the end of the abdominal absorption process, the belt may become too loose, so it ceases to fulfill its function.

Velcro postpartum belts they win in this regard, because they allow for an adjustable circumference and can compress the abdomen tightly even when the abdomen is almost absorbed. The downside of the Velcro strip is that the Velcro wears out and is less sticky with use. This can cause frequent unfastening or loosening of the applied belt.

How do I calculate your due date? Read on: Due date – calculate when you will be born. Childbirth and the date of delivery

Currently, the following sizes of postpartum belts are available in stores:

1. XS – for a belly circumference below 80 cm;
2. S – for a belly circumference of 80–90 cm;
3. M – for a circumference of the abdomen 91–100 cm;
4. L – for a circumference of the abdomen 101–110 cm;
5. XL – for a circumference of the abdomen 111–120 cm;
6. XXL – for a belly circumference of 121–140 cm.

Accurately measuring the circumference of the abdomen will allow you to choose a belt that will perfectly fit your figure. It is also a good idea to buy the belt in a stationary store where you can try on the belt.

How does your body change after giving birth? Read on: How does the body recover from childbirth?

Postpartum belt – advantages

Pregnancy causes many changes in a woman’s body. As a result, there are, among others pain in the spine and hips that accompanies a woman also after childbirth. After pregnancy, the abdominal muscles also weaken, and the skin on the abdomen becomes saggy and saggy.

The postpartum belt helps a young mother get rid of these nagging ailments associated with the puerperium period. This belt is especially useful for women who have had a caesarean section and suffer from a pulling scar. It will accelerate the absorption of the abdomen after childbirth and reduce the risk of stretch marks. Its big advantage is also the price, which is very affordable.

In women after cesarean section, the postpartum belt prevents the formation of a postpartum hernia. The postpartum belt also relieves the pain associated with the puerperium. After this time, the belt allows the woman to perform exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles after pregnancy and prevents the appearance of stretch marks.

You can also get drawstring panties in stores. It is one of those products that help women return to their pre-pregnancy figure after pregnancy. Thanks to them, it is possible to hide any imperfections and properly model the figure. However, it should be remembered that the material from which they are made is usually impermeable to air and they are not suitable, for example, for women after cesarean.

Another downside is the fairly high price. It should also be remembered that they do not allow the free flow of air around the female perineum, so the postpartum belt is a better solution, especially for women after natural childbirth.

Postpartum belt – disadvantages and side effects of wearing a belt

Despite the numerous advantages of the postpartum belt, mentioned mainly by women who bought it and wear it regularly, you should pay attention to the disadvantages and possible side effects of wearing the belt.

First, specialists and physiotherapists indicate that wearing the postpartum girdle for too long may cause the muscles to become lazy, which will not work effectively enough and fulfill their corset function when removing the belt. In addition, wearing the belt can make breathing difficult, cause urinary incontinence problems, and even shift internal organs to other places.

It is also indicated that wearing the postpartum belt may affect the statics of the reproductive organ, it mainly concerns the long-term perspective.

What should be packed in the bag that you will take to the hospital before the birth? Read on: Hospital bag – what to pack before delivery?

If we are to choose a valuable product, only one made of cotton. Cheaper counterparts of the postpartum belt, those for a dozen or so zlotys, tend to stretch, so you should think about something more durable.

What changes in mood might indicate that labor is about to take place? Read on: Well-being before childbirth – harbingers of the upcoming delivery

Postpartum belt – opinions of doctors and physiotherapists

Specialists, and especially physical therapists, point out that when deciding to wear a postpartum belt, special care should be taken. They claim that the puerperium should take place in a natural way and that the natural state of relaxation of the reproductive organs and the urogenital diaphragm should not be disturbed.

Compressing the abdomen with the postpartum belt may increase the intra-abdominal pressure, which will have a negative effect on the postpartum regeneration process. Doctors and physiotherapists indicate that the long-term wearing of the postpartum belt may even lead to the reduction of the reproductive organ, its malfunctioning, which will not translate into a problem with urinary incontinence.

Do you know how the endocrine system works after childbirth? Check: Postpartum hormones – concentration, lactation, first menstruation

The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.