Almost 100% of women during pregnancy at least once think about whether they will be able to return to their previous shape after childbirth. Many worry about this almost throughout the entire gestation period, trying to limit themselves in food and not reduce their physical activity. But when the time comes to start acting, under the impressions of childbirth and the burden of caring for a child, we often forget about where we started. Meanwhile, the right tactics from the first days will help you tighten your empty tummy without leaving marks or stretch marks on it. This is especially important because most new mothers will have to forget about intense physical activity for a while. Food should also be sufficient and varied. Therefore, the bandage is your first and so far only hope for restoring your figure after childbirth.
Why do you need a universal compression bandage?
This tightening product is suitable for use before and after childbirth. After the baby is born, it contributes to:
- accelerating the recovery of muscle tone;
- reducing the likelihood of developing hernias;
- fixation of sutures after incision of the uterus.
The list of reasons for which a postpartum bandage is needed also includes pain relief, including those associated with a cesarean section. The belt is also indicated for diseases of the skeletal system: osteochondrosis, radiculitis and scoliosis. The belt should be worn if there is excessive sagging skin and muscles, weak muscles, to prevent prolapse of internal organs. Even if these signs are detected, you should not buy a belt yourself.
Whether a bandage is needed after childbirth in a particular case - only a doctor can say for sure.
When considering the topic of whether it is necessary to wear a bandage after childbirth, it is worth considering one more point. Wearing a belt is indicated for women after cesarean section who are experiencing delayed lactation. It is lactation that serves as a natural stimulator of uterine contractions. In its absence, the belt stimulates the muscles and causes them to take their prenatal shape quickly enough.
One of the options for a tightening bandage
Types of postpartum bandages
A postpartum bandage should be purchased before visiting the maternity hospital, because after the birth of the baby, the young mother may not have the opportunity to devote time to choosing it. Yes, and you need to use it as soon as possible in the absence of contraindications.
Nowadays, before giving birth, a woman usually knows how it will happen - naturally or by caesarean section. Depending on this, one or another bandage is needed.
In terms of color, all bandages are usually black, white, or beige.
Universal bandage
Universal – this is a prenatal and postnatal bandage. Before childbirth, it is worn with the narrow side forward to ease the load on the back and support the abdomen, after childbirth - with the narrow side backward, while the wide side tightens the stomach. With a relatively low cost (from 500 to 1300 rubles), this option tops the rating of the most popular bandages.
universal model before and after childbirth
Waist bandage
The bandage belt is a comfortable wide elastic band (up to 30 cm). If it has a wide back and a narrower front, then it is an ideal solution for use after natural childbirth. Together with reliable back support, the bandage tightens the stomach well. The ease of use lies in the fact that in the first days after childbirth, discharge can freely come out of the uterus, unlike a panty bandage, for example.
bandage belt
Bandage panties
It is recommended to buy a bandage in the form of panties for those who are about to have a caesarean section or have already had one. This bandage resembles seamless underwear, is invisible under clothing and greatly simplifies movement in the first days after surgery. At the same time, it has a pronounced tightening effect, helps speed up the contraction of the uterus and remove the belly.
The panty bandage has received many positive reviews among women who have used it. Its main advantage is its ability to significantly reduce pain and provide good support.
The disadvantage of this type of bandage is the need for frequent washing, like regular underwear.
Average price – 500 – 1200 rubles.
bandage panties
Bermuda bandage
The bandage, made of elastic fabric in the shape of a “Bermuda”, not only tightens the stomach, but also prevents cellulite and deposits on the sides thanks to its elongated and high model. Sometimes its length can reach the knee. It resembles shapewear, not a special medical device. It needs to be washed often because it is used as underwear.
The average price is from 600 to 3000 rubles.
bermuda bandage
Bandage skirt
A bandage skirt is a wide strip made of elastic elastic fabric. The clasps are convenient Velcro. It supports the abdomen while covering the waist and hips at the top. You can wear it over clothes.
The average price is from 1000 to 2500 rubles.
bandage skirt
Bandage corset
The corset bandage differs from other types of bandages by its high waistline, internal fixing inserts, Velcro straps and underwires. Thanks to all these elements, the corset evenly applies pressure to the stomach and back, helping to shape the buttocks and other problem areas.
The average price is from 999 to 4500 rubles.
There are also such varieties of postpartum bandage as panties from the waist to the knees or leggings to the ankles.
If you do not know which bandage is best to choose, then you always have the opportunity to consult with a supervising doctor. He will point out to you the features of your anatomical structure and possible problems. Armed with this knowledge, you can easily select a bandage that suits your individual requirements.
bandage corset
How to wear
The effect of using a tightening product is directly related to correct application. Before putting on a brace after childbirth, it is important to evaluate the clasps and their position. They allow you to adjust the shape of the product and achieve maximum comfort. How to wear a postpartum bandage correctly:
- lie on a horizontal surface, slightly raise your pelvis up;
- carefully put on and fasten the compression product;
- stand up smoothly and make sure you are comfortable.
How to put on a postpartum bandage also depends on the model of the compression device. The nuances of each type of belt are discussed in the table below.
Table 1. How to properly wear postpartum bandages depending on the model
| Variety | Information |
| Universal | After childbirth, the wide side of the belt should fall on the abdominal area, and the low side should support the back |
| Elastic waistband | Should be located strictly in the area from the pelvic bones to the chest |
| Underpants | Before fastening this bandage after childbirth, it is important to wear cotton panties |
How to properly put on a bandage is usually indicated on the packaging for a specific model. It is better to purchase goods at specialized retail outlets.
How not to make a mistake in choosing
You can purchase a bandage at a pharmacy, in the department of goods for mothers and babies, or in a specialized store of medical equipment (medical devices). Most often, the manufacturer places a table of sizes on the packaging, based on which the appropriate option is selected. Therefore, before going to the store, measure your hips and waist.
It is recommended to try on the bandage before purchasing to make sure it fits you. Comfort to wear, as well as therapeutic and cosmetic effects, depend on this. Unfortunately, when purchasing the product at a pharmacy, this is not possible.
Usually on the packaging or in the operating instructions you can find a table, based on which it is easy to choose the appropriate bandage size
When trying on, make sure that the bandage does not cause any unpleasant sensations, does not pinch or rub anywhere, the seams do not dig into the skin, and the fasteners secure it well in the correct position. Also pay attention to:
- brand - purchase only certified products from well-known domestic or foreign manufacturers, then you will not have problems with the operation of the product;
- size - it should match yours, and choose bandage panties one size larger;
- material - only natural, hygroscopic, hypoallergenic (cotton, linen with the addition of elastane fibers) is suitable;
- fasteners - it is better to choose a bandage with multi-level fasteners, since after childbirth a woman usually gradually loses weight, the circumference of her waist and hips decreases, which means that it is necessary to be able to adjust the width of the device;
And one more important point - the postpartum bandage must be new. The one you got from your sister or friend will not be effective, because the elastic fibers in it tend to stretch during use.
Video: choosing a postpartum bandage
How to wear it correctly
Despite the seeming harmlessness of the product, improper use is quite dangerous for a woman. How to wear a postpartum bandage correctly:
- do not put it on immediately after the baby is born;
- do not exceed the permissible wearing time;
- Avoid over-tightening the product.
Before you start wearing a universal bandage, you should take a short break after childbirth. The belt is used no earlier than 3 days after natural delivery and 7-9 days after the child is removed through an incision in the uterus.
When a bandage can be worn after childbirth is again decided by a specialist. Please note that the belt must not be used for more than 4 hours in a row and must be removed at night. There should be no feeling of squeezing or tingling when worn.
Universal bandage
How long to wear after natural childbirth
The product is not intended for long-term use. When asked how long after childbirth you can wear a bandage, doctors advise keeping it within the range of 4-7 weeks. If a woman experiences abdominal pulsation, increased pain or tingling, then the belt should be discarded immediately. How to choose postpartum pads and what to do with stretch marks on your stomach?
Which one is better to choose?
On the shelves of stores and pharmacies you can find many models of shapewear. Before choosing a postpartum bandage, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main characteristics of the various types.
Table 2. Which bandage is better to buy
| Model | pros | Minuses |
| Belt | Easy to put on and take off, easy to adjust, can be purchased inexpensively | The belt often moves out, which causes some inconvenience |
| Models with panties or shorts | They tone not only the abdominal area, but also help cope with cellulite. Excellent figure modeling under clothes | When considering which postpartum bandage is best to choose, you need to take into account the high price of this model. In addition, the product cannot be worn a couple of days after birth due to discharge and the need to wear a pad. It is difficult to walk in this model in hot weather |
| Panties with corset | Comfortable model that tightens several areas at once | Make sure that the product is equipped with a clasp at the bottom. Otherwise it will be difficult to go to the restroom |
Many people are concerned about how to choose a product by size. This problem can be avoided by purchasing a universal model. It easily changes shapes with the help of numerous loops and hooks.
Need for a bandage
Let's figure out what functions the bandage performs, and in what cases it is simply necessary. A bandage is a dense fabric in the form of a belt that allows you to support the walls of the abdominal cavity and the spine, which allows a person to move freely - without pain, labor and outside help. These bandages are mainly used in surgery after operations and help patients get back on their feet faster.
If a woman, for many reasons, cannot give birth on her own, in such cases a caesarean section is used, which involves surgical intervention. And the use of a bandage in the postoperative period is simply necessary, because the woman who gave birth gets out of the hospital bed the next day after the operation, the child is with her and she must fully care for him. Previously, such women in labor were simply bandaged with a sheet or a wide towel. Nowadays, the bandage has taken on a more convenient and aesthetic appearance, which makes it easy to use.
But the bandage is not only used during a caesarean section; it is successfully used by mothers who have given birth on their own to quickly restore and maintain muscles; it helps tone stretched abdominal skin and prevents the appearance of stretch marks.
Note!
The bandage is worn for 4-6 weeks, during which time the uterus completely contracts and the woman’s body recovers, taking on its previous shape.
What types of bandage are there?
First of all, they are divided into three types, serving different purposes.
- Prenatal bandage. Used only during pregnancy, it gently supports the stomach without squeezing it.
- Postpartum bandage. Tightly tightens the abdominal cavity and does not allow the abdominal skin to stretch and sag.
- Universal bandage. Easily rebuilt as needed. It is often made in the form of a wide belt with many hooks for adjusting the size, or with Velcro.
But these are just the basics to use. Bandages are made in different shapes for individual selection, taking into account maximum comfort. These include wide and thin belts, panties, shorts, and skirts. You should buy it in specialized stores or pharmacies. There they will tell you in detail and help you choose a suitable bandage, and do not hesitate to try on several types of it, because first of all, it is designed to be comfortable and should not hinder movements.
Note!
Choose a natural fabric that easily allows air to pass through and absorbs moisture; naturally, it should not cause allergies.
