Do belly shapers help after childbirth?

After the birth of a child, women often begin to worry about their figure. The main problem is a sagging belly, which usually remains after childbirth. There are many ways to get rid of this problem, but you need to be patient, as restoring your figure is a long process. But you shouldn’t be nervous, because stress produces the hormone cortisol. It promotes fat deposition in the abdominal area. So how to quickly lose belly fat after childbirth? Let's try to figure this out.

Postpartum bandage

You will be able to wear a brace within a few days of giving birth, but be sure to talk to your doctor before doing so. The bandage is needed to create the compression necessary for your body, with its help you will get rid of a sagging tummy. It will help restore your previous shape, giving your skin and muscles high tone, improving the hips and buttocks area, and reducing figure imperfections. For the best results, a postpartum bandage can be worn for cosmetic purposes and after recovery time.

Bandages for postpartum use will perfectly help the abdominal muscle tissues return to their previous shape and improve muscle tone. Indispensable for relieving stress on the spine and will help you relax it, relieving back pain. It will be useful to know that they also help the internal organs to take their natural position and fix the renal area. Shapewear after childbirth helps to restore the beautiful curve of the body, give a beautiful shape to the buttocks, and restore the previous figure.

Is it useful to stretch after childbirth?

Lingerie that helps to visually hide figure imperfections and highlight advantages is called corrective or slimming. The market offers women who are concerned about too curvy or too modest figures a huge selection of such underwear. The principle of operation is simple: thanks to modern fabrics, clever cut, and special inserts, fatty tissue on the body moves. When you need to sculpt your figure or remove conspicuous extra pounds, pressure is redistributed in problem areas. As a result, the fat “leaves” from the abdomen - for example, into the chest or buttocks.

The first figure-shaping underwear appeared in antiquity: Greek women wore leather belts that tightened their waists, and Roman women used various tricks to enlarge their breasts. Ladies of the Middle Ages, for the sake of a thin waist, tightly laced corsets made of whalebone with metal rods; fashionistas kept fainting from lack of air in their lungs.

By the 21st century, everything has changed. New technologies for the production of shapewear help improve your figure without harm to your health. Things turn out durable and thin, they fit on the body like a second skin. The following materials are used in production:

• natural and synthetic fabrics (the latter include lycra, nylon, spandex); modern synthetics allow the skin to breathe and even have a micromassage effect;

  
  Spandex, or elastane, is a fabric made of rubber-like fibers, smooth and elastic, and retains its original appearance for a long time.

• soft fabrics for the inner layer, usually natural;
• rubberized inserts;
• cotton gusset.

Well-tailored items do not reveal themselves under clothing, so they are suitable even for formal receptions; an evening dress worn with such lingerie will make the hostess irresistible.

When developing new models of shapewear, designers take into account the wishes of medical representatives.

Which young mothers would benefit from shapewear?

Pregnancy subordinates the work of the vital systems of the female body to the task of normal gestation. In the 3rd trimester, the levels of the main female hormones - estrogen and progesterone - fall; this provokes the deposition of fat. Even with the restoration of hormonal levels, fat will not go away without outside help.

A young mother tries to pull in her sagging belly, but it doesn’t work: the abdominal muscles are still too weak, so they are not helpful.

If a woman is “friendly” with physical education, the problem of a deformed figure after childbirth should not seem to worry her. However, doctors prohibit intense physical activity for mothers who have recently given birth, especially those who have had a cesarean section. But a short, light warm-up won’t improve the situation. It is strictly forbidden to go on a diet after childbirth, especially when the mother is breastfeeding; The diet at this time is monotonous, without pickles, but high enough in calories to provide the baby with the substances necessary for growth and development.

The only option left is to go to the store for shapewear. As a rule, it is not contraindicated for women who have given birth. Thinking about beauty, a young mother sometimes does not even take into account the benefits of such underwear for her health. Meanwhile, in addition to performing an aesthetic function, figure-correcting corsets, bandages, and panties have a healing effect. Examples:

• the process of contraction of abdominal tissue stretched after childbirth lasts for months, and if a woman gives birth to twins or triplets, the stomach will remain saggy without outside help; shapewear with a compression effect (light compression for muscle support) will help the abdominal muscles contract more quickly and return to their original position;
• the underwear will have the same effect on severely stretched muscles and ligaments of the pelvis, as a result it will be possible to prevent prolapse of internal organs - a serious pathology that sometimes requires surgical intervention;
• the supporting effect will reduce the load on the spine, which was already working under strain during pregnancy; a young mother, taking the baby in her arms, is also forced not to spare the spine; as a result, there is a danger of intervertebral hernia;

  
  Even a small child is not an easy burden for a woman; lifting the baby, mom overloads the spine

• to prevent the formation of adhesions (scars between internal organs), doctors advise young mothers to move more; Shapewear will relieve pain during long walks, when the load on the lower back and pelvis increases.

However, not every woman after childbirth is suitable for the method of body correction using special underwear. You will have to give it up if the young mother:

• impaired kidney function - due to tissue swelling;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• pathologies of the stomach or intestines;
• haemorrhoids;
• allergy to the materials from which the linen is made.

Before you go to the store or pharmacy for shapewear, go to the doctor and consult. Only after your doctor's approval go ahead and make your purchase.

When to wear

There is no consensus among doctors about how long after giving birth a mother can put on shapewear. Some advise: the sooner the better. If the birth took place without complications, after a day or two the woman is allowed to stretch, because the muscles and ligaments will recover so quickly.

Other doctors have a conservative approach: in the first two or even three weeks after childbirth, special underwear should be abandoned. Causes:

• external pressure weakens the muscle tissue’s own tone, it seems to be “lazy,” and this inhibits contraction;
• the intestinal loops will be compressed - they changed position when the woman was pregnant, and now wearing underwear will cause constipation;
• after the birth of the baby, the uterus naturally contracts rhythmically; discharge appears - this is how the organ cleanses itself; Now imagine that the muscles will be tightened - this will interfere with normal contractions, resulting in a risk of bleeding and inflammation of the uterus.

A separate conversation concerns women who have undergone a caesarean section. During the first two weeks, such mothers are required to wear, without removing, a special bandage that helps reduce inflammation and swelling at the site of the surgical incision, and also reduces pain. After removing the bandage, you should consult your doctor about wearing shapewear. Most likely, the doctor will recommend waiting another two weeks, and also giving up panties, which will inevitably begin to irritate the postoperative stitch.

Nursing Bras

Postpartum underwear for nursing mothers makes feeding your baby much easier. Nursing bras use detachable cups, which is very convenient, especially when walking outdoors. New postpartum bras have indicators that specifically help mothers distribute feedings correctly, changing breasts one at a time. This is done to stimulate equal milk production and to prevent lactostasis.

Belly tightening products

In the maternity hospital or at home, you can tighten your stomach using special means or simple natural fabric:

• A diaper is an affordable and simple way of swaddling, but it is not reliable and convenient enough.
• A sling is a more convenient accessory that is easier to wrap and fix correctly, but its tension may not be enough to correct a large belly.
• A universal bandage is a wide, dense tape that is applied according to the instructions, often equipped with Velcro. The disadvantages are excessive pressure and limited mobility.
• A bandage with rigid inserts on the back - effectively fixes the stomach and relieves stress from the back better than other devices. It is secured with lacing and may cause discomfort when worn.
• Briefs with a wide waistband - equipped with several fasteners that regulate pressure. Used if you need to hide your belly under clothes after childbirth.
• Shorts – worn to support the abdomen and buttocks, they are equipped with a tight but elastic waistband.
• Skirt – has the same characteristics as shorts, but does not rub on the crotch area, which is convenient if there are seams. However, the skirt often creeps up if you constantly move in it.

Stretching underwear

The most convenient and common means for abdominal correction are slings and diapers. A common disadvantage of store-bought bandages and corsets is squeezing internal organs and pushing them down. This negatively affects postpartum recovery.

Gynecologists have different opinions regarding the use of various abdominal straps after the birth of a child. There have been no large-scale studies on this issue. Rigid bandages are used strictly under medical supervision, and, if possible, preference is given to soft accessories - slings.

Using a sling

Belly tying after childbirth

The accessory is made of linen or cotton fabric; you can replace it with a light scarf of a similar size. On average, the length is 3 m and the width is 50 cm. You need to wrap the fabric according to the scheme:

1. Begin swaddling on the bed. The fabric is straightened and placed at the waist.
2. Cross, straightening, behind the back, bringing the ends out in front.
3. The result should be 2 layers, the first one acts as a pocket for the belly. The second layer will support the stomach.
4. The knot is tied on the side so that it is away from the uterus. The drawstring should not be too tight, because in a standing position it will press harder.
5. Next, put your hands under the first layer and take out the belly so that it ends up in your pocket.

If everything is done correctly, the bandage will not press. The bandage does not interfere with normal breathing.

Application of a diaper

Tying with a diaper

To properly wrap your belly with a diaper after childbirth, use a different algorithm:

1. They lie down on the bed, and the diaper is rolled up in the shape of a scarf.
2. Place it on the area between the navel and pubis.
3. The ends are brought behind the hips and then brought forward.
4. The knot is made at the level of the protruding pelvic bones.
5. The stretched fabric is pulled under the diaper above the knot.

The diaper is small in size and is not suitable for all women. If there are no other fabrics at hand, you can use a regular sheet.

Fabric bandages on the abdomen correct the condition of the abdominal wall and internal organs much more gently than store-bought bandages and tightening. But this does not change the rule that they must be worn on the recommendation of a doctor and for a strictly limited time.

Bandage-Body

How it works:

• Increases compression in the anterior abdominal wall to maximum values.
• Helps avoid the appearance of excess hematomas, and also relieves swelling.
• Increases the elasticity of skin tissue by improving microcirculation.
• Accelerates and supports the process of restoring the female figure.
• Combines the removal of moisture from the female body, maintains an optimal temperature, which allows you to stay dry and not overheat.

Sling

Properly tightening your belly immediately after childbirth is also possible with the help of a sling. This is a special thick scarf, which will then be useful for the mother to carry the baby comfortably.

How to wrap a sling around your stomach after childbirth:

1. mom lies on her back and puts a scarf on her waist;
2. having crossed the ends on the back, they are brought forward again;
3. then another layer is applied, closer to the pubis.

The wide first layer will be a kind of pocket in which the stretched skin will be placed. The second layer will become the support. First, they pull the sagging fabrics into the pocket, and then tie the remaining ends into a knot, which is best placed on the side. When the woman stands up, the excess stretched skin will stand out above the bottom layer of the scarf. To ensure a comfortable feeling, the tension on the ends should not be made too tight.

The sling is convenient because it can be used to swaddle the belly over underwear and even a skirt. Women claim that a sling is much more convenient and useful than bandages. The scarf keeps the muscles toned, helping to restore their elasticity. Bandages press overstretched tissues inward.

If doctors do not find contraindications for wearing compression devices (swelling, stitches in the perineum, problems with the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract), the mother who gave birth is recommended to wear a bandage or swaddle with improvised means.

But this should not be done immediately after the birth of the child; it is necessary to give the uterus the opportunity to move away from the difficult procedure and return to its place. Swaddling will help you quickly acquire a slender figure, and will also prevent your muscles from overstraining when carrying heavy objects.

Duchess Catherine Middleton has destroyed the myth that a woman should look perfect immediately after giving birth.

The name of the happy couple who recently became parents - Prince William and Duchess Catherine Middleton - does not leave the front pages of the tabloids. None of the celebrities earning millions has attracted as much attention and aroused worship and sometimes even love as the beautiful Kate Middleton. And the royal couple's first public appearance the next day was so different from what we had seen before in the press. The new mother's rather noticeable belly caused the most interpretation and controversy. To be honest, my first thought was also: could the royal person really not be able to tighten her belly for a public appearance? I shared this thought with my mother, and she objected that it was natural, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

Therefore, I decided to return once again to the topic of the belly after childbirth. Should I tighten it or not? Before I became pregnant, I naively believed that after giving birth, my stomach would automatically become flat. Then I found out that the abdominal muscles are weak, but due to contractions of the uterus, the stomach gradually retracts. And it is recommended to do abdominal exercises no earlier than 6-8 weeks after natural birth and 2-2.5 months after cesarean section.

But what to do immediately after giving birth? The list of necessary things for the maternity hospital always includes a diaper to tighten the stomach, or a postpartum bandage. A friend lent me her bandage, and 6 hours after giving birth I decided to put it on. There was a strange feeling - my stomach was no longer hard and elastic, it hung, was soft and empty inside. I couldn’t pull him in, no matter how hard I tried. So I lay down on the bed and put on the bandage while lying down. I don’t know whether it was the contraction of the uterus or the bandage that helped me practically remove my sagging belly. True, in the maternity hospital the doctor observing me noticed that I was walking around in a bandage and scolded me. She said that it should not be worn immediately after childbirth, because it is fraught with diseases. I don’t remember which ones exactly, because you understand, my brain was occupied only with the thought of a child. But later I read that the uterus must contract freely in order to get rid of discharge (lochia). Therefore, after discharge, I no longer tightened my stomach.

Some people think that the bandage is really harmful, and it is better to use a shawl to pull the stomach up. There is no consensus in the articles, but it is true that eventually everyone’s figure gradually returns to normal. But the influence of the media often makes girls think that they are not as attractive as the beauties in magazines. When you hear the news that Heidi Klum went on the podium to demonstrate swimsuits 2 weeks after giving birth, you may have complexes. That's why the fact that Kate Middleton looked as natural as possible is important for all young girls.

For example, the founder of the site for mothers and babies Netmums.com Siobhan Freegard said that the duchess destroyed the myth that a woman should look perfect immediately after giving birth. In an interview with the British tabloid Daily Mail, Siobhan said:

“In those few minutes when Duchess Catherine walked through the door of the Lindo Wing, she provided tremendous support to millions of women who were also new mothers. By the fact that Kate is not ashamed of her still large belly, she has raised the self-esteem of many women who are told that they need to be thin immediately after giving birth. Kate showed what a woman who has just given birth actually looks like. Naturalness is always beautiful!”

Kate Middleton has long been a role model and role model for many women. If the Duchess breastfeeds her son, she will show by example how important breastfeeding is for mother and child. After all, as you know, in developed countries mothers most often give preference to artificial feeding, citing their busyness and reluctance to spoil their figure.

As a postscript, I’ll write about some more points that I noted :)

Firstly, the royal couple immediately showed off their baby and allowed him to be photographed. And celebrities make money from this by haggling with publications to see who will offer the most for pictures of a newborn baby. For example, this is what Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt did when their first daughter was born.

Secondly, discharge the next day after birth. In Europe and America this is normal practice, but in our country the mother and child are discharged on the 3rd day if their condition is good.

Thirdly, Prince William himself installed a child seat in the car and got behind the wheel. By the way, in Europe and America it is mandatory to use a child car seat in the car, but in our country children often rest in their mother’s arms both on the day of discharge and for the rest of their lives, not knowing what a car seat is.

Fourthly, the child was wrapped in a shawl. It looked very touching, homely. But what a great contrast with our lush discharge envelopes with lots of ruffles!

Fifthly, a polka dot dress as a tribute to the memory of the deceased Princess Diana. Well, only the lazy didn’t note this.

We are standing in the plank position. We say no to buns. We laugh a lot. “Soviet Sport” has found 10 surefire ways to tighten your stomach at home.

METHOD 1 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. PLANK

An exercise that fitness instructors include in any weight loss program is the plank. Even this alone, when performed regularly, can give you a toned stomach.

We get into a position similar to a push-up: the body is straight, the toes and forearms rest on the ground. We'll stay as long as we can. Then rest for a minute and repeat three to four more times. The “plank” perfectly works all the core muscles, makes the abdominal skin more toned and creates an effect when it visually seems that you have less fat.

METHOD 2 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. CIRCLES

Circuit training using the CrossFit method will burn fat more effectively than the standard set-rest-set pattern. Plus, it will take less time because you don't rest between exercises.

Do several rounds of abdominal exercises - leg raises, crunches, scissors (from a lying position, we raise our legs and at the same time our body, trying to touch our feet with our hands). Increase the number of circles or repetitions from time to time. Circuit training is the shortest way to get a toned stomach at home.

METHOD 3 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. WALKING

Make walking a daily habit. Start walking at least 20-30 minutes a day. Gradually increase your walks to 1-1.5 hours. Vary the pace of your walking. Get out one or two metro stops to the one you need and go. In the future, this habit will help you show off your toned stomach.

METHOD 4 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. POSTURE

During the day, watch your posture: your back is straight, your abdominal muscles are tense. Sooner or later, this semi-muscle tension will become habitual: visually your stomach will seem more toned.

METHOD 5 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. VACUUM

Frank Zane, 3-time winner of the Mr. Olympia title, advised everyone who wants to tighten their stomach at home to do a “vaccum”. In the morning, before breakfast, when you are still lying in bed, pull your stomach in as much as possible for 30-40 seconds and hold in this position. Repeat the exercise 3-4 times.

METHOD 6 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. MASSAGE

Local massage is one of the most effective ways to achieve tightened abdominal skin. Go to an appointment with a massage therapist: he will give a recommendation on what intensity of massage course you need. Don't want to see a massage therapist? Buy a massager and oil, and massage yourself.

METHOD 7 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. LAUGHTER

Research proves that laughter causes the abdominal muscles to contract, trains and tightens them. Laugh more often and you will become slimmer.

METHOD 8 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. NUTRITION

Proper nutrition is the basis for tightening your belly at home. Abdominal exercises won't be effective if you don't eat right.

Nutritionist Jared Koch advises eating small meals - 4-5 times a day. These will be three full meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and two snacks. Carbohydrates should be taken in the first half of the day. In the second - protein foods plus vegetables.

METHOD 9 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. CHEWING

They talked about this back in school biology lessons: chew slowly and thoroughly. While eating, do not swallow food in chunks! Chewing food slowly improves your digestion and makes your body feel full faster. This is very important if you decide to tighten your stomach.

METHOD 10 TO TIGHTEN YOUR ABDOMEN. REGULARITY

All the ways to tighten your belly at home will not work if you do not do them regularly. Build your daily routine from them. Learn to find joy in exercise and healthy food. Know your limits. Don’t drive yourself into depression with overexertion and diets, after which a “reset” will occur.

You can get a toned stomach at home. And for this it is not at all necessary to declare war on yourself.

Postpartum swaddling is a tightening of a woman's belly that will help her recover from the natural effects of childbirth. Despite the simplicity and accessibility of the method, it must be performed according to a strictly defined algorithm. But the procedure is not suitable for all girls, as it has contraindications.

Bandage shorts/Bandage breeches/Bandage leggings

This is a postpartum compression garment. An indispensable assistant in the rapid and high-quality restoration of your figure during the postpartum period. Relieves heaviness from the spine, relieves pain in the legs and back, while keeping the stomach and hips in shape. It will help you easily return to your previous active life. A must for mothers who want to return to work after childbirth. Also suitable for sports and fitness. There are even special bandage panties after a caesarean section.

Reasons for appearance

Every woman's dream is to leave the maternity hospital with an ideal figure. However, in practice this happens very rarely. Experts say that every second young mother is left with a small belly after giving birth. The fact is that the body, which is accustomed to accumulating fat tissue during pregnancy, finds it difficult to adapt to new conditions, and it continues to function “by inertia.” There is no need to be afraid of this.

An increase in the volume of adipose tissue during pregnancy and after childbirth is also often associated with hormonal changes in the body. But it is not at all necessary to contact an endocrinologist: after about six months, if a second pregnancy does not occur, the hormonal levels will stabilize. Here are a few more reasons for the appearance of a belly after the birth of a long-awaited baby:

Tightening methods

To maintain the tissues in the desired position after childbirth, several devices are recommended for mothers. These are both purchased products and improvised means used as a bandage. Which one to choose, each woman in labor depends on the degree of comfort.

How to tighten your belly after childbirth:

• universal postpartum tightening bandage;
• special belt;
• corset with inserts;
• shapewear;
• improvised means

A universal bandage is a tape that has different widths in certain areas. The product is comfortable, does not slip, and is especially recommended after surgical intervention during childbirth.

The belt has the same width along its entire length, plus it is equipped with fasteners that allow you to adjust the degree of tension. The abdominal tightening belt is not entirely comfortable, the product prevents you from bending over, and sometimes moves or rides up.

A corset with rigid inserts on the back is comfortable after a caesarean section. Recommended for severe pain in the spine, relieves stress on the back. The degree of fit of the corset is adjusted using lacing.

Underwear for the belly is represented by slimming panties with a wide belt. The existing fastener system makes it possible to relieve yourself without taking off your underwear. As an alternative, choose Bermuda shorts - long shorts. The product is worn over panties and supports the muscles through elastic tightening.

It is important to properly bandage the abdomen after childbirth; this can be done with a sheet or a wide piece of cloth at hand. But obstetricians believe that it is better to tighten the stomach after childbirth with a diaper.

Basic rules for choosing size and wearing

When choosing a bandage, a woman must choose the right size. It is usually marked with sizes from 1 to 6 (from 42 to 52 sizes, respectively). If during pregnancy the baby has gained up to 12 kg, the mother can buy underwear of the same size that she wore before pregnancy, and if over 12 kg, then a size larger. It is better if the material contains at least 30% cotton.

You need to put on the bandage while lying down. Strong tightening of the fastenings is prohibited - your palm must be placed between the fabric and the body. At first, the product should be worn for up to 1-1.5 hours a day, from the fourth day it is recommended to wear it for 8 hours, taking a break every 2 hours. The bandage is removed at night. Depending on the speed of recovery, it is worn for 4 to 6 weeks.

When choosing shapewear, it is difficult to guess the size - they differ greatly among manufacturers, so it is better to try on clothes. The underwear is chosen correctly, if it is pulled with effort, the edges do not cut into the body, you can calmly bend over or sit down in it. It is important to pay attention to the degree of correction: light removes a slightly protruding tummy, medium masks sagging sides, belly and buttocks, and strong hides large defects, visually removing 2-3 kg.