Belly bands can help to ensure that incisions heal properly. BabaGaga received advice from doctors on the benefits of using belly bands postpartum.
Belly bands are very useful tools during the postpartum recovery period, especially if you had a C-section. Molaka Reese, RN, a labor and delivery registered nurse says, One must-have item to aid in recovery is a postpartum belly band. During the early days of one's postpartum phase, you may have pain or soreness. The belly band provides support and stability.
C-section is different from a vaginal delivery. With a C-section, surgery has to be performed where numerous layers of tissues and muscles have to be cut through. Compared to moms who have delivered vaginally, the recovery period for moms who have had a C-section is much slower and much more uncomfortable.
Belly bands can help to ensure that incisions heal properly. According to Dr. Ava Williams, a primary care doctor at Doctor Spring, Using a binder, girdle, compression band, belly wrap, or whatever you want to call it can help you secure your incision site.
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Wearing a belly band provides compression over the incision which reduces pain while sneezing, coughing, and walking. These bands are designed to offer support to the abdominal muscles. The bands apply pressure to the muscles post-surgery which helps to reduce the pain that comes from swelling and contractions of the muscles.
According to Dr. Ava Williams, Its recommended to hold your abdomen (incision site) when you need to sneeze or cough, and wearing a girdle can help with this. Some women also reportedly experienced less pain and discomfort while wearing one.
To manage pain, recovering moms are often given pain medication. Dr. Ava Williams advises, Ask for a prescription from your doctor, and dont justtake any kind of pain medication, especially if youre breastfeeding. She also recommends using heating pads if you want to avoid taking pain meds or when your medication is not enough to alleviate the pain.
Apart from helping to reduce pain and discomfort, belly bands also offer gentle compression that holds ligaments and muscles safely in place during recovery. Additionally, they provide support to the pelvic floor when applied to the abdomen and around the hips. Although research is lacking on its actual benefits, this can help you keep your posture while you are healing. Says Dr. Ava Williams.
One study showed that wearing belly bands can help improve blood flow to the scar tissue from a C-section. Blood carries oxygen which is vital to the healing of wounds. Belly bands assist in producing muscle activity and constant pressure to the incision area during activity and rest.
Recovering moms are encouraged to be more careful about their daily physical activities. Always be gentle when moving and try to walk around during recovery as it is necessary for your healing- it helps prevent clots and constipation. Says Dr. Ava Williams. Also, Dont use anything on the incision side other than soap and water. Keep the area dry and clean to avoid any infections, she adds.
There have been claims of belly bands helping with weight loss after giving birth. While some women say the bands have helped them lose weight, this claim has not been medically proven. Some women appreciate the postpartum belly bands because they have a soothing effect that makes them easier to fit into normal clothes.
Moms who have had a C-section are advised to wait before they can start losing weight until they have fully recovered. According to Dr. Ava Williams, Never attempt to do a crash diet; instead, ask your doctor when is the safe time for you to start losing weight. Remember, the postpartum period should be all about bonding with your baby and nourishing your body not losing weight!
Belly bands should not be worn all day. While they may help with hip and back pain, wearing them all day, every day can cause core muscles to weaken even further.
If you've had a C-section, you need to talk to a pelvic floor therapist or a doctor before using belly bands.Belly bands are safe as long as you aren't experiencing birth complications and you don't wrap them too tightly.
A belly wrap won't necessarily change your body permanently, but when used correctly, can make your postpartum days much more comfortable.
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Sources:painttheworldwithyou.com,doctorspring.com,kiddipedia.com,healthline.com,srchealth.com,whattoexpect.com.
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C-Section Recovery Must-Have: Belly Bands | BabyGaga - BabyGaga
