post partum clothing to feel better after a cesarean?

[velveeta]

Hi there,

I am feeling pretty horrible about my body at the moment.

This was my third birth, but my first time with cesarean. My first two were perfect homebirths, so I am still reeling from all this. I went from laboring at home to experiencing transition in the car and having a surgical birth within about 30 minutes (baby was undiagnosed breech and malpositioned).

Anyway, I am feeling some pretty negative body feelings (I do go up and down with gratitude, though -- it is kind of crazy). So, I am dealing with being much heavier than usual (by about 45 pounds), as well as kind of a not-great haircut!

I ordered some cute majamas as a lounge outfit that I can wear when people visit. And a new glamourmom tank, and a majamas skirt.

I would love some suggestions for clothing that I can buy online that will be a little more flattering for the time being. Oh, of course my breasts are very large (milk is in, and I am not normal size yet, so not buying bras yet). Do you have ideas for transitional bras that flatter? I am wondering about blue canoe or decent exposures, specifically.

What do you wear to feel better?

[Juvysen]

Have you considered (or are you already) belly binding? I understand it helps a lot with cesareans, and helps your abs get back where they need to be even without. In fact, in my research into it, I've come across a *lot* of post-surgical binders.

My only other suggestion is some "nice looking" yoga pants... they're comfy and can be worn out... I dunno. I bought some banking on the comfy factor You can get them for pretty cheap through old navy or target, too...

[prancie]

I never did belly binding but i wish I did after my c-section. I would try that. I was in maternity clothes for a couple of months before I bit the bullet and bought normal clothes of my new size. It sucked but I did lose all the weight and then some before a year went by. For now I would stick to nice yoga pants.

[Smithie]

I'd say belly binding plus some Glamourmom tank/shrug combos for leaving the house. They are worth the $$$ IMO - I lived in my three Glamourmom tanks all summer, with cheapo elastic-waist skirts on the bottom.

The lingerie store where I bought my Glamourmom tanks also sold Spanx Bod-a-Bing pants and skirts. They squish you in a good bit.

Hang in there, mama! Your body will be changing like crazy over the next couple of months.

[velveeta]

Oh, thank you so much, Everyone! DH went out yesterday and got me the Belly Bandit, and it feels great! It is not quite long enough to go from just under my breasts to cover my whole belly down to where my incision is, so I paired it with some spanx power panties, which I wear over regular panties. It is a wonderful combo, and I slept better than ever last night. I have already lost about 4 inches -- isn't that crazy?!

I had never even *heard* of belly binding, so I appreciate you all so much. I can still fit my large glamourmom, though it is a little snug on top -- I will get my extra large tomorrow, so that should be great.

I am feeling much better today -- thank you all so much!

[Juvysen]

Awesome! Glad it helped