Belly wrapping

[EzzysMom]

Anyone have experience with belly wrapping postpartum? Any recommendations or tips? I didn't do it last time and I think I'd appreciate the support this time. Don't really want to spend $50 on this though: http://www.bellybandit.com/

[BaMo]

I plan on doing it this time. I have a wrap that my hospital gave me last time (it's actually for after you have had a c-section to keep things tight, but I got one even though it was a vaginal birth). I don't want to spend any money, so if anyone has any free alternatives, I'd love to hear them.

[momasana]

You must have read my mind - I've been thinking the same thing! I have seen several alternatives on amazon but don't know if I want to spend the money for something that isn't going to work. I wonder if wrapping yourself up good with an ace bandage would work the same way.

I'm crossing my fingers that someone has some tips to share...

[APBTlover]

Yes, tips! It sounds like such a good idea.

[sheashea]

Not to be a crunchy killjoy, but isn't breastfeeding the best way to shrink your belly post-baby? It causes the uterus to contract (sometimes uncomfortably) and burns off lots of baby weight.

I suspect the next best thing is to be physically active once you are up and about. Post-natal yoga or pilates is a good low-impact way to get started. I did dance classes with ds in the carrier, walked a ton and eventually started going to spin and yoga classes on my own in the evenings. Plan to do the same this time, although I will have to coordinate child-care for my toddler to do some of the programs mentioned above.

I'm skeptical of gadgets that claim to take inches off with no effort (unless they are a girdle or spanx that just suck everything in.) Am I wrong?

[AZgirl2207]

DDCC--According to my MW, the USA is pretty much the only place in the world that DOESN'T practice some sort of belly binding postpartum. She says that the binding isn't to make you a size 1 again (yeah right, like I was ever a size 1), it is to support the ab muscles and encourage them to come back together while the BF does the work of shrinking your uterus. My MW also recommends using some sort of belly support while pregnant take some of the weight off your ab and back muscles. I wear mine at the gym and while doing housework, it really helps my lower back.

As a side note, I'm going to try it this time around. At the very least, it will encourage me to sit up straight while nursing!

[BumkinsMum]

I use a Pre-natal Cradle (on Amazon/E-bay) all through my pregnancies. It cuts down on the ligament pain and stretch marks for me. (on baby#5 here ) I wouldn't go through a pregnancy without the support for my big belly. It's just so much more comfortable with it on. Goodbye muscle pain!

I've never thought of wearing it post-partum though...never really worried about the belly shrinkage with 1 or 2 nurslings but it's probably a cool idea just to help support those recovering muscles.

[chercher3]

I used the bellybandit after #1 and LOVED it. I also wear abdominal support all through pregnancy for the support and can't imagine NOT using it. I didn't to it to "shrink" so much as for the support. I nursed but the added support of the binder was wonderful. I will definitely be using it again! Totally worth the money, in my opinion.