postpartum... girdle?

[indeospero]

So, ok, I never even thought I would use the *word* girdle, let alone the thing itself! But I had a significant diastasis after my dd was born, and it really affected my core strength, and, consequently, my back, for a long time. Not to mention that it took over a year for my midsection to start to resemble its former self again, and in the meantime, my body (not just my vanity) suffered.

I can feel that I definitely have a separation again (about 28 weeks pg now), and I'd like to be more proactive this time about knitting the muscles back together quickly after my little one is born. I have the feeling that a postpartum girdle or some sort of support belt would really help, and make me feel better in the meantime, too (better posture etc.).

Has anyone tried a postpartum girdle or support belt? Can you recommend one? Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[patchynurse]

I got a medela maternity support and I love it. I mainly wear it at work, but do use it at home. It's adjustable with velcro so if it starts to get tight I just loosen it. I feel comfortable and not too "sucked in".

[seawind]

Originally Posted by indeospero

So, ok, I never even thought I would use the *word* girdle, let alone the thing itself! But I had a significant diastasis after my dd was born, and it really affected my core strength, and, consequently, my back, for a long time. Not to mention that it took over a year for my midsection to start to resemble its former self again, and in the meantime, my body (not just my vanity) suffered.

I can feel that I definitely have a separation again (about 28 weeks pg now), and I'd like to be more proactive this time about knitting the muscles back together quickly after my little one is born. I have the feeling that a postpartum girdle or some sort of support belt would really help, and make me feel better in the meantime, too (better posture etc.).

Has anyone tried a postpartum girdle or support belt? Can you recommend one? Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

I don't have any idea about the girdle, but wanted to know if there are any specific exercises you did after your dd was born that helped your midsection get back to normal. I could use some tips, for sure! Thanks!

[chambom]

I saw something like this that they do in Japan. They call it binding where they tightly wrap the abdomen postpartem. It is supposed to help a lot with getting the muscles back in position.

I would try it!

[indeospero]

Originally Posted by chambom

I saw something like this that they do in Japan. They call it binding where they tightly wrap the abdomen postpartem. It is supposed to help a lot with getting the muscles back in position.

I would try it!

Yes, this is what I have in mind. Does anyone have any resources? I don't know any Japanese grandmothers!

[Kylahroo]

I have the exact same problem (it happened after my 3rd baby - never was the same again). I get painless back spasms postpartum and I know it's related. I was wondering about the abdomen wraps, too, and asked my MW's about them. They've been in the biz for nearly 30 years and had never really seen people use them with any regularity. They honestly knew nothing about them. Their concern was that they would work opposite as how you want them to work - that is, if they're supporting your muscles for you, your body doesn't have to support the muscles. Therefore, they weaken even further.

So now I'm indecisive. I'd love to find some good research that truly states one way or the other if they're helpful!! At this point, I'm thinking of investing in some spanx instead.

[pazerific]

i know medela makes a postpartum support wrap. i thought it was bunk when i first saw it, but after having dd i felt disemboweled (sp?). i would have loved something to hug my midsection and make me feel like i didn't have my guts hanging out. i saw the wrap at BRU and i'm pretty sure it was under $30. i definitley plan to pick one up for this go around.

[truelife]

I have really looked into girdles for after this baby is born b/c I had horrible problems with my sciatic nerve after my first two. I also had a very weak back. The belt I have found with the best reviews is this one:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2324123

I have NOT heard good things about the Medela - people say it is not long enough and that it rolls when you sit.

In Hispanic cultures women often bind themselves with very thin fabric. They also use a mixture of coconut oil and shea butter under the wrap to help with the elasticity of the skin. My MIL begged me to let her bind me after #1 was born and I thought she was just being vain b/c she was embarrassed of the way I looked (wouldn't put it past her) but now for the sake of my back I wish I would have let her.

[fionafrances]

[QUOTE=truelife;10432041]
In Hispanic cultures women often bind themselves with very thin fabric. They also use a mixture of coconut oil and shea butter under the wrap to help with the elasticity of the skin.

Where can I get the recipe for this mixture. I think binding is a great idea although I didn't think of it after either of my kids were born. I wish I had because my tummy might be flatter than it is now.

[truelife]

My MIL (Cuban) had told me about a mixture of shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil. I searched around on the internet and ended up being directed to a thread on MDC where zoebird recommended the same concoction.

Use the mixture before and after you have the baby. zoebird recommended using a piece of fabric like this: http://www.sugarbelly.ca/yogi.html prenatally and then switch to a girdle afterwards. This is what MIL said as well.

Here is the source of the butter/oil zoe recommended:

http://www.agbangakarite.com/

Here is the thead that she posted in:

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...p/t-93325.html

[waterjen]

They also wrap the abdomen after birth in India. It is part of Ayurveda (Indian Science of Medicine). I read about it in one of my Ayurveda for Women books by Robert Svoboda, and then more recently in Aviva Romm's books about Postpartum Care (not the exact title) which I totally recommend...it deals with all sorts of postpartum issues...I'm going to try it too...got a while to go yet...maybe those that do could post how it goes for them...

[pazerific]

Originally Posted by truelife

I have NOT heard good things about the Medela - people say it is not long enough and that it rolls when you sit.

thanks for the tip! maybe i'll try that one instead.

[indeospero]

This is really helpful. The girdle that truelife linked to seems do-able. I love the Sugarbelly sash for late pregnancy -- I could definitely use the support. I'm going to try using my short (2.7m) baby-carrying wrap and see if that works. And the Aviva Romm postpartum book is waiting for me to pick up at the library, so I'm glad to hear that she discusses this.

This is a common enough tradition throughout the world that I'm pretty confident it's a good idea.

And seawind, I will not even begin to claim that my midsection truly returned to its previous self between pregnancies. I'd like to see it firm up quite a bit more in the future. But I did regain my strength enough to end the constant back pain etc. Postpartum yoga classes helped a lot, and this book: Lose Your Mummy Tummy (oh, the title is just awful! ) gave me some really helpful information and techniques, too.

Oh, I wanted to add: I found these links (in Japanese, but scroll down for diagrams) for how to wrap the pregnant belly in a hara-obi:

http://www.geocities.jp/nakansuzu/maternity02-01.html

http://www16.ocn.ne.jp/~housyuin/yokuarutoiawase.html

Curious to keep learning more! Thanks everyone!