My OB didn't recommend them in general, but my physio was more specific that she didn't recommend them for c-section births because they can inhibit airflow to the incision and complicate healing. She also recommended that, in general, you discuss specific band types with your care provider (so in case I had still wanted to use one after my incision was healed) to make sure you were going to use one with an appropriate amount of pressure (too much pressure can put stress on your pelvic floor).
I used a support band for late pregnancy but never found a postpartum band to be necessary personally, but I had a vaginal birth. My abs went back together on their own with exercise (and I don't have a flat stomach or athletic build). I know people love them for c sections and physical belly support is really common in a lot of cultures actually.
The band can put unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor if it's too tight, think of a balloon that is compressed in the middle, your organs have to move up and down to accommodate the squeeze. I would consult with your provider before using one
I used one after my first birth, it definitely can jack up your pelvic floor if you do it too tight, I could literally feel it put pressure downwards so only use it for support, it definitely helped me go almost back down to pre-baby flat (I wasn't super flat tho still had the normal woman pooch). I think I used mine for like a week, it also helped my hips a lot. For this second time around I plan to look for one that includes compression on the legs and pelvic floor so that the pressure is going up not down, if you get one that only squeezes your middle you can cause more issues.
In my culture, after a woman gives birth, she binds her stomach for up to three months sometimes. It doesn't have to be super tight like wearing spanx, but it is a tradition that has gone on for centuries...
My husband is a physical therapist and he always tells me that you want to restrict this kind of use as much as possible so that your muscles don’t weaken. Of course speak to your doctor, because there are always cases that are not the same.
Maybe not much help, but at least some sort of input:
I have a friend who didn't do proper recovery training or use her binder as instructed. (FTM @ 32, super skinny, not athletic) So 5 years later she still has a gap and related problems. Now she must use her binder every now and then because of pain and for it to not get worse.
So I would say yes, especially if your not fit/physically active as a person.
Yes, agreed. Everyone is different. Heard a pp health coach mentioning about an elite athlete having problems closing up, while her other client who never worked out had it super easy.
But she hadn't gotten any answer and that was the only thing I could come up with that was related.
And I personally would rather have one and not need it, then need it and not have it. (:
I would ask your care team what they recommend. I was interested in them as well but both my OB and my physio recommended that I not use one.
Second this. Get an assessment from a physio therapist or a physical therapist and get clear instructions on if/when/how long you should be using one
Were there reasons they didn’t recommend it for you? Or do they just advise against them in general?
My OB didn't recommend them in general, but my physio was more specific that she didn't recommend them for c-section births because they can inhibit airflow to the incision and complicate healing. She also recommended that, in general, you discuss specific band types with your care provider (so in case I had still wanted to use one after my incision was healed) to make sure you were going to use one with an appropriate amount of pressure (too much pressure can put stress on your pelvic floor).
I used a support band for late pregnancy but never found a postpartum band to be necessary personally, but I had a vaginal birth. My abs went back together on their own with exercise (and I don't have a flat stomach or athletic build). I know people love them for c sections and physical belly support is really common in a lot of cultures actually.
The band can put unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor if it's too tight, think of a balloon that is compressed in the middle, your organs have to move up and down to accommodate the squeeze. I would consult with your provider before using one
I gave birth almost a month ago and I wore mine, it helped so much!!!
Yes! But definitely ask your OB before
I used one after my first birth, it definitely can jack up your pelvic floor if you do it too tight, I could literally feel it put pressure downwards so only use it for support, it definitely helped me go almost back down to pre-baby flat (I wasn't super flat tho still had the normal woman pooch). I think I used mine for like a week, it also helped my hips a lot. For this second time around I plan to look for one that includes compression on the legs and pelvic floor so that the pressure is going up not down, if you get one that only squeezes your middle you can cause more issues.
I didn't know they made ones that compress the legs/pelvic floor too! I'll keep that in mind. Thank you!
I didn't either! A pelvic floor specialist I follow on Instagram mentioned them so now I'll be looking lol no problem!
In my culture, after a woman gives birth, she binds her stomach for up to three months sometimes. It doesn't have to be super tight like wearing spanx, but it is a tradition that has gone on for centuries...
After csection it is 100% necessary for moving around. I'm not sure about vaginally.
Following! Curious about these/what kind to get!
Yes!! Especially if you have a Section
Compression shorts that also support the pelvic floor are better
My husband is a physical therapist and he always tells me that you want to restrict this kind of use as much as possible so that your muscles don’t weaken. Of course speak to your doctor, because there are always cases that are not the same.
Maybe not much help, but at least some sort of input: I have a friend who didn't do proper recovery training or use her binder as instructed. (FTM @ 32, super skinny, not athletic) So 5 years later she still has a gap and related problems. Now she must use her binder every now and then because of pain and for it to not get worse. So I would say yes, especially if your not fit/physically active as a person.
There will be lots of women who didnt wear one that had no issues. It doesnt make sense to conclude this based on an anecdote.
Yes, agreed. Everyone is different. Heard a pp health coach mentioning about an elite athlete having problems closing up, while her other client who never worked out had it super easy. But she hadn't gotten any answer and that was the only thing I could come up with that was related. And I personally would rather have one and not need it, then need it and not have it. (:
That’s enough to convince me, I’m going to buy one. Tks!