Bandage after delivery - how much to wear and how to choose?

Modern devices and useful inventions greatly facilitate the life of a pregnant woman and a young mother. Just a couple of decades ago, the bandage was difficult to find in the free market and many women after childbirth were tightly tied with towels and sheets. Fortunately, the life of the modern woman in labor is much easier. Today, the range of pharmacies and lingerie stores is a wide selection of antenatal and postnatal bandages. In this article you will learn what a puerperal bandage is, why, how and how much to wear it, and how to choose it correctly. In addition, you will understand that not everyone can wear a bandage - in some cases this can lead to unpleasant consequences.

The benefits of postpartum brace

The bandage can be prenatal and postpartum. During pregnancy, the bandage is prescribed to women with various pathologies of the cervix.The bandage keeps the weight of the fetus so that the baby does not put pressure on the neck and does not provoke a premature birth process. Moreover, in some cases only a bandage is able to carry the fetus before the due time. What about the postpartum bandage? How does he act?

1. Bandage contributes to the reduction of the uterus. As you know, during pregnancy, the uterus continuously grows and increases in size. After childbirth, it begins to shrink - this contributes to the hormone oxytocin, which is produced when the baby sucks the breast. If you wear a bandage, uterine contraction occurs much faster.
2. The bandage allows you to quickly return all internal organs "in place." Everyone knows that the growth of the fetus inside the womb creates a serious obstacle for the abdominal organs. All of them, without exception, are shifting, jostling. Postpartum bandage will allow them to stay in the correct order again.
3. As you know, the skin has the ability to stretch and shrink. Wearing a postpartum bandage allows you to improve the elasticity of the skin, it quickly tightens and returns to the previous state.
4. The bandage allows not only to improve the elasticity of the skin, but also maintains the muscles in tone.This will allow you to get back in shape faster.
5. Wearing a brace is a prerequisite for women after a cesarean section. Tight bandage allows the seam not to stretch, not to deform. First, it heals faster, and secondly, the aesthetic side of the issue plays an important role - the seam remains small and inconspicuous.
6. The bandage facilitates the movement of the mother. Many women after childbirth are not in the best condition - someone had undergone a cesarean operation, someone has internal or external sutures in the perineum. After childbirth is difficult to walk, lift weights. But no one will release a young woman from caring for a newborn baby - it needs to be lifted, fed, changed diapers. The bandage will reduce the load on the back and allow at least a little to alleviate the condition of the mother.
7. The bandage must be prescribed for various diseases of the back and spinal column. He supports his back in the right position and relieves acute and aching pain. In addition, the bandage prevents the development of hernias, which very often appear in the first months after birth.
8. Under certain indications, the bandage is recommended to be worn to prevent the prolapse and prolapse of the uterus.

These are the main advantages that indicate that a bandage is still necessary. However, I would like to note that it is impossible to wear it without a doctor’s permission, since in certain cases it can be not only useless, but also very harmful.

Contraindications for wearing a bandage

Another contraindication for wearing a tight bandage is a variety of swelling in the abdominal cavity, which can occur due to disorders in the kidneys, due to flatulence, due to cardiac failure.In these cases, it is necessary to identify the cause of the underlying disease and to treat it. Sometimes an allergic reaction to the fabric of the bandage. This is especially noticeable after delivery - the body of a nursing woman is most sensitive to various contact stimuli. When dermatitis and rash to use the bandage is also impossible.

So, you got acquainted with the pros and cons of this therapeutic design. If you have direct indications for wearing a bandage - the doctor will certainly tell you about it. If on your own initiative you want to wear a bandage after childbirth, you should consult with your doctor. If he does not mind, you can proceed to the choice of bandage.

Types of bandages

Here are some types of supporting laundry that will help you cope with the weights of the postpartum period.

1. Universal bandage. It is a belt that can be fixed in both narrow and wide parts. It can be used during pregnancy and after childbirth.
2. Velcro belt. This is the very first type of postpartum bandages, but today is not very much in demand due to relative inconvenience.This bandage can be adjusted independently by changing the size of their feelings. However, the bandage is noticeable under the clothes, very bulky and uncomfortable.
3. Postpartum bandage briefs. This is a very convenient model, made of dense fabric, which perfectly supports the abdominal cavity. Briefs are not visible under the clothes, high landing allows you to form the natural curves of the body.
4. Corset pants. Corset pants are the same pants, but with a higher waist, some models have clasps and straps. The bandage perfectly supports not only the stomach, but also the breast, which also needs fixation during breastfeeding.
5. Bermuda This is a bandage in the form of a leggings, which tightens not only the stomach, but also the hips and buttocks. The length of such a bandage can vary - some models go to the knees. This form of bandage also prevents varicose veins and the appearance of cellulite on the thighs.
6. Skirt. This is a bandage similar to a belt, but in a slightly different shape. He puts on his hips, closes his stomach, hips and hips. It is convenient because it is worn over clothing, it allows not to wash it daily.

In addition to these basic types, bandages can be complex, for example, a corset and Bermuda, that is, a bandage starts from chest level and ends closer to the knees. It perfectly supports the body and gives it the desired shape, but wearing such a design is not always very comfortable. To make the bandage comfortable, you need to choose it correctly.

How to choose a postpartum bandage

Here are a few criteria that should be followed when choosing a bandage after childbirth.

1. It is very important to correctly choose the size of the bandage. Many models have on the package a table with a detailed description of the size, that is, the volume of the waist, hips, thighs. Measure these indicators at home and only then go shopping. Fine, if you can try on a bandage. When you spontaneously purchase a bandage, remember your good-size clothes. If during pregnancy you have recovered by no more than 12 kg, it will be relevant. If the number of dialed kilogram exceeded this figure, choose a bandage one size larger.
2. Choose a product from natural fabrics, elastin, microfiber.Remember, the amount of cotton in the fabric should not be less than 30%. Otherwise, you will sweat in a bandage, it will lead to dermatological diseases, diaper rash on the skin. The fabric should pass air, well absorb moisture.
3. Choose the type of bandage follows from their needs and the testimony of the doctor. If you have perineal tears, you should choose the bandage that is easily removed and worn. When buying a bandage in the form of panties, it is better to buy a few products, because, like regular underwear, the bandage will need to be washed every day. Immediately after birth, it is better to wear panties and bermudas, which not only tighten the abdomen, but also firmly fix the gasket, which is also important, because the discharge after birth is abundant.
4. Try to choose those models that can be adjusted according to the level of fasteners. It is possible that within a few weeks after giving birth you will need a couple of sizes of bandage as the abdomen decreases. In the presence of an adjustable fastener you do not have to buy different models.
5. Do not buy or use bandages worn by your girlfriends or sisters.In addition, it is not very hygienic, the bandage tends to adapt to a certain shape and stretch in some places. That is, it is for one-time use - it is no longer suitable for the second figure or will be less effective.
6. It is better to buy a bandage in a pharmacy. In lingerie stores, bandage pants and corsets have a more cosmetic purpose - for body shaping. But medical bandages are tailored a little differently. Suppose they can not be worn under an evening dress, but because they have a different purpose. They are aimed at the rapid and effective reduction of the uterus, they return to women before pregnancy.

Remember, the bandage should sit comfortably, you should be comfortable in it. The fabric should fit snugly, but not squeeze the body. Wearing a bandage should be every day, taking breaks for 3-4 hours. At other times, you can not remove the bandage. It is not recommended to sleep in a bandage at night - give tissues, skin and muscles some rest. If you use the bandage wisely, you can achieve excellent results with it, help your body to quickly return to normal - both aesthetically and physically.

Video: postpartum bandage