Belly binder?

[littlesthobo]

I didn't use one post partum with DS, but was wondering if anyone has used one before or is planning to use one?

I'm on the fence about getting one, not because I expect it to miraculously make my tummy flat, but because it might make me feel a little less frumpy in my summer clothes after giving birth. There are a few on Amazon that aren't too expensive.

Thoughts? Experiences?

[sarcaztic10]

I didn't use one with DS but I was thinking about it this time around. I am interested to hear others opinions on it.

[prvc678]

I used one after my last pregnancy, but I only wore it for a couple hours at a time (it was slightly uncomfortable and rode up easily). However, I feel like it made a big difference in flattening out my belly faster. After my first pregnancy, I didn't wear one, and it took quite a bit longer for things to "settle". I was just thinking last night that I need to dig that thing out of storage. I got it at Buy Buy Baby, but I don't remember the brand. I'll do some research and report back...

Eta: I think the one I got was a belly bandit, but it came with Velcro rather than hooks like a bra or corset. Looks like BBB doesn't carry the exact style anymore. It was $$$, but I used a gc and coupon. HTH.

Eta: link
m.target.com/p/maternity-rayon-belly-bandit-belly-bandit/-/A-17053951?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Women%2BShopping&adgroup=Maternity+Support+Belts_SC&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=m&location=9021324&gclid=CO2U9LW6p80CFQIcaQodBcIPZw&gclsrc=aw.ds

[ellebelle]

I also didn't use one with DD but was considering it this time around. Definitely following this post.

[jenn83]

Following this

[Ray]

Also interested in this. STMs - what was your belly like after delivering? I am imagining with how big the baby, fluid, and placenta is that it will look just kind of floppy and deflated like an old beach ball or something. Am I out to lunch?

[comicSans]

Jun 14, 2016 8:39:59 GMT -5 Ray said:

Also interested in this. STMs - what was your belly like after delivering? I am imagining with how big the baby, fluid, and placenta is that it will look just kind of floppy and deflated like an old beach ball or something. Am I out to lunch?

It takes a little while for the uterus to contract. You'll look about 6months pregnant for a bit.

No binder experience. I used my belly bands for a bit of smoothing.

[those3words]

I was prescribed one after my c/s (I got it for free). IDK...I don't think it helped much - I found it mostly hot and uncomfortable.

[ellebelle]

Jun 14, 2016 8:39:59 GMT -5 Ray said:

Also interested in this. STMs - what was your belly like after delivering? I am imagining with how big the baby, fluid, and placenta is that it will look just kind of floppy and deflated like an old beach ball or something. Am I out to lunch?

I looked about 6 months pregnant for a bit.  You will have contractions after delivery as well (and if you BF you probably will feel them when you BF) to help shrink your ute back to size.  It is amazing that everything eventually goes back where it's supposed to go (more or less).

[katelou]

Ray it felt like jello. Lol.

Mine went down pretty quickly. breastfeeding helps because it stimulates your ute to contract down. Between that and peeing off a ton of fluid, I lost the 'still pregnant' look by 10 days PP. I was still heavier, still had a pooch, and my belly still felt squishy and like it had no muscles, but I couldn't be mistaken for pregnant. Some people take much longer though.

[housecarder]

Jun 14, 2016 8:39:59 GMT -5 Ray said:

Also interested in this. STMs - what was your belly like after delivering? I am imagining with how big the baby, fluid, and placenta is that it will look just kind of floppy and deflated like an old beach ball or something. Am I out to lunch?

Yeah it will be floppy and it takes a bit for your uterus to go down. Yoga/sweat pants and your maternity jeans will be your best friends.

[cavewmn]

Jun 14, 2016 9:33:50 GMT -5 housecarder said:

Jun 14, 2016 8:39:59 GMT -5 Ray said:

Also interested in this. STMs - what was your belly like after delivering? I am imagining with how big the baby, fluid, and placenta is that it will look just kind of floppy and deflated like an old beach ball or something. Am I out to lunch?

Yeah it will be floppy and it takes a bit for your uterus to go down. Yoga/sweat pants and your maternity jeans will be your best friends.

This makes me sad. I can't wait to get back to my normal pants and shorts! 

[cabbagecabbage]

My belly felt like warm bread dough right after birth last time. It went down to just a pooch in a few weeks. I have a velcro support belt/wrap to use this time. I didn't bind it last time but I'm going to try now. My friend, who is lots skinnier than me, swears by it and the wrap was a hand-me-down, so I'm not investing anything in it.

I wore maternity clothes for a while but I COULD wear my non maternity after a couple weeks and that felt good.

[cavewmn]

Besides looks, does the belly binder do anything else?

[TheTuna15]

I had one but didn't use it, I found that it cut into my hips too much and then it would just ride up. I also fell into the category of people who wore non maternity clothes out of the hospital. I didn't gain a lot with K and she was pretty big for gestational age so I lost over half of what I gained before I even left the hospital. Between breastfeeding and eating well I was back to baseline within the month. So, I wouldn't say that it's impossible to get back into shape after having the baby, but I think a lot has to do with genetics/skin elasticity/etc. breastfeeding helps IME.

[littlesthobo]

Those breastfeeding contractions are no joke! Last time I gained 10 pounds breastfeeding and they didn't magically fall off once I stopped. None of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit and I wore a combination of maternity clothes and bigger clothes until 9 months post partum when I started on a serious diet/exercise regime.

Anyway, I think I'm leaning towards getting the belly binder! I just really don't want to feel frumpy like I did last time for months, and I won't be able to jump back into exercising until 6 weeks PP so maybe it will make me feel better about myself for the time being.

[katelou]

Jun 14, 2016 10:49:44 GMT -5 cavewmn said:

Besides looks, does the belly binder do anything else?

It can help your pain if you have a c section. I haven't had a c sec but I've had a lot of abdominal surgery and they help hold everything in when you need to cough, sneeze, roll over, etc

[tootsie]

I'm not going to bother because July is so hot that the thought of another layer makes me want to die. I can see how it would be helpful stabilizing the core after a c-section though, so I would consider it in that case.

[Susan0utLoud]

I had one after my c section and liked it. It made it less painful when exerting any energy or trying to use core muscles. It was, however, not the easiest thing to wear. It rode up and wasn't super comfortable when sitting. I will wear it again this time.

[TheTuna15]

Jun 14, 2016 11:39:52 GMT -5 tootsie said:

I'm not going to bother because July is so hot that the thought of another layer makes me want to die. I can see how it would be helpful stabilizing the core after a c-section though, so I would consider it in that case.

And the post partum sweats.......

[Susan0utLoud]

Jun 14, 2016 13:31:50 GMT -5 TheTuna15 said:

Jun 14, 2016 11:39:52 GMT -5 tootsie said:

I'm not going to bother because July is so hot that the thought of another layer makes me want to die. I can see how it would be helpful stabilizing the core after a c-section though, so I would consider it in that case.

And the post partum sweats.......

Ugh, not looking forward to all the sweat.

[housecarder]

So my nurse asked me if I wanted one a few hours ago and I said sure. It's really helping with the aches and pains of moving and such. I get to take this home so I won't bother buying one.

[TnT10]

The postpartum sweats are the worst, ugh! I'm thinking of buying one of these this time around, I'm willing to try anything!