Belly Bandit/Belly binders?

[iheartbroccoli]

I think there's a few of us who are having repeat c-sections, and I'm curious if anyone has tried belly binders like the Belly Bandit? I didn't use one after my c-section with DS1, but I think I want to try one this time. I mostly want it for abdominal support, my muscles felt so weak after my c-section. But if it helps me get back to my pre-pregnancy size faster, I won't complain!  Did it help you, and what brand did you use? Did it bother the incision? 

Thanks! 

[mcp6286]

Do it! It helped me so much. Once you get used to moving with it, it's not uncomfortable. And I give it a lot of credit for getting me back in shape - I had a mid-June baby and by our August vacation I felt comfortable wearing a bikini to the beach. I already have mine sitting out waiting for me!

[sleepymonkey]

My ob said she orders belly binders for all of her c-section patients. She has had 3 c-sections herself and she is a big fan of the binder. I'm hoping it will help me be able to walk upright a little sooner than I did last time (I was hunched over for weeks because of pain).

[hpnegirl]

Get one. I've heard they really help for c section mamas.

Hell, they help for vaginal births, too. I got one at 2ish months PP, and it helped so much. This time, I'll be using it from the get go to see if it'll help close my distasis

[rosesquared]

What kind are people getting (either for cs or vaginal)? My PT recommended one brand but there are a ton out there.

[iheartbroccoli]

Thanks everyone! I'm glad to hear they help, had no idea you could use them for vaginal births too. Would love to hear what brand you've used, I'm willing to spend the money on a Belly Bandit, but if there's another brand that's just as good for less that would be great.

My PP care was kind of a joke, I was told to squeeze a pillow when I cough or sneeze and to "go slow" on exercise and that's pretty much it.

[sleepymonkey]

iheartbroccoli, yeah the squeezing a pillow thing is a joke and did nothing for me. I just did all I could to avoid coughing, sneezing and laughing for a few weeks. I see my ob next week and I'll try to find out what kind of belly band she orders for her patients.

[Somers Isles]

Following! I never heard of them for my first emergency CSection but I'm going to ask my dr about it at my next appt

[katie0919]

I had a belly bandit with my first baby (I had ordered it before I gave birth and ended up with an unplanned csection. I actually think those are better for a couple weeks postpartum and beyond...honestly mine didn't fit at first while I still "looked" pregnant because it's very tight. With my second csection I asked my ob to write me a script for a belly binder and that was heaven because it was big and fits you at all sizes. It really helped me feel like my guts weren't hanging out and helped with incision pain. I'd just ask your OB if he/she will order you one post-op!

[iheartbroccoli]

katie0919, Thanks! I hadn't thought of asking my dr to order me one, I will see bring that up at my next appointment!