How to choose a postpartum bandage and how to wear it?

Among the various means and methods of rehabilitation after childbirth, a postpartum bandage occupies a separate place. Wearing it in most cases is not considered mandatory, but many doctors recommend such an orthopedic device to their patients, since it allows them to recover more quickly and efficiently both after physiological childbirth and after surgery.

In this material, we will talk about how a bandage looks for postpartum women, by what criteria it is chosen and how it is worn so that the benefits are maximum.

Why is it needed?

The product is a corset or a belt of a certain configuration that performs supporting functions. Belongs to the category of orthopedic medical products. Women often ask if there is a difference between postpartum and postoperative bandages. Despite the fact that there is a huge difference between natural childbirth and caesarean section, bandages are usually universal, as evidenced by the double name of such products - "postpartum (postoperative)".

After any birth in women, the uterus remains large for some time, it still has to contract and shrink to its previous size. The abdominal muscles have experienced tremendous loads during childbirth, contractions and attempts cannot pass without a trace for the abdominal wall.

After surgical delivery, the situation is complicated by the fact that there are external seams on the abdomen, and internal seams on the uterine wall. Almost all newly minted parents note that they are constantly haunted by the feeling that all the main organs literally "dangle" in the large and empty space of the abdominal cavity.

The postpartum bandage, of course, does not accelerate the healing of stitches, but it helps to more efficiently and quickly restore the abdominal muscles. The tightening action eliminates the feeling of "dangling organs" and also helps to reduce the load on the spine.

During the period of gestation, significant overloads were imposed on the spinal column, gait changed, landing. Now you need to get in shape, gradually return your own weight, and in this matter, the orthopedic product will also be a good help.

Please note: a young mother after childbirth, especially in the early days, bending over or sitting down, often holds her stomach with her hand. Many people think that this is a habit acquired during pregnancy. In reality, she does it unconsciously, as the body tries to relieve tension in the affected abdominal muscles. This is what the bandage does.

This product will be especially useful after a surgical delivery. It will help to reduce the stress on the seams, avoid unnecessary pain and, if used correctly, will contribute to faster and more effective postoperative rehabilitation.

Do I have to wear a bandage? Completely optional... Even doctors have no consensus on this matter. In Russia, recommendations to wear a bandage can be found quite often. But in Italy or Holland, doctors forbid patients to wear such products, because they believe that bandages impair blood circulation, prevent the healing of stitches, if any.

Buying a bandage or doing without it is a private matter for every new mother. No one has the right to force anyone or force them to wear a support device. But in Russian obstetric practice, it is widely believed that the bandage is useful not only during pregnancy, but also after childbirth, and many women in their reviews note that it was this product that helped them to restore their physical shape faster.

Who needs it?

Despite the fact that in Russian obstetric practice, a postpartum bandage can be recommended to any woman in labor, there are categories of women who still need to heed such recommendations.

The list of indications for wearing an orthopedic device provided by manufacturers is small, but deserves to be considered in more detail.

First of all, the indications include injuries of the spine, the musculoskeletal system, which took place in the past.
The product is useful for women in childbirth who have muscle hypotonia (multiparous, after the appearance of twins, etc.).
If a woman was professionally involved in sports before pregnancy, after childbirth she may encounter the opposite phenomenon - excessively high muscle tone in the abdominal, lumbar and back areas. They should also consider using an orthopedic brace.
The orthopedic device will also be useful for mothers who gained excess weight during the period of bearing a child, who are obese, as well as a sagging belly.
It is obvious that the load on the back, lower back and abdomen after the start of wearing the product will be more evenly distributed. This will increase the mobility and mobility of the postpartum woman.

It is undesirable to wear the device to those who have given birth who have signs of inflammation or bleeding of the scar after a cesarean section, with acute pain syndrome in the abdominal and spinal region.

Also, orthopedists strongly advise against using the bandage for patients with pyelonephritis, intestinal distention, increased flatulence, as well as allergies to the materials from which these devices are made.

Varieties

The assistive device may look different. It is enough to visit an orthopedic salon once to make sure that several types of products are covered under the general name, which differ in design, cost and degree of support for various muscles.

You can choose any one taking into account your wishes, feelings of personal comfort and existing health problems.

Corset product It is a high-waisted brief with solid panels that can be adjusted. Provides support for the muscles of the abdomen, back. Well suited for women with spinal diseases.

Product-belt - a representative of the simplest subspecies of bandages. In fact, this is a normal wide belt that supports the abdomen, mainly its lower part. It is inexpensive, available to everyone, but it can be inconvenient to wear.

Women complain that the belt spontaneously loosens, moves up or down.

Product-skirt represents an even wider belt, which somewhat resembles a skirt, only very short.

Supports not only the abdomen, but also the lateral muscles due to solid inserts.

Product-leggings - these are slimming shorts, the task of which is to support not only the abdominal muscles, but also the buttocks and hips. This type of bandage is often referred to as "Bermuda".

Universal product - panties with the highest possible fit. Supports the back, abdomen.

The question often arises as to whether it is possible to continue wearing the bandage that was purchased and used during pregnancy.

The prenatal orthopedic device was created for completely different purposes, its task is to relieve the load from the lower limbs and back when the center of gravity changes due to an enlarged abdomen. If childbirth is over, support is needed in a qualitatively different way.

Choosing the right one

The choice of such a product is a fairly simple task, but you definitely need to try on the model you like. Much depends on the weight and body characteristics, on the type of delivery.

To choose the product correctly, you need to take into account that fasteners and solid tabs-elements should not interfere, crush, cause inconvenience. The lacing or fastener should be located so that it is convenient for a woman to quickly pull up or loosen a bandage that is too tight at any time.
If the childbirth took place in the summer, it is better to buy a belt-ribbon or "skirt", since shorts or leggings, not to mention corsetry, will cause inconvenience due to the heat.
Choosing a size is also important. Always use a band 1-2 sizes smaller than the existing one immediately after delivery. This will eliminate the need to buy a second one, if suddenly the weight goes away faster, and the large device no longer reliably holds the muscles.
Choose a product made from quality materials so that the skin under the bandage does not become overcast. Polyester and Lycra meet this requirement well.
What the fastener should be is a rather difficult question. First of all, comfortable. There are products with laces, buttons and hooks. Velcro-based fasteners are considered the best. They are easy to use but, alas, short-lived. Although the bandage itself will not have to be worn for too long.

If the weight has increased significantly, and the figure has become very blurred during the period of carrying the baby, experts do not recommend buying corsets. It will be uncomfortable to wear them.

How to apply?

You can put on an orthopedic support from the first day after childbirth, unless the attending physician has a different opinion on this matter. At first, during the first week, it is not recommended to put on the product at rest, when the woman is lying down, resting. It is recommended to wear the bandage only when it is in an upright position.
Wearing a bandage increases over time gradually... After the mother and baby arrive home from the obstetric facility, you can wear the product for a couple of hours a day longer. However, in no case should you wear a bandage for more than ten hours a day.
It is better if the woman is first shown how to put on the product.... This can be done in a maternity hospital - the medical staff may well advise on this issue.

If the bandage was purchased later than the woman was discharged, then the first fitting will take place at home. In this case, remember to put on the device while lying down (not standing or sitting!). After fastening, you can get up.

You can't sleep in a postpartum brace... This must be remembered, because disturbed lymph flow and blood supply to internal organs and many muscle groups have not yet helped anyone quickly recover after the birth of a baby.
No need to wear the product continuously... After four hours of wearing, you must definitely take a break for half an hour. If a cesarean section was performed, you need to keep an eye on so that the bandage does not damage the seams, so that they do not get wet, you need to treat them with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green every day. You can't pull too tight.
The bandage is washed in warm water by hand, dried without preliminary squeezing. It is believed that after 3-4 months after childbirth, the need to wear this orthopedic support disappears.

Reviews of women

According to mothers, wearing a bandage allows you to quickly improve your figure. After about 4 months, the first results are visibleif you wear the product from the beginning and follow the rules. The most positive reviews on thematic forums are about solid corsetry, as well as devices with solid adjustable inserts.

There are also negative responses. Basically, they are left by puerperas who have undergone an operative delivery. They argue that the bandage rubbed at the seam, interfered and caused unpleasant sensations, and therefore had to be abandoned.