Has anyone tried post-natal belly binding?

[IndomitabIe]

Hello,

Pinterest has kindly brought the concept of belly binding to my attention. Has anyone tried it?

I was thinking it might alleviate the lurching insides I had for a couple of weeks after having DC1. (Not adverse to the idea of a flatter belly sooner, either, but I'm willing to bet those claims are a little exaggerated).

[IndomitabIe]

Why not try it, Euphemia?! (BTW I've always wondered, is your nn related to the Scottish Lady?)

[Shirkingfromhome]

Haven't tried it but will be after I've had dc2 in March. I felt hollow and weird after ds so I doubt this could feel any worse!

[tomatodizzy]

Yes, I did it. I also swam as this helps too. There is only a slight gap in the muscle, it did help pull the muscle back together. I could wear a little black dress don't have much opportunity and I've had four children. I would say it worked, but how much was this and how much was diet and exercise I couldn't say.

[goodnessgraciousgoudaoriginal]

Any sort of compression should work to be honest. It's not going to do much if you stuff your face with cake and do nothing to re build the muscles, but as far as helping your posture, supporting your weakened abs, and helping your uterus to shrink back quicker, it's meant to be pretty effective.

I am going to try just binding using a summer cotton wrap for a while - people used cloth to do it for a long time before the fancy binders came around. It's supposed to help your hips go back down as well.

Otherwise you could always see about stomach compression garments at the hospital or pharmacy (the type people would use after abdominal surgery).

[IndomitabIe]

Never mind, Euphemia, I think family lore has departed reality somewhere.

Thanks Tomato & goodness. Everything sort of went back to where it used to be last time (with a lot of effort!) but it's that hollow feeling that was horrible. Every time I stood up off the loo everything lurched.

I was expecting people to say it's all capitalist/hippy hokum and not to bother. But maybe I will... Thanks!

[IndomitabIe]

So, looking at the incredible prices of the Bellefit - what's a good & affordable alternative?

I don't have a wrap, so would need to buy something specially anyway. Could do with something foolproof.

Will I be able to move/breathe in it? (Well, relative to having a bump, anyway!)

[5madthings]

I have been looking at this, and read mixed advice, some say it's great. Others including some physios say it's not good as it makes core muscles lazy.... Well they explained it better than that obviously!

Also wondering how it would be after c section, hoping for normal birth but my placenta is low so unless it moves will need elcs. Having had five normal deliveries I really don't want a section but needs must.

I have never bound my belly after my others but have use bump band as support and tightish jeans as I found they help hold my pelvis steady (spd) and my tummy has always gone down pretty quickly but only exercise gets rid of extra fat and helps tone up, swimming and running have been my choice but obviously you need to wait a bit and not a quick fix.

[LovelyBranches]

I had a c section and used a cheap belly binding belt from ebay. It did make me feel more secure but it wasn't something I could wear all day. I was lucky and am lighter post dc because of breastfeeding so it may or may not have been the belt but i don't have separated muscles.

[IndomitabIe]

Lots to think about. Thanks

[IndomitabIe]

Resurrecting this thread - any other experiences or recommendations?

[IndomitabIe]

Any other experiences?

[IndomitabIe]

Thanks MNHQ for moving this. Any other experiences? Or even which ones should I avoid?