Magic post-pregnancy tummy fixing knicker myth...

[islandbaby]

I have spent most of my pregnancy in chile, where people keep telling me that I MUST buy some sort of magic knickers that will miraculously strengthen my stomach muscles and whiz me back into pre-pregnancy sleekness...

bollocks right? I mean, they don't exist...do they? Nothing's going to actually fix your stomach muscles other than exercise... surely...

I'm sure a decent pair of spanx will improve the general look of the tummy if really needed. Does anyone have any recommendations, or know anything about aforementioned magic knickers?

[pettyprudence]

i only know that Gwynnyth Paltrow apparently used them and she claimed they helped wiggle all your internal organs back in to place quicker so your stomach looked normal quicker.
Still can't help but think bo*ox!

[witch6]

There's definitely a place for them if you have a section, not for muscles but for encouraging new vessel formation and lymphatic drainage repair. Should help to prevent/minimise the dreaded mummy pouch.
They could also help with abdominal wall support, reducing pain.
If you have any abdominal plastic surgery(lipo/ tummy tuck), the surgeons generally recommend wearing support for 3 months afterwards...

[Miffster]

Do you mean these bellybandit things?

[lilly13]

my mom used them after she had me 35 years ago - claims they did magic for her figure! i know these are very popular in some countries (haven't heard anyone, apart from Gweneth Paltrow using them in the UK, though). aparently, one can only use them if one did not have a c-section... i would definitely try them ... why not?

[porcupine11]

they help your muscles knit back together, which is essential if you're ever to regain your figure (otherwise if a diastasis recti remains, your organs will forever make your tummy push out at the front). I'm getting results by wearing a big tubigrip round my mid section, at recommendation of physio, gap is closing much faster. Also good is very tiny shoulder raises in sit up position (but not a sit up), while holding a towel around your middle, and pulling the towel tight and crossed over in front with each raise, to pull your muscles back together.

[Paribus]

well, my doctor was telling me that they don't help and in fact stop muscles from working. up to you to decide ;-)

[lilly13]

they definitely helped my mom! she has a fantastic figure even at 58 and has always had a flat stomach. she was a professional swimmer in her youth, though... so not sure if it is just the knickers, but she claims they did magic for her and her friends. if i don't need an emergency c-section, i will definitely try these!

[islandbaby]

Hmmm, not sure that I am sold. Can anyone link to any on the internet as an example?

Ta

[TheEvilDead2]

These were in the news last year, I thought doctor advice was that they could mask problems that would otherwise be detected by your doctor.

[ditavonteesed]

must confess to finding this very odd, since an advert for these has turning up on our thread and I have never heard before today.

[Miffster]

I am going to try some kind of post-natal back/belly support, because I am fairly convinced by the rationale behind it, and by the fact that it is common in many societies all over the world, and has been for centuries, but probably not something as pricey as a bellybandit, even though they do look nice.

Not sexeee, but does the same job for under 25 quid ( so a thiord of the price!).

Am 34 weeks and must order one now I have an idea of my size...

[Miffster]

Hmm, actually, just looked and it's 16.99 for the post-pg one which seems like a bargain considering how pricey the fancy knickers are - and I would get to wear my own comfy knickers with it. My GP thought it sounded like a good idea and said she could remember her mother wearing a post natal girdle and that some of her patients bound their tummies with silk after birth as well and it was meant to support the back and abs. She did say not to do it too tight though, and that lots of walking with a pram was the best way to get back in shape after birth and get Vitamin D and fresh air too.

[AlpinePony]

I had an emcs 4 months ago and have no overhang or problems with my muscles. My tummy is as flat as it can be. I was back on my horse within 6 weeks.

My mum also had a "perfect tummy" after 2, so I'm sure it's just genetic.

[northlondonchoclover]

I'm interested to see whether other mums have experience with this. Many cultures e.g Indonesian , Japanese practise wearing girdle- like garments after birth to help the tummy get back to shape

[partyhats]

miffster - would you be able to let me know which the post pg one is, I could'nt work it out from the page you linked to!?

[Miffster]

Abdominal Binder 2260
Indicated for abdominal constraint post operative, post childbirth, Made of light, transpirable, elastic multiband material. Breathable elastic and soft pile bonded to foam. Measure around the waist.

^^ that one

[partyhats]

Thanks v much!!!

[DebbieJB]

I've been running a maternity belt website for about six months now and we have been inundated with people asking for these post natal girdles, so much so that we've added a whole section to our site dedicated to the girdles, pants etc.

They are really popular in the rest of the world, especially in America and Europe but there does seem to be some stigma about using them in the UK.

But if anyone does get one and has an opinion on what you think, i'd love to hear about it and maybe quote you on my site? I'm afraid I can't pay or anything as the site is still really young and I'm still trying to make it into a business, but it would be great to get as much information on them as possible out there to every pregnant woman.

Anyone got any thoughts?