Belly bands (or similar) after c-section?

[BambinoJune]

Are there any Mums here who had a c-section and successfully used a 'belly band' or c-section shapewear afterwards to support their tummy?

I am looking o to this and there does seem to be some evidence of this helping recovery, but I am also aware there are a ton of scammy looking products!

The main goal is to support recovery, feel more comfortable / secure, and also to help slim down if possible of course.

I’m going to wear maternity clothes for the first few weeks until section scar is healed enough and then try these
Il still give it a bit of an airing each time I shower

@Kodiak83 I just wouldn’t know what to do with all the fat! Do you put it on with the belly lifted up, or do you smush it down - but then it’s on top of the scar all the time.

I did the sanitary towel thing too - it was really good last time.

@Kodiak83
I don’t know which might be better for an existing overhang (band or tights) but based on my experience of using both and the enormous quantity of fluid I retained all over my lower body, I’d highly recommend MotherTuckers. They literally suck you in! The skin is held tight and definitely makes one feel supported without the band. I used both because I wanted the extra pressure and hold to get the water retention forced out (I was super impatient due to my extreme discomfort - I was bedridden for almost three weeks prior to induction because of the serious fluid retention).

Anyway, the tights might help compress any new and existing overhang while still allowing the incision to heal, if you don’t add the band on top. I’d lay down to pull the tights up myself because bending was so uncomfortable for me. Then my husband would help pull them up over my thighs & hips and Id finish pulling over my scar and baby belly part. If you’re lying down the fat and/or extra skin is in its flattest position so by lifting your hips to pull the remaining way one should be able to ensure the flattest position for both fat & skin, all while keeping both things off the scar so it’s “exposed” and can breathe. The MotherTuckers never permitted my initial overhang to sag because they were so darn seersucker. Maybe a good option for you?? The belly band gives great back support too, fyi. And again, same theory for application of band on top of the tights could work in a dual fashion.

I’m just hypothesising based on my own experience.

What I definitely learned from my previous experiences - skin is super elastic and has very good memory, like muscle memory in a way. It’s all about training it and reminding it - and it may take longer than one would hope but staying consistent is key. I used my tights for 1.5 years to help rid myself of the severe fluid retention I had. I saw results and kept at it and eventually lost it all. It took me a long time but I was consistent.

Don’t know if this perspective and my experience will help you or not. Good luck with your pregnancy 💐💐

@Connie222 haha that made me laugh! Exactly my predicament too though 😊

@Rebelwithallthecause that could be a good approach. Have the stuff ready and use when you feel comfortable enough to do so.

@MrsAmelia thanks for all the info and advice, that’s really helpful and it does sound like the leggings are a good option. I’ll investigate further 😊 Glad they helped you so much, sounds like a difficult time x

@MrsAmelia what did you mean when you said you managed to pull the tights up whilst keeping your c-section scar exposed? Did you wear the tights from day 1 pulled right up over your waist? Just checking if the scar needs to be exposed to the air or will be okay under the tights... Thank you! x

@BambinoJune - I wore the bellyband from day three. I wore high underwear (granny pants) and then the band tightly on top. I put on my tights from day five. I did not wear either piece at night while sleeping, which allowed my skin to breathe (7pm til 7am - 12 hours on & 12 hours off) was my regime. I put the belly band on over the MotherTucker tights. The band gave extra back support and kept everything pulled in. Some days I would do one or the other particularly as I needed to wash the tights.
Hope this helps 🙂

Yes, that's really clear and helpful! Thank you so much! xx