Tightening the abdomen with a corset after caesarean section

Why do you need a bandage after a caesarean section?

After a caesarean section, the woman is placed in intensive care, where she remains for about a day. Already 6–8 hours after the operation, the woman in labor is asked to stand up. This simple action turns into a real test for a woman who has undergone a caesarean section. Before allowing the woman in labor to bring her body into an upright position, the maternity hospital staff tightly wraps her stomach with special pads made from a sheet. This is done in order to ease the pain of the woman in labor when moving.

The hardest thing after a caesarean section is getting up

If the mother has no complications, she can be transferred to the general ward within 12 hours after surgery. And already in the ward, mom can put on her bandage for the first time. If the caesarean section was planned, that is, the woman knew in advance about the upcoming operation, she most often has a bandage with her. In case of emergency medical intervention, the mother does not have this device, but this is not a problem, since loved ones can buy the bandage themselves and give it to her the very next day after the cesarean section.

After a caesarean section, the bandage performs the following tasks:

fixes the abdominal muscles, helping to keep the internal organs in the correct position;
relieves nagging pain from stitches by supporting the abdominal muscles;
reduces the risk of postoperative hernia;
brings relief to the back muscles by reducing the load on them;
brings muscle fibers together, helping to restore the tone of the abdominal muscles.

Who should not wear

There are restrictions on tightening the abdomen after a caesarean section. So, mothers who have an inflamed seam should not wear a bandage. In such a situation, this product will create pressure on the inflamed areas, increasing the pain.

It is also not recommended for women to wear a bandage during periods of digestive problems (for example, if the mother has bloating). Tightening the abdomen in this situation will create additional discomfort for the mother.

If you have bloating, it is better not to wear a bandage!

If a woman experiences an allergic reaction from the bandage (itching, redness of the skin, rash), it should be removed immediately. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Atypical reactions to the bandage occur quite rarely, but the risk still exists, so it is important for the mother to closely monitor her health.

Does it help remove belly fat?

Regularly wearing a bandage helps a young mother lose weight and tighten her abdominal muscles. After the operation, you can begin to pump up your abs only after seven months, which means that a woman does not have the opportunity to quickly get in shape with the help of sports activities. In this case, a bandage is actually the only permitted way to restore your figure.

The bandage will help restore a flat stomach after a caesarean section

Many mothers point out the effectiveness of wearing a bandage after a caesarean section:

In the maternity hospital, after the operation, we were tied with sheets, and then they allowed us to wear a post-operative bandage. Upon discharge, it was recommended to wear it for at least a month. It helps me a lot - there’s almost no belly anymore and it’s much easier to lift the child.
Jennifer Reed
https://www.baby.ru/community/view/44187/forum/post/233427271/

If you have gained a fair amount of weight, you will have to wear a bandage. After childbirth, the stomach gets in the way, and the bandage tightens it well. Personally, I definitely haven’t taken it off for a month. And after a CS, this is a real salvation, especially when it comes to childbirth. When you get out of bed at home, it feels like you’ve been “punched in the gut.”
Victoria
https://deti.mail.ru/forum/v_ozhidanii_chuda/beremennost/bandazh_posle_kesaeva_sechenija/?page=2

I also wore special drawstring shorts under the bandage and slept in them. And I wore the bandage the rest of the time when I wasn’t sleeping))) the stomach went away after probably 3 months, I’m still finishing it off with a hoop))
Sweet-tooth
https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/vosstanovlenie/1706633
Read also: Is it possible to drink noshpa during lactation?

Types of bandage

Currently, you can choose a bandage from a large number of options presented.

Universal bandage - a device that is worn during pregnancy and after it. It consists of an upper and lower part. This bandage is made from a special elastic tape. While carrying the baby, the bandage is put on with the wide (20-30 centimeters) part backwards, and the narrow part is fastened under the belly.

After childbirth, it is worn on the other side. However, this is inconvenient because the bandage will most likely bounce up and down. Another disadvantage of this device is that, due to the dense material, the contours of the bandage protrude under clothing. At the same time, this type of bandage supports the abdomen quite well and helps the muscles return to their previous position.

Panty-shaped bandage considered more comfortable for everyday wear. It is a regular high-waisted panty. The belt on them is quite wide and has increased elasticity. In addition, there is a special insert on the stomach. There are special fasteners on the bottom and sides of the panty bandage. Bandage panties are not suitable for wearing after a caesarean section; they are exclusively a prenatal model.
Bandages-graces - This is a type of panty that can be used to wear after surgery. This type of bandage is suitable for reducing pain after cesarean section. Most of these models are equipped with a special clasp and do not cause any inconvenience when you need to go to the toilet.
Bermuda bandages designed to visually reduce hips. This variety is good because it corrects not only the waistline, but also the hips and buttocks. In addition, bandage shorts are not visible under clothes, so a woman does not have to limit herself in choosing a wardrobe.
After surgery, one of the most successful options is bandage skirt. Among its advantages, one can note the fact that it does not bounce up and is not visible under clothes.

Which manufacturer to choose

Having decided on the model of a slimming product, mothers are faced with the need to choose a manufacturer. The modern market offers a wide variety of companies specializing in the production of bandages for young mothers.

Orlett

The German company Orlett is known throughout the world. The advantages of this company include close cooperation with rehabilitation specialists and surgeons, which allows the creation of high-quality and safe models. In the field of postoperative bandages, this company offers a wide range of models, allowing each woman to choose the optimal product model for her.

Orlett - German quality

However, the products of this company are not cheap. Thus, the price of an Orlette bandage belt is about 3,000 rubles.

After a caesarean section, many women appreciated Orlett bandages:

So, this bandage has already passed the second test with flying colors and my conclusions: + it’s very convenient when the elastic bands in the bandage go exactly like this - not in one mass, but in parallel rows + breathable - the skin under it doesn’t sweat, a very important point + soft, for me the skin is delicate and for me this is an important nuance + supports + tightens + if it’s after a cesarean section, it helps in the process of uterine contraction + getting up in it after any strip operation is much, much easier + does not put pressure on the seam + after 5 years the elastic bands are like new +/ - for me personally it’s a minus, because I have a figure a la guitar and the bandage is quite deformed, which is clearly visible in the photo - for such a figure it is better to take the same type of bandage with 2 Velcro, which are clearly separated in the center. Read more on Otzovik : https://otzovik.com/review_3424708.html
rigik-81
https://otzovik.com/review_3424708.html

Bliss

Bliss is a Russian company that specializes in underwear for pregnant and postpartum women. The advantages of this company include its focus on environmentally friendly materials, as well as the constant updating of collections. Compared to Orlett, the cost of bandages from this company is significantly lower. Thus, a bandage belt from Bliss can be purchased for 1,500 rubles.

Bliss produces many types of braces

This company suits many young mothers:

These elastic bandage panties tighten the waist well, do not rub, and thanks to the elastic inserts, tighten the butt)). (Which is not unimportant in the postpartum period). To make it clearer: The volume of the hips is 100 cm, and I took the bandage at 95 cm, already expecting that the hips would rub. But no!!! It perfectly tightened the waist and, thanks to its elasticity, sat perfectly in the hips. I can say something special about the back - it is very well supported, since the bandage is high. At the same time, the bandage does not have “underwires” and does not rub, like similar bandages “with underwires,” which are deformed when the waist bends and because of this they pop out, causing a lot of pain. This bandage is tightened with hooks and a zipper, so it cannot be compared with Velcro belts. (Personally, for me they simply came unfastened).
Yula
https://irecommend.ru/content/chto-nado-posle-rodov

Fest

The Fest company is a large Russian manufacturer of underwear and bandages for pregnant and postpartum women. The advantages of this company include a large assortment of bandages, as well as an inexpensive price for the products. So, the Fest bandage tape costs about 1,300 rubles.

Fest is a large Russian company producing goods for pregnant and postpartum women

Many mothers point out the effectiveness of bandages from this company:

I put on the bandage immediately after the operation and took it off 2 months later. It’s not even a matter of aesthetics and tightening the abdomen; it simply doesn’t hurt. This bandage is available in two colors - black and white. In my opinion, it’s better to take a black one, that’s all, but washing a snow-white bandage every day after being discharged from the hospital will definitely not please you.
Olga TM
https://irecommend.ru/content/kak-vyzhit-posle-kesareva-secheniya

Trivers

Another Russian company is Trivers. The company is focused on orthopedic services, so there is not a wide variety of products for pregnant and postpartum women. But this company produces bandages at the lowest prices (in comparison with Fest and Bliss). A bandage tape from the manufacturer Trivers will cost a woman 1,000 rubles.

Trivers produces cheap bandages

The Trivers company appeals to many women who have had a caesarean section:

After visiting a sea of pharmacies, I finally settled on a postoperative bandage (not postpartum!) of the Trives brand. After a CS, doctors recommend POSTOPERATIVE bandages - they better support the abdomen and do not injure the suture.
Mar28
https://irecommend.ru/content/vam-predstoyat-er-ili-kesarevo-sechenie-togda-etot-otzyv-dlya-vas-pochemu-ne-stoit-pokupat-u

Belly Bandit

Belly Bandit is registered and operating in the United States. This company produces bandages of very high quality - premium class. There are models specifically designed for mothers who have had a caesarean section. However, the prices of this company are high. A bandage belt from this company costs about 6,000 rubles.

Belly Bandit - premium bandages

Many mothers trust this company:

I had belly bandit, I ordered it from the states based on reviews, I really wanted it. Now, too, all 3 belly bandits)) 2 new ones and 1 old one I grabbed)
Tatiana
https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/vosstanovlenie/1705567

How to choose the right size

Before purchasing a bandage, it is very important to decide on the size. Because moms have different body shapes and height to weight ratios, each product comes in a variety of sizes. Trying on the product is not carried out, since a woman who is heavily pregnant will not be able to fasten the bandage on herself - it is intended for a post-pregnant figure. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is useless to buy a bandage, since the mother cannot predict her weight gain for childbirth.

The size of the bandage after a cesarean section depends on how many kilograms the mother gained during pregnancy

Therefore, when purchasing a bandage, you need to focus on determining the size without trying on. First of all, you need to remember what size clothes your mother wore before pregnancy. You need to add one to this size if a woman has gained about 10–15 kilograms. This is the standard weight gain during pregnancy and most women fall within this range. So, if a mother wore size 44 before pregnancy, it is better for her to choose a bandage for size 46.

It happens that mothers gain more than the recommended weight. In this case, the bandage should be 2 sizes larger. That is, if the mother wore size 44 clothes, and gained 20 kilograms during pregnancy, then it is better to choose a shapewear product for size 48.

Postpartum bandage: indications and contraindications

Such a bandage can be of great help in a number of cases. It helps to recover faster after a caesarean section, alleviate the post-operative condition, and help quickly return the figure to its former shape. But we draw your attention: a bandage after cesarean section also has its contraindications, including:

various pathologies of the postoperative suture (inadequate healing, suppuration, etc.);
pain in the area of the postoperative suture (including while wearing the bandage);
gastrointestinal diseases;
various pathologies of the kidneys, liver or other internal organs;
skin diseases;
allergies.

In any case, consultation with a specialist is required!

How and how much to wear after a caesarean section

Before tightening the abdomen, a woman should definitely consult a doctor in the maternity hospital. A specialist can advise the model and manufacturer of the bandage and explain the intricacies of using this design based on the individual characteristics of the woman who gave birth.

It is best to discuss wearing a bandage with your doctor.

There are general rules that a mother should follow after a cesarean section when wearing a bandage:

YOU CAN ' T SLEEP IN A BANDAGE! This construction is always removed at night to allow the abdominal muscles to rest and to avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdominal muscles and post-operative sutures.
It is better to lift weights (including your baby) in a bandage, as it reduces the load on the abdominal and abdominal muscles.
You need to put on the bandage while lying on your back. It is in this position that the abdomen is effectively tightened with minimal risk of harm to health. Usually it’s easy for a mother to remember this rule, because throughout the pregnancy they wore bandages for women in this position.
If there is discomfort, you need to loosen the bandage. Mom should not have difficulty breathing, darkening of the eyes or pain when pulling. Therefore, there is no need to try to tighten the bandage as tightly as possible.
Every two hours it is better to remove the bandage for 10-15 minutes so that the skin can breathe air and blood flow improves.
The bandage is usually worn for at least one month after the operation. It is better to determine the optimal period for abdominal tightening with a doctor. Usually this time does not exceed three months from the date of the operation.

Is it possible to sleep in a bandage?

The purpose of a compression bandage after a cesarean section is to support the muscles and suture when the body is in an upright position. During sleep, the body muscles are relaxed, the load on the back is minimal. Briefs, a belt, a corset or other types of bandages should not be left on overnight, and there is no point in them. Sleeping in a compression bandage is uncomfortable and harmful: the dense fabric interferes with normal moisture and air exchange, compresses internal organs, and leads to poor circulation.

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Recommendations when choosing

When choosing a bandage product, mother should be guided by the following rules:

The bandage should securely hold the abdominal muscles.
The product should be made from materials that are pleasant to the skin (it is advisable to choose a product made from natural materials).
The bandage should be fastened and unfastened easily (it is better to avoid laces or buttons, and choose Velcro) so that the mother can easily put it on or take it off if necessary.
It is better to buy a bandage at a pharmacy or specialized stores for pregnant women. You should not purchase this product from dubious places to avoid counterfeits or purchasing low-quality goods.