Nine months of carrying a growing fetus in the womb causes major changes to the abdominal muscle. Combined with the weight gain of pregnancy, the changes to a mother’s tummy often seem difficult if not impossible to reverse.
The postpartum bulge is the one consequence of pregnancy that most mothers dread. For those mothers who have had a c-section, the problem is much worse as surgery damages the abdominal muscles, making it that much more difficult to tighten and tone the abdominal muscles.
This is where the post pregnancy stomach wrap promises to help.
Post pregnancy stomach wraps or belly wraps are cloth wraps worn around the belly after your delivery. They fasten with either a Velcro or hook and eye closure system and offer support to the flabby stomach muscles after a delivery. These wraps are reputed to help women regain their flat stomachs much faster than if they did not use them. Many women swear by them and several doctors have no hesitation in recommending them to their patients.
Belly wraps have been used by women around the globe for centuries to help them recover their figures after a delivery. It is recommended that they be used immediately after delivery for at least six weeks. They are reputed to help flatten and firm up the tummy, reduce bloating and help speed up the shrinking and repositioning of the uterus after delivery. The support they provide to the core muscles in the abdominal region help to improve posture and reduce back pain. If however, you have had a c-section, then it is recommended that you consult your doctor or healthcare provider before trying a belly wrap.
Many mothers swear by belly wraps and there are many doctors too who recommend them to their patients as part of a postpartum plan. There have been many benefits that have been attributed to postpartum belly wraps. They include:
While many mothers and healthcare professionals swear by the benefits of postpartum belly wraps, there are many who think that they provide no real benefits. Many doctors are in agreement that for a mother who has just undergone a delivery, there is no substitute to a healthy diet and regular exercise as a means of regaining their pre-pregnancy figures. According to them, short of a psychological boost there is no real benefit to be had from the use of a belly wrap. Regular exercise along with abdominal strengthening exercises and a low fat balanced diet are the only ways to lose that post-pregnancy belly.
Most women who have used postpartum belly wraps have reported no side effects from their use. However, caution must be exercised while selecting a belly wrap. The correct size is very important. A belly wrap that is too small can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and one that is too large will provide no benefit whatsoever. Many women recommend buying 2 to 4 sizes, using the smaller ones as their tummies become progressively smaller. Regular washing is necessary as unwashed belly wraps can cause itching, especially in warm weather. One way in which you can minimize the itching is by applying some talcum powder to your abdomen before putting on the belly wrap.
Apart from these minor issues, most doctor and healthcare professionals agree that postpartum belly wraps are safe to use without any major side effects.
Read more articles from the After Pregnancy Category.
7 Must-Haves Before Your Baby Arrives
Bonding Games for Babies
DIY Baby Bath Towel Apron
Common Late Pregnancy Fears