Right after the baby is born, all women want to get their old bodies back as quickly as possible. Most doctors recommend the use of a postpartum girdle, but which girdle should you use? Which style, what size to buy, when to use it, how to wear it… There are so many questions that sometimes we can’t find all the answers in one place, so here are some tips to help moms avoid mistakes while shopping!
Main Types of Postpartum Girdles
First, you need to understand and know which type of delivery is most likely in your case, as there are different models for various purposes, post-surgical (plastic surgery) or post-delivery surgery. The most recommended for post-cesarean is the high-waisted brief style, the ones that go up to under the bust and have a side zipper to help close.
But personally, I prefer the lower cut brief style, in my opinion, it’s less uncomfortable, as I had c-sections all three times. I even tried to use the girdle my doctor recommended but found it uncomfortable.
What size should you buy?
Buy the girdle one or two sizes bigger than you wore before pregnancy, because it shouldn’t compress your abdominal muscles too much. Remember, you are still swollen and need to give yourself a little room to move.
How to use it?
You must use it very carefully! The girdle serves to give support to moms who have just given birth, the muscles tend to return to place on their own, so wearing the girdle should be limited to a period of 5 to 6 hours a day.
The abdominal muscle needs to be stimulated to contract, and the girdle exerts pressure, making them “lazy.” Be very careful about pressure on the surgical area if you had a c-section. Sometimes, symptoms of poor circulation are dizziness and tingling due to overuse or an excessively small size, so keep watch and use in moderation1.
Some doctors, like my last obstetrician, recommend using it 5 days after delivery, while others allow its use at the maternity hospital, so talk to your obstetrician to see what they recommend for you and what type of postpartum girdle is ideal for your situation.
How much does it cost?
Postpartum girdles cost about R$60.00; I found cuter models, outside the usual skin-tone ones, for R$90.00 at Any Any. I liked the white version, which is a bit different, and for some moms who like standing out, it’s worth it.
