By most accounts childbirth is a joyous occasion, something to celebrate and revel in. It is after all a major accomplishment to carry a child for 40 weeks and deliver it unscathed into the world. Once the celebrating and baby showing has died down, the world can once again return to its non pregnant state. Or can it? Too often we think that with childbirth comes liberation from the discomforts of pregnancy only to realize some like to linger. Back pain is notorious for moving in during pregnancy and becoming the thing which will not leave. It could conceivably take weeks for core exercises to evict back pain for good but that doesn’t mean you can’t start eviction proceedings. Use of a Postpartum Support Belt can give you the upper hand until you get your core back in shape. They could also help you cheat back into those pre pregnancy jeans you love so much.
Many a medical dollar has been spent on trying to pinpoint the causes of postpartum back pain. At one time epidurals were thought to play a role, after multiple studies this theory has been disproved. It is more likely the back pain is due to postural changes, a weakened abdominal core, and the lifting and carrying of the baby. Exercise is by far the best way to deal with back pain, but since those muscles aren’t going to snap back into shape immediately the temporary use of a postpartum support belt can help support them and alleviate the pain. You’re still going to have to do the exercises because long term use or reliance on support belts could actually do more harm than good.
Support belts of any kind would not be considered technological breakthroughs, which is not to say they are not worthy of some buzz. Support belts have long been prescribed by doctors to prevent or aid in recovery from injury. The theory behind them is fairly simple, increasing abdominal pressure decreases pressure on the spine, and aids as a posture reminder. Postpartum support belt designs vary little from other support belts sold to the public with the exception of taking baby belly and C-Section incisions into consideration. There are a multitude of companies making postpartum support belts which can be purchased through a number of avenues. They are available online, in specialty maternity stores; chain stores such as Wal Mart and Target carry them. You can even buy a gently used one on E-bay.
There are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a postpartum belt. If at all possible try the belt on before you buy it, an ill fitting belt will defeat the purpose. Most belts come prepackaged and all stores have different policies, if you are not allowed to try it on in the store be sure you can return it if you need to. Material can make all the difference in the world, because the belts fit so tightly you want a breathable material which isn’t going to sweat you. People with Lycra allergies should be hyper-vigilant in choosing materials. Lastly, more money does not always mean a better product.
Coming in at the top of list for having one of the best products out there for women who have had a C-Section is Loving Comfort. This belt sits low on the hips and covers the entire abdomen. This belt when worn for long periods of time will not ride or bunch up, eliminating irritation to the incision site. Loving Comfort makes several different belts for use both during and after pregnancy, starting at $19.99. Belts recommended for use after a C-Section are $34.99 and can be purchased online and in Motherhood Maternity stores. These belts contain no Lycra, are hand washable and hold up fairly well after multiple uses.
Medela postpartum support belts have a lot going for them. They are inexpensive, machine washable, and made in the United States. A few things which didn’t appeal to me about this belt are they are made of spandex, and cover a smaller area than the Loving Comfort. Medela belts are sold just about anywhere maternity clothes are sold, but it looks like the best deals can be found on line. Medela belts on average sell for $14.00-$25.00. Medela belts are an excellent choice for vaginal births with no Lycra allergy.
Ita-Med makes two abdominal support belts which qualify for insurance reimbursement when the use of a postpartum support belt has been deemed medically necessary by a physician. The Gabriella abdominal binders come in 3 or 4 panel elastic which is easily adjusted to accommodate weight loss. These products do contain 10 percent Lycra. Cost for a 3 panel is $29.50 and the four panels is $33.00. These belts can be found online, in medical supply stores, and in some maternity specialty shops.
Sources:
http://www.spineuniverse.com/displayarticle.php/article416.html
http://www.fitmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/ga005.html
