While the journey of pregnancy and childbirth is a beautiful and transformative experience, it also brings a significant physical change that can affect a woman’s body. One of the common solutions is the use of compression garments, however, there are factors to consider before wearing one.
What is Postpartum compression?
Postpartum compressions are designed to provide support and aid recovery after childbirth.
Benefits of postpartum compressions
1) Support for weakened muscles
- Compression garments can provide essential support, helping the muscles regain their strength. They offer gentle compression, which aids in alleviating postpartum back pain and pelvic discomfort.
2) Improved postures
- The snug fit from these garments helps engage in core muscles, aiding in standing or sitting upright.
3) Reduced swelling
- Postpartum compressions wear helps to minimize swelling in the abdominal and lower body. Improved circulation in these regions promotes the efficient removal of excess fluid.
4) Emotional and psychological benefits
- Compression garment can also offer emotional support by promoting a sense of security and confidence post-baby body by enhancing one’s self-esteem.
Considerations before wearing compression garments.
1) Over-compression
- When the wrong garment is chosen, it can hinder the natural healing process due to the excessive pressure.
- Postpartum compression wear is meant to gently hold your abdomen and support your core and pelvic floor as you heal. It should not be worn tightly leading to downward pressure contributing to pelvic floor dysfunctions.
2) Skin irritation
- Some may experience skin irritation, chafing, and rashes when wearing compression garments for an extension period. It’s important to wear garments that fit correctly and are made from breathable, hypoallergic materials.
While postpartum compression garments are not a solution for weight loss, it helps provide support, comfort, and emotional well-being for new mothers. This helps mothers regain confidence and recover more efficiently. It’s essential for mothers to choose high-quality, well-fitting garments.
Different types of postpartum compression:
1) Belly wraps
- Stretchy bands are designed to wrap around the abdomen by providing gentle compression to support weakened abdominal muscles. Since they are adjustable, you can control the amount of compression.
2) Postpartum girdles
- Functions by covering the entire abdominal area and often extends down to the hips. This offers comprehensive support to the abdomen, back, and hips. However, since mostly has hooks, it is important not to wear them too tightly as that will do more harm than good.
Compression Undergarments
The beauty of compression undergarments is that it can replace regular underwear and be worn as high-waisted underwear or shorts underneath your clothing, similar to shapewear. There are also a variety of postpartum compression leggings designed to provide gentle compression and support to the pelvic floor, abdomen, and hips. Postpartum compression leggings will also help to reduce swelling in your lower body, a common postpartum condition due to an increase in progesterone.
If you are still in search of the best postpartum compression undergarments, do check out Skin Up Lift+ High Waist Brief and Skin Up Lift+ High Waisted leggings, designed to offer gentle, targeted compression while effectively improving your skin texture with their patented microcapsules ingredients embedded within the textile.
Key Takeaway
A postpartum compression garment can help to provide support in core recovery it should not be a solution should you be facing any postpartum body concerns. As you embark on your postpartum recovery journey, incorporating rehabilitative methods such as our Tesla Former to trigger deep abdominal muscle contractions can be part of a safe and effective recovery.
Learn more about M&G’s oMAkase Program here.