Post-partum support girdle -- do I need one?

[Hazel]

Hi all. You can probably tell I'm getting close to my due date because I'm already starting threads about post-partum issues!

Anyway, my question is whether anyone out there has an opinion -- negative or positive -- about wearing a post-partum support belt or other "girdle"-type support garment after the baby comes. I had seen advertisements for one in Fit Pregnancy that was like a pair of underwear, and I was really interestsed until I found out they wanted $70 for it! I'm sure there are other types, but are ANY of them worth spending money on? Do they really help you heal better, or is it just more a psychological boost of looking trimmer? Is there any medical reason NOT to use one?

Thanks for any opinions/advice you might have for me!

Hazel

 

[Stephanie_B]

What I was told

Both the nurses and my doctor told me after my C-section that they were not good to use because you end up relying on it too much. I never even thought about it with number one. This was at Presby in Plano in 1997, so it may have changed, but that's what I was told. I bet you're excited

 

[Sheila]

Support girdle

Hi Hazel,

SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe that they are now marketing this to postpartum as well as pregnant women. I have NEVER seen any research or any documentation of their benefit. I think that they are detrimental in that you do rely too much on them and therefore your own muscles pay the price of not being "rehabbed" correctly. This garment is not going to make your stomach any flatter or your pelvic floor heal any faster. You have to do that! Enough said!! Gentle "belly breathing" and kegels started as soon as possible after delivery will put you on your way toward healing a lot faster that this so called "postpartum support" garment.

Keep us posted.

Sheila Watkins