Anyone try a belly band after baby?

Khaleesi07

Hi ladies!

I'm 22 weeks, but already thinking ahead to post-pregnancy weight loss! I definitely plan on working out as soon as I am able, but I was also wondering if anyone has tried a belly band to help with the tummy tightening process? 

I was looking at the belly bandit or the squeem perfect...does anyone have any experience with those brands or any others? Any feedback would be great...thanks!!!

litzo27

I got the Gabriella band from Amazon - better ratings and price than BB. I put it on the next day after birth of DS2 and had it on non-stop for two weeks except for nursing (wasn't comfortable). I'm sure genes and overall weight-gain are significant factors but my belly was pretty much in decent shape very quickly (note - "decent" not "identical to pre-children"). Overall, thumbs up from me.

SPIJaimie

I bought the cheapest version of the BB. I am pumping so I'm sure that is part of the reason but I think the BB helped at least some. I still have loose skin so I am wearing it more as a corset or shaper than anything now. The one thing I do not like about the BB is here lately it rolls up and sticks out some. I'm hoping thats bc its too big now..maybe. Ha. All that to say, I was happy with my purchase just to keep me tucked in a little bit more.

RMama2012

I did alot of reading about this before hand and eventually decided against it.  My understanding is that your muscles need to restregthen in order to hold your stomach in like pre pregnancy.  Using a belly band doesn't allow you to use the muscles as much.  I think many positive reviews are because those individuals are the "type" to be concerned about image and getting back into shape.

I was back into pre pregnancy clothes/size by 3 months and I am really happy with my stomach.  Honestly, I don't work out much (trying to get back into it which is why I am on this board) and my stomach looks really good.  It needs tone but it doesn't look very obvious that I had a baby.  I walked ALOT after my baby was born and bf for 5-6 months. 

The biggest thing I attribute to my pp weight loss?  Not gaining a ton while pregnant (about 33 lbs for my 5'10 frame and about size 4) plus I know genes have something to do with it.  Work out now to maintain tone (you can do planks past the 1st trimester btw) and don't overeat.  Remember, only 300 calories extra for baby.  I allowed myself to eat when hungry but didn't go crazy with ice cream, chips, and other junk food.

Luv2Run1st

Used bamboo belly bandit after my first and had flat tummy in a few.days. I work it consistently for 2 weeks. Definitely helped and my best friend had great results as well.

This time I used squeem the first week since it doesn't show under clothes but I was shrinking so quick I had to buy a second one in a couple days and then even that one wasn't doing much after 2 days and I would have had to buy a third one so I went back to wearing my bamboo belly bandit and have also used shrinkx hips this time. I am 4 weeks PP and still using the bandit during the day while at home.

Definitely get a binder of some kind even if you only use it for a week you won't be disappointed. You will feel better supported, it will help with the diastasis recti and your stomach will flatten faster. Depending on how much weight you gained you will still likely have weight to lose before your clothes will fit again though.

This time around with combo of a binder and shrinkx hips I could get pre pregnancy jeans on at 1 week post partum.and that wasn't possible with my first till 1 month. I did gain less weight with my second so that also is a factor.