Belly Bandit - worth it for after the c-section?

ke19 · May 2012

I'm seriously considering getting a Belly Bandit to wear after my c-section and I wanted to see if anyone recommended it or didn't think it was worth it. I've heard they are uncomfortable, etc. but I've also heard they don't come low enough to mess with your scar. I think I can deal with the uncomfortableness if it's going to help my stomach feel more supportive and help with all the extra skin. Thoughts?

ETA: If you did get one, how soon after the c-section were you able to start wearing it? Should I bring it to the hospital with me?

cmr5776 · May 2012

When I had my emergency c-section in 2008, the hospital gave me this stretchy/spandexy band with velcro to wear during my hospital stay and at home to protect the scar and to provide additional support.

I used it for about a month following my c-section... I'm curious about the belly bandit too though...

Happily Overwhelmed · May 2012

cmr5776:

When I had my emergency c-section in 2008, the hospital gave me this stretchy/spandexy band with velcro to wear during my hospital stay and at home to protect the scar and to provide additional support.

I used it for about a month following my c-section... I'm curious about the belly bandit too though...

Ditto... I think they call them "binders". This thing was AH-MAY-ZING!

I don't know anything about the belly bandit. I didn't expect a c/s and was totally unprepared for it. My advice though---ask for an extra binder to take home with you. I had bad (but normal) PP bleeding and my first binder got gross. It was nice to have a back up.

huntertwin · May 2012

I had a c-section and tried to use my Belly Bandit. It hurt way too much for the first few days after birth, I couldn't use mine until about 8 days after, and then only for a short while at a time, even though my recovery was incredibly fast and easy. I stopped using mine after trying for a week though, it was just uncomfortable and I didn't believe in it that much.

l_elizabeth · May 2012

I had a belly bandit and hated it. I thought the sizing was off-- I ordered the size I should have, and it didn't fit at all. Then about two weeks later, it was too big. I found it hard to get a good fit with the velcro the way it was. It didn't hurt, but it just didn't fit right. I asked my OB about it and she laughed and said they are just a marketing scheme and in her opinion, they aren't needed and don't help with skin. I don't know if that's entirely true, but it didn't work for me.

ChiTown Bridget · May 2012

I think it was worth it. A friend of mine was my l&d nurse and she gave me one that I started wearing 2 days after my c/s. Mine was comfortable and did not rub on the incision.

mommytoconnor · May 2012

Dont bother with the Belly bandit, when you get to the hospital ask them to order you an abdominal binder. It's the same thing. It can be a little warm to wear but it gives extra support.