C Section STM: are belly bands worth it?

JAM85 · May 2014

So after a failed ECV today we are booked for a section next Friday. I have been eye balling a belly bandit or similar device for post surgery for both comfort (I like tight rather than loose undershirts in general) and for helping contract things back. Would you say they have merit or are a waste of time or, third option, good but not worth the moola for a belly bandit or similar?

Mimaloo · May 2014

They put one on me in the hospital for the first two days. Then they told me not to use it anymore as it traps in all of the gas.

I am going to be going shopping for some serious control top underwear but not bothering with a belly band.

gutsysneakers · May 2014

I am preparing for a vaginal birth but bought the belly bandit to wear after. I've only heard good things about it.

ksyknelvr73 · May 2014

I can't speak to its use after a c section but I used one after DS (vaginal delivery) and felt it was worth it. My uterus/abdomen went back down very quickly with it.

Labell726 · May 2014

I used Belly Bandit with DD and loved it! It's packed and ready to go when DD2 comes!

mmks · May 2014

They put a binder on me after my surgery, but I also had one at home. I was glad to have 2, so I could wash one and still have one to wear. I didn't have bad gas with them and couldn't imagine the 1st week not wearing one. That said, I wouldn't bother spending the money on a fancy belly bandit.
This is the one I got and it was very similar to what I was given in the hospital:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UCES4/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

jenb_99 · May 2014

I appreciated a little bit of support, like a good pair of tummy control workout pants or comfy jeans, but I didn't want to wear anything binding or constricting after my c-section. I was more worried about comfort than appearance, though. I didn't feel any pressure to "get my body back."

yvanehtnioj · May 2014

There is one on Amazon for $25 that had a ton of good reviews. I would do that one or go for the gold and get the Bellefit. The only thing about the Bellefit is if you gained more than 33 pounds it's likely you'll need to size down after a couple weeks, and at $108 apiece no thanks. Since I'll end up on the border of that I'm going for it but if I need to size down, I'll do it with the $25 one.

hsal · May 2014

I was in the same boat as you. Failed an ECV last week, had a c yesterday. I didn't think I'd use a binder but I feel so much better wearing it. Makes it easier when coughing, etc. The hospital gave me mine so you may want to call and ask before you spend your money.

JAM85 · May 2014

It's definitely not really about getting a body back for me- more for comfort as I generally always wear a form fitting tank top under clothing for layering and am used to workout gear or a swim suit (from 15 years of competitive swimming) so I've never liked or felt comfy with loose clothing. That said I've never had a huge incision in my lower abdomen- but I think with a healing scar id feel better or more held in if I had some support over it. but I didn't even think about gas being an issue with the band so I will ask about that too. Good point @hsal I will ask my ob Thursday if they provide one because free is always better!

manderdoll · May 2014

I did not use one with either of my first two, both sections, but after doing some reading and talking with my OB, I have purchased one for after my section scheduled for tomorrow. For me it's not about getting my body back, it's to help with pain management/comfort during coughing, laughing, taking care of my other 2 kids, etc.

rt4life · May 2014

I've got a bellefit. And I love it. I feel like I get around much easier than without it. This is my second c section. It hurt to laugh, cough, fart do ANYTHING after the first so when I found out I was having a c section this time I did my research and bought a bellefit and have been wearing it since 4 days post partum and I can tell a huge difference.

Xath · May 2014

I got an abdominal binder from the hospital and it was fantastic. 3 weeks later it's a bit stretched out to be helpful, so I'm going to order a new binder.

kb2bkk · May 2014

I didn't use one last time, and I bought one this time. I'm hoping for a VBAC but figure it may still have some benefits. I was very sore last time, and evena month post delivery it hurt to drive over bumps in the car.

IBackBevo · May 2014

I have not read all of the responses, but theyggave me a garment/binder to wear in the hospital after my surgery. And I would definitely suggest wearing it! It helps with swelling and, I think, even pain to some degree.

KateBee · May 2014

yvanehtnioj said:

There is one on Amazon for $25 that had a ton of good reviews. I would do that one or go for the gold and get the Bellefit. The only thing about the Bellefit is if you gained more than 33 pounds it's likely you'll need to size down after a couple weeks, and at $108 apiece no thanks. Since I'll end up on the border of that I'm going for it but if I need to size down, I'll do it with the $25 one.

Do you remember which one was the $25 on Amazon?

yvanehtnioj · May 2014

@katebee it was this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ISU2IY/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A15ZBZS63FGQ09

danabsd · May 2014

Check with your OB to see if it's something you need to purchase on your own. Many hospitals give them to c-section mamas in recovery.

danabsd · May 2014

Um... There is no effing chance I would put that on right after I give birth. And I wear tight pants in the hospital. Yikes.

I didn't have a c-section but I used an original belly bandit, I found it kinda uncomfortable in the beginning so I didn't wear it until a couple days PP. I bought a larger size for this time to see if that was the problem as I seem to be in the minority with my experience.

jessicastanley · May 2014

mmks said:
They put a binder on me after my surgery, but I also had one at home. I was glad to have 2, so I could wash one and still have one to wear. I didn't have bad gas with them and couldn't imagine the 1st week not wearing one. That said, I wouldn't bother spending the money on a fancy belly bandit.
This is the one I got and it was very similar to what I was given in the hospital:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UCES4/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the one I use too! I don't wear it more than a few hours a day as It irritates DS. I would DEFINITELY recommend buying at least one size smaller. It stretches a lot!

mmks · May 2014

@jessicastanley - I actually DID order a size smaller and regretted it since it was a few precious days before I could use it comfortably.

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