Is it necessary to wear a bandage after a caesarean section: pros and cons

Why do you need a bandage after a caesarean section?

After a caesarean section, the woman is placed in intensive care, where she remains for about a day. Already 6–8 hours after the operation, the woman in labor is asked to stand up. This simple action turns into a real test for a woman who has undergone a caesarean section. Before allowing the woman in labor to bring her body into an upright position, the maternity hospital staff tightly wraps her stomach with special pads made from a sheet. This is done in order to ease the pain of the woman in labor when moving.

The hardest thing after a caesarean section is getting up

If the mother has no complications, she can be transferred to the general ward within 12 hours after surgery. And already in the ward, mom can put on her bandage for the first time. If the caesarean section was planned, that is, the woman knew in advance about the upcoming operation, she most often has a bandage with her. In case of emergency medical intervention, the mother does not have this device, but this is not a problem, since loved ones can buy the bandage themselves and give it to her the very next day after the cesarean section.

After a caesarean section, the bandage performs the following tasks:

fixes the abdominal muscles, helping to keep the internal organs in the correct position;
relieves nagging pain from stitches by supporting the abdominal muscles;
reduces the risk of postoperative hernia;
brings relief to the back muscles by reducing the load on them;
brings muscle fibers together, helping to restore the tone of the abdominal muscles.

Who should not wear

There are restrictions on tightening the abdomen after a caesarean section. So, mothers who have an inflamed seam should not wear a bandage. In such a situation, this product will create pressure on the inflamed areas, increasing the pain.

It is also not recommended for women to wear a bandage during periods of digestive problems (for example, if the mother has bloating). Tightening the abdomen in this situation will create additional discomfort for the mother.

If you have bloating, it is better not to wear a bandage!

If a woman experiences an allergic reaction from the bandage (itching, redness of the skin, rash), it should be removed immediately. In this case, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Atypical reactions to the bandage occur quite rarely, but the risk still exists, so it is important for the mother to closely monitor her health.

Does it help remove belly fat?

Regularly wearing a bandage helps a young mother lose weight and tighten her abdominal muscles. After the operation, you can begin to pump up your abs only after seven months, which means that a woman does not have the opportunity to quickly get in shape with the help of sports activities. In this case, a bandage is actually the only permitted way to restore your figure.

The bandage will help restore a flat stomach after a caesarean section

Many mothers point out the effectiveness of wearing a bandage after a caesarean section:

In the maternity hospital, after the operation, we were tied with sheets, and then they allowed us to wear a post-operative bandage. Upon discharge, it was recommended to wear it for at least a month. It helps me a lot - there’s almost no belly anymore and it’s much easier to lift the child.
Jennifer Reed
https://www.baby.ru/community/view/44187/forum/post/233427271/

If you have gained a fair amount of weight, you will have to wear a bandage. After childbirth, the stomach gets in the way, and the bandage tightens it well. Personally, I definitely haven’t taken it off for a month. And after a CS, this is a real salvation, especially when it comes to childbirth. When you get out of bed at home, it feels like you’ve been “punched in the gut.”
Victoria
https://deti.mail.ru/forum/v_ozhidanii_chuda/beremennost/bandazh_posle_kesaeva_sechenija/?page=2

I also wore special drawstring shorts under the bandage and slept in them. And I wore the bandage the rest of the time when I wasn’t sleeping))) the stomach went away after probably 3 months, I’m still finishing it off with a hoop))
Sweet-tooth
https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/vosstanovlenie/1706633
Read also: Recipes for a nursing mother for all occasions

Types of postpartum bandage for caesarean section

There are several types of compression bandages. They are available in the form of a belt, panties, Bermuda shorts, corsets and a skirt. The new mother decides which product to choose. It is important that the compression bandage is selected in size, because it must be worn for at least 1 month. Pharmacies and specialized websites offer different models of postpartum bandages.

Belt

The wide elastic band has a tight insert in the abdominal area. The dimensions allow you to tightly tighten the body area from the pelvis to the ribs. Postoperative bandage is popular among women due to its low cost. Product group description:

Price range: 620-3000 rubles.
Characteristics: width varies from 15 to 30 cm. The cut of the belt is different: straight, elongated in front. There are models with stiffeners. It is fixed with Velcro fasteners that adjust the diameter of the belt. Manufacturers also produce universal products: during pregnancy, they are worn with the narrow side towards the stomach and the wide side towards the lower back. After childbirth they are put on in reverse.
Pros: the belt tightens the stomach well, secures the suture, and prevents the occurrence of postoperative hernias.
Cons: slips, twists, which makes it uncomfortable when moving. The bandage peeks out from under clothing, Velcro fasteners can ruin tights and knitted fabric.

Article on the topic: Increased libido in women - causes of the disorder, how to reduce it with medications, folk remedies and diet

Underpants

In everyday life, this version of a tightening bandage is more convenient, because it is almost not felt on the body. A high-quality item is comfortable, does not restrict movement and performs its main functions. More details about support panties:

Price range: 830-2500 rub.
Characteristics: briefs with a high waistline (grace) in the abdominal area have a dense insert. They are fastened on the sides with hooks or other fasteners, which provide the ability to change the degree of tightening. Many women's styles unfasten at the bottom, so you don't have to remove them completely to go to the toilet.
Pros: the panties fit well on the body, do not rise or fall off, tightly fix the stomach, are almost invisible under clothes.
Cons: they require daily washing and the purchase of several models per change.

Bermuda

This postpartum bandage is a type of panty. Features of the slimming product:

Price range: 620-1500 rub.
Characteristics: Bermuda shorts have the shape of shorts with a high belly line, their length can reach the knees. Fastened at the side with hooks or a zipper.
Pros: tighten the stomach, thighs and buttocks, help get rid of cellulite faster (with appropriate nutrition), reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
Cons: hot in the summer season, the length of the dress or skirt is limited by the length of the Bermuda shorts.

Skirt

This version of the bandage is similar to a belt, only it is wider. Product group description:

Price range: 950-2000 rub.
Characteristics: the bandage skirt has a width of more than 40 cm. The slimming product covers not only the stomach, but also the hips.
Pros: tightens the muscles of the peritoneum, legs, buttocks, forms proportional outlines of the figure.
Cons: restricts movement, rises up, the skirt is uncomfortable to wear with trousers.

Which manufacturer to choose

Having decided on the model of a slimming product, mothers are faced with the need to choose a manufacturer. The modern market offers a wide variety of companies specializing in the production of bandages for young mothers.

Orlett

The German company Orlett is known throughout the world. The advantages of this company include close cooperation with rehabilitation specialists and surgeons, which allows the creation of high-quality and safe models. In the field of postoperative bandages, this company offers a wide range of models, allowing each woman to choose the optimal product model for her.

Orlett - German quality

However, the products of this company are not cheap. Thus, the price of an Orlette bandage belt is about 3,000 rubles.

After a caesarean section, many women appreciated Orlett bandages:

So, this bandage has already passed the second test with flying colors and my conclusions: + it’s very convenient when the elastic bands in the bandage go exactly like this - not in one mass, but in parallel rows + breathable - the skin under it doesn’t sweat, a very important point + soft, for me the skin is delicate and for me this is an important nuance + supports + tightens + if it’s after a cesarean section, it helps in the process of uterine contraction + getting up in it after any strip operation is much, much easier + does not put pressure on the seam + after 5 years the elastic bands are like new +/ - for me personally it’s a minus, because I have a figure a la guitar and the bandage is quite deformed, which is clearly visible in the photo - for such a figure it is better to take the same type of bandage with 2 Velcro, which are clearly separated in the center. Read more on Otzovik : https://otzovik.com/review_3424708.html
rigik-81
https://otzovik.com/review_3424708.html

Bliss

Bliss is a Russian company that specializes in underwear for pregnant and postpartum women. The advantages of this company include its focus on environmentally friendly materials, as well as the constant updating of collections. Compared to Orlett, the cost of bandages from this company is significantly lower. Thus, a bandage belt from Bliss can be purchased for 1,500 rubles.

Bliss produces many types of braces

This company suits many young mothers:

These elastic bandage panties tighten the waist well, do not rub, and thanks to the elastic inserts, tighten the butt)). (Which is not unimportant in the postpartum period). To make it clearer: The volume of the hips is 100 cm, and I took the bandage at 95 cm, already expecting that the hips would rub. But no!!! It perfectly tightened the waist and, thanks to its elasticity, sat perfectly in the hips. I can say something special about the back - it is very well supported, since the bandage is high. At the same time, the bandage does not have “underwires” and does not rub, like similar bandages “with underwires,” which are deformed when the waist bends and because of this they pop out, causing a lot of pain. This bandage is tightened with hooks and a zipper, so it cannot be compared with Velcro belts. (Personally, for me they simply came unfastened).
Yula
https://irecommend.ru/content/chto-nado-posle-rodov

Fest

The Fest company is a large Russian manufacturer of underwear and bandages for pregnant and postpartum women. The advantages of this company include a large assortment of bandages, as well as an inexpensive price for the products. So, the Fest bandage tape costs about 1,300 rubles.

Fest is a large Russian company producing goods for pregnant and postpartum women

Many mothers point out the effectiveness of bandages from this company:

I put on the bandage immediately after the operation and took it off 2 months later. It’s not even a matter of aesthetics and tightening the abdomen; it simply doesn’t hurt. This bandage is available in two colors - black and white. In my opinion, it’s better to take a black one, that’s all, but washing a snow-white bandage every day after being discharged from the hospital will definitely not please you.
Olga TM
https://irecommend.ru/content/kak-vyzhit-posle-kesareva-secheniya

Trivers

Another Russian company is Trivers. The company is focused on orthopedic services, so there is not a wide variety of products for pregnant and postpartum women. But this company produces bandages at the lowest prices (in comparison with Fest and Bliss). A bandage tape from the manufacturer Trivers will cost a woman 1,000 rubles.

Trivers produces cheap bandages

The Trivers company appeals to many women who have had a caesarean section:

After visiting a sea of pharmacies, I finally settled on a postoperative bandage (not postpartum!) of the Trives brand. After a CS, doctors recommend POSTOPERATIVE bandages - they better support the abdomen and do not injure the suture.
Mar28
https://irecommend.ru/content/vam-predstoyat-er-ili-kesarevo-sechenie-togda-etot-otzyv-dlya-vas-pochemu-ne-stoit-pokupat-u

Belly Bandit

Belly Bandit is registered and operating in the United States. This company produces bandages of very high quality - premium class. There are models specifically designed for mothers who have had a caesarean section. However, the prices of this company are high. A bandage belt from this company costs about 6,000 rubles.

Belly Bandit - premium bandages

Many mothers trust this company:

I had belly bandit, I ordered it from the states based on reviews, I really wanted it. Now, too, all 3 belly bandits)) 2 new ones and 1 old one I grabbed)
Tatiana
https://www.babyblog.ru/community/post/vosstanovlenie/1705567

How to choose the right size

Before purchasing a bandage, it is very important to decide on the size. Because moms have different body shapes and height to weight ratios, each product comes in a variety of sizes. Trying on the product is not carried out, since a woman who is heavily pregnant will not be able to fasten the bandage on herself - it is intended for a post-pregnant figure. In the early stages of pregnancy, it is useless to buy a bandage, since the mother cannot predict her weight gain for childbirth.

The size of the bandage after a cesarean section depends on how many kilograms the mother gained during pregnancy

Therefore, when purchasing a bandage, you need to focus on determining the size without trying on. First of all, you need to remember what size clothes your mother wore before pregnancy. You need to add one to this size if a woman has gained about 10–15 kilograms. This is the standard weight gain during pregnancy and most women fall within this range. So, if a mother wore size 44 before pregnancy, it is better for her to choose a bandage for size 46.

It happens that mothers gain more than the recommended weight. In this case, the bandage should be 2 sizes larger. That is, if the mother wore size 44 clothes, and gained 20 kilograms during pregnancy, then it is better to choose a shapewear product for size 48.

Recommendations for using postpartum bandages

Having made your choice, you should not neglect the information on how to properly wear a bandage after a caesarean section in order to avoid various kinds of troubles such as chafing and irritation of the suture, etc. There is a range of rules for using this medicinal device:

When mothers recover from surgery, in addition to questions about their babies, they are interested in information about when to start using a postoperative compression belt. If a woman does not have any complications or other contraindications, then the belt can be worn from the first day after cesarean section;
There is no need to imagine yourself as a girl from the past and repeat the feat of tightening yourself into a corset. Avoid unnecessary tugging, otherwise there will be a disruption of blood flow, which can lead to many complications;
How to put on underwear with maximum comfort, because after a cesarean section, motor capabilities are somewhat limited. In this case, experts recommend putting on the product in a lying position, when the abdominal muscle tissues are in the most relaxed state. It is better to fix the belt from the hips, smoothly moving to the stomach;
How long you need to wear a bandage after a caesarean section is also a very common question. If we talk on a daily scale, then the product must be removed for about 20 minutes every 3-4 hours. After the break, the underwear is put on again. You cannot wear a compression belt at night, it is dangerous due to internal tugging;
If the question of how long to wear a bandage after a cesarean section is considered in terms of the total duration of use, then these terms depend on the regenerative organic abilities of the patient. The average use time is 5-9 weeks.

These are the main criteria for how to properly wear a bandage after a cesarean section. If the mother decides that while waiting for the baby she has gained a few extra pounds, then wearing it can be extended, because such devices cope well with deposits on the sides and stomach. But the wearing rules remain the same. With the right selection, wearing the product will definitely justify itself.

How and how much to wear after a caesarean section

Before tightening the abdomen, a woman should definitely consult a doctor in the maternity hospital. A specialist can advise the model and manufacturer of the bandage and explain the intricacies of using this design based on the individual characteristics of the woman who gave birth.

It is best to discuss wearing a bandage with your doctor.

There are general rules that a mother should follow after a cesarean section when wearing a bandage:

YOU CAN ' T SLEEP IN A BANDAGE! This construction is always removed at night to allow the abdominal muscles to rest and to avoid unnecessary pressure on the abdominal muscles and post-operative sutures.
It is better to lift weights (including your baby) in a bandage, as it reduces the load on the abdominal and abdominal muscles.
You need to put on the bandage while lying on your back. It is in this position that the abdomen is effectively tightened with minimal risk of harm to health. Usually it’s easy for a mother to remember this rule, because throughout the pregnancy they wore bandages for women in this position.
If there is discomfort, you need to loosen the bandage. Mom should not have difficulty breathing, darkening of the eyes or pain when pulling. Therefore, there is no need to try to tighten the bandage as tightly as possible.
Every two hours it is better to remove the bandage for 10-15 minutes so that the skin can breathe air and blood flow improves.
The bandage is usually worn for at least one month after the operation. It is better to determine the optimal period for abdominal tightening with a doctor. Usually this time does not exceed three months from the date of the operation.

Is it possible to sleep in a bandage?

The purpose of a compression bandage after a cesarean section is to support the muscles and suture when the body is in an upright position. During sleep, the body muscles are relaxed, the load on the back is minimal. Briefs, a belt, a corset or other types of bandages should not be left on overnight, and there is no point in them. Sleeping in a compression bandage is uncomfortable and harmful: the dense fabric interferes with normal moisture and air exchange, compresses internal organs, and leads to poor circulation.

Article on the topic: Treatment of occipital neuralgia is a difficult task, but possible: symptoms and causes of pain in the occipital region of the head

Recommendations when choosing

When choosing a bandage product, mother should be guided by the following rules:

The bandage should securely hold the abdominal muscles.
The product should be made from materials that are pleasant to the skin (it is advisable to choose a product made from natural materials).
The bandage should be fastened and unfastened easily (it is better to avoid laces or buttons, and choose Velcro) so that the mother can easily put it on or take it off if necessary.
It is better to buy a bandage at a pharmacy or specialized stores for pregnant women. You should not purchase this product from dubious places to avoid counterfeits or purchasing low-quality goods.