Before answering the question of what type of bandage is needed after a cesarean section, you need to understand what a bandage is after a cesarean section and why it is needed. Postoperative abdominal bandage “Intex” is an elastic support belt in the form of a wide tape with Velcro fasteners (that is, “Velcro”) that secure the bandage to the lower back.
The external pressure that the bandage puts on the scar stimulates blood flow to the wound area. Since the scar area receives more oxygen and nutrients, within 1-2 weeks connective tissue forms at the suture site and a durable, inconspicuous scar is formed. The bandage supports abdominal muscles weakened by surgery. This allows you to maintain the proportions of the figure as before the operation.
How to properly put on a bandage after a caesarean section?
Put on a thin tank top or T-shirt, then spread the bandage on the bed and lie down so that the middle of the abdominal bandage is adjacent to your stomach. Holding one end of the bandage, pull the other end taut and place it over the first until the Velcro fasteners meet. The fastened bandage should place light but noticeable pressure on the scar and abdominal muscles.
How to put on a bandage after a caesarean section if you feel pain when trying to fasten the Velcro fastener? If you feel pain while putting on the brace, you should immediately contact your doctor .
This will help ensure that the wound does not become infected.
Postpartum bandage: indications and contraindications
Such a bandage can be of great help in a number of cases. It helps to recover faster after a caesarean section, alleviate the post-operative condition, and help quickly return the figure to its former shape. But we draw your attention: a bandage after a cesarean section also has its contraindications, including:
- various pathologies of the postoperative suture (inadequate healing, suppuration, etc.);
- pain in the area of the postoperative suture (including while wearing the bandage);
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- various pathologies of the kidneys, liver or other internal organs;
- skin diseases;
- allergies.
In any case, consultation with a specialist is required!
What is the best bandage to use after a caesarean section?
The best bandage after cesarean section allows you to regulate pressure on the abdomen , does not provoke sweating and does not cause allergies. The best post-cesarean bandages can be worn discreetly under clothing. If you are thinking about how to choose a bandage after a caesarean section, we recommend considering a Russian abdominal bandage.
The Intex bandage allows you to regulate the pressure on the abdomen using Velcro fasteners. The bandage is made in the form of an elastic belt consisting of dense strips alternating with intervals of sparse fabric. Thanks to this, the belt removes moisture from the surface of the skin, ensuring normal air exchange. The “Intex” abdominal bandage is woven from materials that do not cause an allergic reaction , and has a thin texture, so it is not visible under clothing.
Instructions for choosing the size for the bandage
It is impossible not to mention how to choose the size of the bandage after a caesarean section. The correct size is of paramount importance: a bandage that is too large will not be as useful, and one that is too small will cause pressure.
Experts recommend buying a postpartum bandage even before childbirth (natural or artificial). Please note: if the number of kilograms you gained during pregnancy exceeds 10, then the size of the bandage should be one size larger than the prenatal one; if it exceeds 15 kilograms, it should be two sizes larger.
How to choose a postpartum bandage
After the birth of a baby, women, even in ideal physical shape, cannot protect themselves from the problem of a distended abdomen. Removing fat is not an easy task. A bandage after childbirth will help facilitate and speed up the process of restoring your figure to its previous proportions.
How to make the right choice of a postpartum belt?
An incorrectly selected bandage can cause a lot of trouble for a woman. Instead of performing its beneficial functions of improving muscle tone, an unsuitable corset can lead to overstrain of the pelvic bones and harm the organs located in the lower abdomen. To avoid such mistakes before purchasing, you need to pay attention to the following items:
- To select the correct orthopedic pad, it is important to first measure your waist and hips. Manufacturers usually provide a table with sizes where you can choose the right option.
- High-end waist trainers are made from elastic fabrics based on natural fibers (cotton, microfiber, elastane). Natural materials absorb water well and allow the skin to breathe. There will be nothing wrong if preference is given to synthetic fabrics. Belts made of such fibers also reliably fix the position of the abdomen and remove excess moisture.
- Before purchasing a postpartum product, you should pay attention to the type of fastening elements. Multi-level fasteners optimally adjust the width of the belt, based on changes in body volume. This allows the brace to better fit the lumbar region.
- Unless absolutely necessary, you do not need to take an orthopedic pad that has already been used by others. Even if these are very good friends, in whose cleanliness you can be sure. The fact is that over time, the beneficial properties of the device disappear - they lose elasticity and no longer bring the former effect.
Belt models
There are three main types of postpartum compression bandages:
1. Combined (universal) belt. Suitable both before and after the birth of a child. Is the most affordable option. After childbirth, this type of product is worn with the wide side towards the stomach, and the narrow side towards the back.
Advantages:
- saves money, well, you need to purchase two products at once;
- increased level of hygiene;
- effectively performs its functions: thanks to the high back, the stomach is tightened, and the low back supports the spine, there is no pressure on the lower back.
Flaws:
- there is a possibility that the belt may seem uncomfortable after childbirth, even if the product fit perfectly during pregnancy;
- with frequent use, the corset quickly wears out, some girls note that their belt “did not last” until childbirth;
- may become deformed;
- slips.
2. Corset panties. With the help of such a product, excess layers are removed from the body, and the appearance of dimples and tubercles on the hips.
Advantages:
- perfectly corrects the parameters of the waist, hips, buttocks;
- you can choose models from a wide range of price segments - from budget options to premium class;
- large selection of products;
- does not roll down (if selected correctly);
- looks impressive under any clothes.
Flaws:
- difficult to tighten in the first days after pregnancy;
- the bandage is put on a naked body, which is unhygienic;
- it is inconvenient to visit the toilet and gynecological office (if special fastenings are not provided below);
- If the product is selected incorrectly, it will not be possible to adjust the model.
3. Bandage tape. This product, with the help of special Velcro, securely covers and tightens the stomach.
Advantages:
- serves as effective support for the spine;
- Easily adjusts to your figure using Velcro fasteners;
- does not cause difficulties when putting on, easy to remove;
- high hygiene;
- wide selection of models.
Flaws:
- elements of the belt are visible under tight-fitting clothing;
- when moving, it often rolls down onto the lower back;
- does not correct figure flaws.
Modern manufacturers of orthopedic products are improving the models of slimming corsets every year. A young mother, depending on her tastes, can easily buy a postpartum device that will fully correspond to her physiological characteristics.
Selection of a bandage, how to find the right option?
Initially, when choosing, you should focus on a certain type of product. Today, manufacturers can offer a lot of options; the line of orthopedic products is wide, which allows you to find a good option for everyone.
The main types of bandages intended to be worn after a caesarean section:
- Classical. The bandage provides a light degree of fixation and support for the anterior abdominal wall due to the non-stretchable pad, which is combined with the problem area and the tension of the elastic material surrounding the torso.
Seamless compression bandage KREIT U-300 Postoperative bandage ECOTEN PO-20/2 Abdominal bandage ORLETT AB-309 - Designed in the form of panties. Models of this type are good due to their dense top, which does a good job of tightening the abdomen. The products are good to wear under clothing, and they are also indicated in case of muscle diastasis.
Postoperative bandage CRATE B-356 Postoperative female bandage ECOTEN PO-446 - Accessories. The bandage is worn on the body, so there should be no buttons, buttons or other parts on it. A quality product should not contain components that irritate the skin. The best option is Velcro design, which allows you to adjust the size as accurately as possible. If fitting is possible, you need to pay attention to the absence of pressure, irritation, or rubbing of the skin;
- Material. The basis is the material; modern models are created using high-density synthetic fabrics. They do not shrink when washed at the permitted temperature, hold their shape perfectly and retain their appearance and characteristics. However, the addition of natural fibers is necessary to create air circulation, lighten the fabric and minimize the risk of diaper rash.
What types of postpartum bandages are there?
Today, there are several varieties of this therapeutic and corrective underwear on the market. Among postpartum bandages, five types can be distinguished.
Universal bandage
The peculiarity of this bandage is that it can be worn both before and after childbirth: with the narrow side on the stomach during pregnancy, and with the wide side after childbirth.
Other advantages of this type include low price, availability (sold in every pharmacy or maternity store) and variety of brands. And at the same time, this support belt has several significant drawbacks: it does not secure the abdominal muscles well, which is why the bandage easily slides off the stomach and stands out very noticeably from under clothing.
Ribbon-belt
Such a bandage can only be worn after childbirth. Due to its width and elasticity, it resembles a corset and supports the abdominal muscles quite well, and also prevents the occurrence of a hernia. And it can be easily adjusted to your size.
However, for many women after a cesarean section, it causes discomfort: during movement, it rises up, thereby touching the postoperative sutures.
Briefs-bandage
These panties are comfortable to wear, they do not have contours that stand out from under clothing, they fix the abdominal muscles well and do not slide down. Many women even note that the corset of the bandage visually hides the belly remaining after childbirth.
Often such models have special fasteners in the bikini area, which can be unfastened when going to the toilet without completely removing the entire bandage. But this type of support underwear is contraindicated for women who have stitches in the perineum after childbirth.
Other disadvantages of panty-style jockstraps include their higher price and careful sizing.
Bermuda
They are very similar to a panty-style jockstrap, but they also reach the hips in length.
The main advantages of such underwear are ease of wearing, visual slimness of not only the abdomen, but also the buttocks, support for the abdominal muscles and fixation of seams.
But, like bandage panties, Bermuda shorts have a much higher price than universal bandages or tapes, and their size chart must be selected as accurately as possible not only according to the volume of the abdominal cavity, but also the hips.
Skirt
This type of bandage is similar to a wide band that immediately covers both the stomach and thighs. The skirt fits tightly to the body, tightening the abdominal muscles well enough to reduce pain when moving. It costs less than Bermuda shorts and panties.
But perhaps the biggest disadvantage of a skirt is the inability to wear it under shorts or trousers, because in this case it constantly slides down, making walking difficult.
No matter what obvious advantages each type of postpartum bandages has, the best person to choose the right one for each woman is the observing doctor who knows all the characteristics of his patient.
How long to wear a bandage after a caesarean section if you put it on immediately after childbirth.
This is probably the most important and exciting question: how long to wear a bandage? If you put on a bandage immediately after a cesarean section and it will be a model with strong compression properties, for example
- bodysuit bandage with reinforcement for the perineum and lower abdomen.
- bandage with elastic pants for correction of the abdomen and legs.
- bandage panties up to the chest with an anatomical hole
The bandage should have hooks with several rows so it is easier to put on, and the hooks are easier to loosen than zippers or Velcro. There are models where the hooks are hidden under the zipper - this is the most ideal option. As for Velcro, they often ruin clothes, ride up or scratch the skin. If you wear one of these models immediately after giving birth, the recovery period will go very quickly. After 4-8 weeks it can be removed or the force reduced to support the muscles when lifting the newborn. This applies to enhanced professional models. Such a bandage may have a cotton lining and a very tight outer layer that does not touch the body. Therefore, the risk of inflammation of the seams at the point of contact with the bandage is minimized.
How long to wear a bandage if you put it on 2-3 months after giving birth.
2-3 months after birth, the need for a bandage still remains; this is primarily due to correction and tightening of the figure. Since it is during this period that it becomes clear that the belly has gone away or remains at the level of the pregnancy period. It is important not to miss the moment, decide to buy and start wearing a bandage. Delay can destroy all hope for a beautiful figure 2-3 months after giving birth, and the process of getting into shape will take much longer. During this period, not only the doctor can tell you how to wear a bandage after a caesarean section, but also specialized stores can come to the rescue. Again, you should pay attention to highly tightening models of bandages. Exclude panties from the options; they do not have the ability to unfasten the hooks. The belts do not put pressure on the lower abdomen, they bend at the edges, and the Velcro fastener spoils the clothes.
How long to wear such models is up to you, it could be 1 month, 2 or 3 months, it all depends on the degree of your confidence in your figure. After all, it is known that women are rarely satisfied with their figure and are always looking for new methods of reducing the volume of their body and especially the abdomen after childbirth.
How to put on a bandage correctly
A universal bandage and belt are worn over underwear, in a lying position, spread on a horizontal surface.
- For comfort, you can place a pillow under your buttocks.
- In order for the child to move slightly upward and the abdominal muscles to relax, you need to lie down for a while and take a few slow breaths in and out.
- The product is aligned with the spine and fastened. It should fit comfortably around your stomach without squeezing it.
- After the bandage is secured, you need to carefully turn on your side and slowly rise.
- Tape ties in universal models are fixed in a standing position, adjusting the bandage individually to the figure.
- If everything is done correctly, the belt should not cause discomfort (minor discomfort is allowed during adaptation - no longer than a week).
The bandage in the form of panties is also worn in a lying position, with the hips raised, which causes certain difficulties in late pregnancy. For comfort, you can place a bolster pillow under your back.
