Shapewear After Childbirth: Pros and Cons

Postpartum Shapewear for Moms

Young mothers face a flood of advice from experienced mothers and marketers from various companies. However, some advice can be hazardous to health in certain situations. Shapewear falls into this category – it’s not suitable for everyone and not every model will lead to the desired result. Postpartum shapewear is very individual and requires the right approach to purchase.

Types of Shapewear

Depending on the desired effect, women use different types of belly shapewear after childbirth:

1. A bodysuit is used if the ultimate goal is to give the entire figure elegance and an attractive shape. This type of shapewear simultaneously supports the bust, belly, and buttocks.
2. Postpartum slimming panties also shape the hips.
3. A postpartum corset is a kind of salvation. This type of garment reduces back strain, while also visually slimming the waist as a bonus.
4. Belly bands. This is a special therapeutic type of garment designed to ease the load on muscles stretched during pregnancy.

Contraindications for using postpartum shapewear

It’s impossible to give a universal answer to the question of whether postpartum shapewear can be worn. The fact is, each case must be considered individually, taking into account various factors: the method of delivery, the recovery process, existing diseases and complications, and the duration of the postpartum period.

To find out if you can wear a corset, bodysuit, and shapewear after childbirth in a specific situation, you should consult with your doctor or with specialists from an online course.

Absolute contraindications for wearing shapewear include:

• conditions accompanied by swelling;
• gastrointestinal disorders;
• discomfort and abdominal pain;
• hemorrhoids;
• various irritations and rashes in the shapewear area;
• pelvic organ prolapse;
• gynecological problems after childbirth.

When to start wearing shapewear after childbirth?

Doctors who recognize the benefits of shapewear after childbirth deem it acceptable to start wearing such garments as early as 10 days postpartum. However, this should only be done after examination and with the approval of a doctor who rules out any pathologies and contraindications for such procedures.

If postnatal complications or conditions incompatible with wearing compression garments arise, ignoring contraindications may worsen the situation. Since the external pressure exerted by shapewear reduces the tone of already weakened muscles, wearing it too early can lead to a longer recovery period.

General Recommendations for Choosing Postpartum Shapewear Models

First and foremost, you need to decide on the type of shapewear. Most often, women use a postpartum belly corset because it corrects the most problematic areas. Bodysuits and slimming briefs are needed by fewer women, so they are less in demand among postpartum shapewear options.

The sizing chart for shapewear does not correspond to the gradations for outerwear and regular underwear. You can order shapewear in sizes from 1 to 6, which correspond to standard sizes 42-52. Generally, if there has not been a significant weight gain after childbirth, a woman can purchase shapewear in the same size as before giving birth.

Although shapewear is considered a lower garment, trying it on is allowed and even necessary. When choosing a model, it’s important to ensure that the shapewear is comfortable to wear, doesn’t pinch, and doesn’t press anywhere.

Attention should also be paid to the composition. Since shapewear is in direct contact with the skin, it’s better to choose a model that contains at least 30% cotton.