TO COMPRESS OR NOT TO COMPRESS- THAT IS THE QUESTION

To answer this question, we have to explore whether there are any benefits in post partum compression. Most midwives and obstetricians support the practice of applying comfortable pressure over the belly area post delivery to assist in post partum recovery. But the question is, why? 

In short, we know that compression of the abdominal area after birth can-

• minimise swelling
• helps to decrease bloating
• increases blood flow
• assists in cases of Diastasis Recti (abdominal seperation),
• decreases discomfort
• provide support to the abdomen
• can help to minimise stretchmarks.

Basically, compression therapy helps to 'squish back' all the bumps and lumps caused by the growing bub in your belly and ultimately get you back into pre pregnancy shape. It does this by accelerating the process of healing, whilst giving support to the back and enhanncing core muscle strength. One misconception is that binding or compression of the post natal belly can make you lose the fat accumulated around the belly area - this is false. Only diet and gentle exercise post preganacy can help you lose the 'extra fat" built up over the course of the pregnancy. Belly binding/wrapping/compression helps you to get back to your fabulous self the way you were, pre preganancy. 

Most women who've birthed would attest that after the baby is born, all the internal organs feel as if they're next to drop out as well! Feeling this level of discomfort is very uncomfortable and is preventable by providing compression to the area.

We should keep in mind that the practice of belly wrapping after pregnancy has been around for a long time (centuries in fact) and has been successfully passed down from one generation to the next. It's just that western women have only started to embrace this practice and are now aware of the benefits of using compression after birth. 

HOW IS OUR COMPRESSION GARMENTS DIFFERENT,  OR EVEN BETTER TO OTHER POST PREGNANCY COMPRESSION WEAR - IE. COMPRESSION SHORTS?  

This is a common question we get asked at almost every interaction with a customer. Firstly, our garments are designed to wear as tops and not pants as we believe there is more flexibility and comfort to design them this way. But to answer this question fairly, we've posed this question to past and present users of both forms of compression wear and the one answer that that stands out every time is the comfort factor.

Compression shorts are essentially 'bike pants' style shorts with integrated compression panels in the abdominal area that commonly stretch up to the bust line. Our feedback so far have indicated that removing the pants to go to the toilet or changing of pads (don't forget, after-birth bleeding can take up to two weeks to clear) is the most annoying factor of compression shorts. In fact it was akin to the feeling of 'peeling off sausage skin' numerous times per day, just to go to the toilet or to change pads! 

Our compression tops are seamless and made extra long to sit just above the pubic bone. This minimises riding up issues and holds everything nice and tight, and makes sure that nothing isn't where its meant to be! Compression shorts can cut in at the thighs and can 'push' the 'muffin top' from the waist area all the way up to the bust area. In our opinion, no muffin top is good - whether its down or up! 

Lastly, the third most common difference is that our garments don't make the wearer feel as hot (body temperature wise!) compared to wearing the compression shorts ensemble. If you're due to give birth in the summer months, than this is a very important factor to consider. Our garments provide compression to targeted areas so it minimises unnecessary body cover  to areas that simply dont need compression. 

WHEN SHOULD I START WEARING THEM? 

The simple answer is whenever you feel comfortable enough. Some women purchase our products to pack in their hospital bags to use straight after birth, and some women like to wait at least 24 hours. The main point to remember is that the quicker you start using compression, the quicker you will see the benefits. 

HOW LONG SHOULD I WEAR THEM FOR? 

Different women and different body constitutions give varying results. The more determined and avid users can see results in as little as two weeks, and the more casual user who like to use it on and off can take up to 6-12 weeks. We have customers who still use their compression tops long after they've recovered, to exercise or just to give them some support on days when they feel they need it. 

HOW TIGHT SHOULD IT BE? 

Abdominal binding is meant to be quite tight - though not so tight that you can't breathe or sit comfortably!

IS IT SAFE AFTER A C-SECTION? 

Short answer - yes. Wearing an abdominal binder as soon as possible after childbirth (no matter if you delivered vaginally or with a c-section) works wonders for your healing process. You should feel like your lower back is supported, even though your adbominal muscles are not yet able to do this job on their own. The compression, along with the natural after-birth contractions that you have, pushes your uterus from the outside in, helping it find its pre-pregnancy shape and location.

So if you had a c-section, an abdominal binder is a must for your healing process. Compression over your incision will help reduce the pain that many women feel when they laugh, cry, or even roll over in bed. Wearing a compression garment will help your incision heal faster, too, because compression will increase blood flow to that area and help reduce the swelling around your incision