Where to have your baby: Hospital, Birth Center, or at Home?

Congratulations: You are pregnant! Pregnancy is a special time for women. Despite the discomforts and challenges you may be feeling, there is no denying the magic of the little person developing inside you. During pregnancy, it is sometimes easy to focus your attention on your changing body and the baby's development and forget about how and where the baby will be born.

Though most mothers still give birth in a hospital setting, more and more women are electing to have their babies in birth centers or even in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. The decision of where to have your baby is a highly personal one, and it is a good idea to explore your options. Even if you decide on the traditional hospital setting, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each birth environment will ensure that you've made the best decision for you and your family.

Having a baby at a hospital is clearly the most common birth setting for most women. The benefits of a hospital birth are many. Most women see OB/GYNs for their prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, and most OB/GYNs have privileges in hospitals rather than in birth centers. There are two major types of hospitals as well. A teaching hospital has the most up-to-date equipment and part of their mission is to teach the next generation of doctors and nurses about medical care. In a teaching hospital, the birthing mother may be asked if interns and other medical students can watch or assist with the labor and birth. Smaller community hospitals are more likely to have a more intimate feel and are less likely to have medical students helping care for patients. All hospitals provide opportunities for pain management for laboring women, from local anesthetics to epidural and spinal blocks. What a hospital lacks in comfort and privacy it makes up for in access to emergency care. Women with complicated pregnancies or babies with special needs will benefit from neonatal care found in hospitals.

Depending on the type of birth you are hoping to have, a hospital may not have the intimacy you and your family are seeking. A birth center may be a good alternative to a hospital if you have had an uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancy. Birth centers are small places where women can give birth with the support of midwives and their families. The Cambridge Birth Center, for example, gives women a home-like atmosphere while providing the security of a timely transfer to Cambridge Hospital across the street should additional medical care for the mother or baby be needed. Not all birth centers are affiliated with hospitals, but many are. Most birth centers do not induce or augment labor with pitocin, use continuous electronic fetal monitoring, or perform Caesarian sections. If you want a natural childbirth, a birth center provides support through trained midwives while maintaining an more intimate, home-like feel.

More and more women are turning to home birth as well. Some home births are attended by midwives, while others are just the laboring mother and her birth partner. The woman is, theoretically, in complete control during a home birth.  She is free to move about in the comfort of her surroundings. Such an environment is beneficial for many women; because her surroundings are so familiar, there is little to distract her from the work of labor. At the same time, there are no medical interventions available for laboring women at home. Women can certainly reduce their discomfort during labor by spending time in the tub or shower, having their partner use massage to manage tension, or by simply practicing their own laboring techniques. If you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, home birth is probably not for you. In the end, however, it is the job of the mother and her partner to decide where to give birth.

What are the Differences Between a Vaginal Delivery and a Cesarean Delivery?

There are many differences between having your baby vaginally and having your baby via Cesarean section. The method of delivery is the most obvious difference. During a vaginal delivery, a woman births her baby through her vagina, pushing in accordance with her contractions. During a Cesarean section, a woman births her baby through a surgical opening in her abdomen.  Cesarean deliveries were once reserved for emergency situations or situations in which a mother would not be able to have her baby vaginally. In the past twenty years, the number of Cesarean births has been rising. Regardless of the underlying reasons for such a rise, women must be prepared for a Cesarean delivery more than ever before.

How does a C Section Work?

A Cesarean delivery occurs in an operating room. The mother is typically awake for the surgery, but she must be anthesetized from the chest down. The obstetrician makes the c section incision right above the woman's pubic bone. The incision is typically four or five inches across. From there, the doctor pulls back the skin, moves the abdominal muscles aside, and makes another low cut across the uterus. Then the amniotic fluid is suctioned out of the uterus, and the baby is delivered. The baby is then suctioned by the nurses in the operating room and cleaned up a bit. The placenta is removed by the doctor as well. Then the new mother gets to see her baby. During this time, the obstetrician is stitching up the uterus, replacing the abdominal muscles, and stitching up the skin. If she desires it, the mother may nurse her baby in the recovery room. The road to recovery after c section begins here.

Vaginal Delivery and Recovery Times

A vaginal delivery is more active for the mother. Once she goes through labor and is fully dilated, she will feel an urge to push her baby out. Typically she will push with her contractions, eventually pushing the baby down and out through the vagina, followed by the afterbirth, including the placenta. Depending on the speed of the birth and the size of the baby, the mom may experience some tearing around the perineum. These wounds will need to be stitched up by the doctors. If the mother desires, the baby can be placed directly on her chest after being born, before being whisked away to the warming table to be cleaned and weighed.

Typically, a normal vaginal delivery has a much easier recovery than a Cesarean section. Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, new mothers will likely need additional support from their partners, extended family, and friends to accomplish many chores, including driving and household activities, such as lifting laundry baskets. Though some women who experience vaginal deliveries have major complications, they are usually easier to recover from than c-sections.  All new mothers, however, need a great deal of support and understanding from their loved ones during the postpartum recovery period.

Watch Mom Testimonials on Postpartum Recovery

Does wearing a Bellefit Postpartum Girdle help?

One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend a corset or girdle to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen.

According to Bellefit reviews, the abdominal binder speeds healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for postpartum recovery after c section.

Sometimes the pain associated with recovery can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended.

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What to wear after pregnancy

Getting back to pre-pregnancy shape

After nine months of pregnancy, you are probably anxious to wear your “real” clothes again. Pulling out the clothes you packed away while you were pregnant may feel like a shopping spree! But don’t get too excited about your pre-pregnancy clothes too quickly. Most women need several weeks, or even months, before fitting into their pre-pregnancy wardrobe.

 

What to Wear Home from the Hospital

When you are packing your bag for the hospital, make sure to pack something comfortable to wear when you go home. Most women still look about six months pregnant in the first few days after birth, so choose your outfit accordingly. Packing something that you feel comfortable, yet beautiful, in will make your trip home all the more enjoyable.

 

Whose Body is This?

A few weeks after having your baby your body will begin to change. Wearing pants or shorts with wide, stretchy waistbands will be most comfortable as your belly begins to shrink. If you’ve had a c-section, this type of clothing will ease some of the discomfort associated with your incision. Wearing underwear that comes up over your incision or rests below it will be more comfortable as well. If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you will want to wear tops that accommodate your larger chest size. You will also need nursing bras during this phase. It is important that you wear bras that fit properly and support your breasts. If you are able to, go to a store where you can be fit for the right size nursing bra. An ill-fitting nursing bra can contribute to blocked ducts or discomfort as your breasts change size throughout the day.

Does wearing a Bellefit Postpartum Girdle help?

One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend them to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. 

According to Bellefit reviews, the abdominal binder speed healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for women who have had c-sections.

Sometimes the pain associated with recovery can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended.

Compression Garment Photo
Courtesy of Bellefit.com

When will I fit into my skinny jeans?

What a great question! Most women worry a little bit about this, and the answer is highly individual. How long it takes you to return to your pre-pregnancy size depends on several factors, including how much weight you gained during pregnancy, how active you are, and what body type you have. If you eat healthy foods and get moderate exercise, you should begin to lose your baby weight fairly quickly. Some women who breastfeed lose most of their weight quickly, but then hold on to about ten pounds until they wean their babies. There is no reason why you should not be able to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothing within a year of your baby’s birth.

As almost every woman knows, feeling good in your clothes can work wonders for your emotional state. Wear your favorite items as much as possible. When you can, style your hair, and put on a little makeup, too. The early weeks and months of your baby’s life are an intense adjustment period for new mothers. And though comfortable, well-fitting clothes can’t help your baby sleep through the night, they can help you feel a little bit like your old self again!

Watch this amazing postpartum story on YouTube!

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General C-Section Information

General C-Section Information, Postpartum girdle effectiveness

Many women have their babies by Cesarean section, or c-section. A c-section can be a life-saving procedure when it is necessary. During a c-section, your baby will be born through an incision in your abdomen; this is the c-section incision. Your obstetrician will probably use a low, transverse incision during the surgery. Sometimes called a "bikini cut," the incision will be well below your belly button. You will be able to wear a bikini without showing your scar! This is the most common type of incision, but sometimes, during an emergency, women have other types of incisions. A vertical incision is sometimes used during emergency situations. This is the "up and down" cut that many people picture when they imagine a c-section. This incision allows the doctors to get your baby out more quickly, which is important during an emergency.

Why might you need a c-section?

There are many reasons. Some c-sections are planned in advance. Obstetricians often plan c-sections when a baby is not in a head-down position for birth. Perhaps you have a high-risk pregnancy or you are carrying multiple babies. These are also possible reasons for scheduling a c-section. At the same time, these situations are not a guarantee that you will have a c-section, either. It really depends on the decisions you make with your doctor or midwife. Many c-sections are unplanned, especially for first-time mothers. If your baby is in distress -- if his or her heart rate is too high or too low, your doctor may want to do a c-section. If your labor is progressing too slowly, you may be at risk for a c-section. Doctors vary in their thinking on these issues, but all obstetricians are trained as surgeons, so they tend to be quite comfortable with surgical birth.

 

For some women, the fear of pain during labor and birth is truly frightening.

Sometimes it seems like scheduling a c-section might just be easier than going through the messy details of labor! Be careful with this approach. A woman's body is meant to give birth. The process is not the same for each mother, and sometimes hospital staff expects every mother to give birth in very similar ways. When this happens, a woman may end up with unnecessary surgery. At the same time, c-sections can save lives. When it is medically necessary, a c-section can prevent brain damage or death in the baby. A c-section can also save a mother's life by preventing hemorrhaging or prolonged bleeding.

 

C-Section is major abdominal surgery

Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, the recovery can be a painful and long process. Most women experience pain at the site of their incisions, and it may take them longer to return to their pre-pregnancy sizes. The area around the incision will be a bit inflamed for several weeks.

Watch Youtube Videos of Moms talking about C-Section
 

Does wearing a Bellefit Postpartum Girdle help?

One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend them to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen.

According to Bellefit reviews, the abdominal binder speed healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for women who have had c-sections.

Sometimes the pain associated with recovery can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding, too. Although there are a few situations in which c-sections cannot be avoided, it is best to try to prevent the surgery and allow your body to give birth the way nature intended.

Look at some of your childbirth recovery options

 

Author Resource: Brooke has great knowledge about compression girdles and their effectiveness. Her Bellefit reviews give clear insights into the efficacy of postpartum girdles and corsets. Take a look at her website today!

 

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After Cesarean Section, a guide to Post C Section care

Each woman's pregnancy, birth, and motherhood experience is as unique as she is. The same can be said for a woman's experiences as she recovers after c section. As you know, a c-section is a surgical birth; an obstetrician makes an incision in a woman's lower abdomen and removes the baby through this opening. This is a very different process from a vaginal birth experience. Because a c-section is major abdominal surgery, the recovery is quite different from a woman experiences after a vaginal birth. Additionally, women who have unplanned c-sections following a trial of labor may experience more challenges after their babies' births than those who had scheduled c-sections in advance.

“I ordered the corset version because with pregnancy you never know, it's so unpredictable, so I went ahead and purchased that one, which I'm glad I did because I ended up having an emergency C-Section. The Bellefit Girdle helped so much. I started to wear it seven days afterwards and right away I could straighten my back.” – Massiel from Nevada 

C-Section Incision Recovery

Front and back view of Postpartum Recovery Girdle

There are varying degrees of discomfort for women during the c-section recovery period. In general, it takes women longer to recover from c-sections than from vaginal births. There are two incisions which need to be closed. Typically the inner incision - the one in your uterus - is closed with stitches that will dissolve away. The outer incision - the one you can see on your skin - is closed with stitches or staples. Stitches will usually dissolve on their own, but staples must be removed by the doctor. Additionally, if you notice anything strange about your incision, call your doctor immediately. If the incision feels warm or painful to the touch, if it is getting more red and tender, or if it is leaking any sort of fluid, you could have an infection. Call your doctor immediately.

“Bellefit is holding everything properly, it fits my body perfectly. My abdomen feels at ease. When I sneeze or cough, my abdomen doesn't hurt. It is a big difference. I know my body is healing properly and my body and my recovery is in good hands because of Bellefit.” – Bellefit Customer 

Post C-Section Symptoms

Immediately following your c-section, you may feel nauseous. In fact, you might even vomit. Nausea is a common side effect to anesthesia, so your nurses will be ready for this reaction. If you feel up to it, hold your baby as soon as you can to facilitate bonding. The first two hours after your baby is born is a magical time to connect with your newborn! Babies are remarkably alert during this time, so it is a natural opportunity to spend private time with your child and your birth partner. If you plan to breastfeed your baby, ask the nurses to help you get started in the recovery room.

Many women will want or need to take a prescription pain medication to manage the pain associated with the early stages of their recoveries. Sometimes women recovering from c-sections find it hard to breastfeed. This is because it is challenging to position your newborn correctly at the breast when your abdomen hurts! Though it can be difficult, if you want to breastfeed after your c-section, you can do it! Make sure you have support available to you. Lactation consultants and postpartum nurses make wonderful teachers and helpers in those early days of your baby's life. They can show you how to use pillows to ease some of your discomfort as you nurse your baby.

Bellefit Cesarean Section
Postpartum Corset

After the first 24 hours, you will be encouraged by your nurses to get up and walk around. Gentle movement like this helps jump start the healing process by increasing your circulation. Chances are good that you had a catheter inserted during surgery to collect your urine. Sometime in the first 24 hours after surgery the catheter will be removed and you will need to practice using the bathroom on your own before you can go home.  As crazy as that sounds, using the bathroom can be tough for new moms, no matter what type of birth you had! Because your abdominal wall has been significantly affected by your pregnancy and the surgery, you may find it difficult to move to a sitting position from lying down. Rolling over, laughing, and crying may also be painful for a while, too.

Does wearing a Postpartum Girdle help?

One of the best ways to ease your discomfort after a c-section is to use an abdominal binder or compression girdle. Some OB/GYNs will recommend them to new moms when a c-section has been scheduled. Compression is a post-operative option for many types of surgery because it speeds the healing process. By increasing circulation to the area under compression, the damaged tissues experience a better immune response and receive more blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Bellefit offers a medical grade compression garment that is perfect for women who have had c-sections. Not only does the abdominal binder speed healing, it also supports the lower back by holding in the abdominal wall. This improves a woman's posture, which can be very poor during the initial postpartum period.

Most of the time, women who have had c-sections should stick to light exercise during the first six to eight weeks after their babies are born. Light walking is fine, as long as you feel up to it. It is important that your doctor check your incision area and clear you for moderate exercise before you resume your workout program. The most important thing to do as you recover from a c-section is to take it easy for a while. Let other people do your housework, and try not to lift anything or anyone heavier than your newborn. Be patient with yourself as you recover, too. The process is sometimes slow, but if you do too much too soon, you will only exhaust yourself. Do your very best to enjoy your brand new baby and just allow yourself to heal.

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How to Prepare to Go to the Hospital

 When you are pregnant, going to the hospital to have your baby can feel like it can't come soon enough! Preparing to go to the hospital involves a few important tasks that should be interesting and enjoyable to accomplish. First, plan to take a tour of the maternity ward where you will be delivering your baby. Most hospitals offer tours to expectant parents several times each month. During a tour you can have questions answered by hospital staff. Many women ask about pain management during labor, others are curious about the nursery where their babies will get their first baths. Still other women wonder about the comfort measures that may be available to them during a natural childbirth, such as access to a bathtub or a birthing ball.

During the tour, you will hear about where to park your car and where to enter the hospital during regular hours and during the middle of the night, should you need to arrive then. The tour guide will also explain how to register for your baby's birth. Many hospitals now offer registration services online, and others will have your pre-register over the phone, even if you do not know the exact date that you will be visiting the hospital.

Preparing a birth plan is another important task to accomplish before going to the hospital. Of course, every labor and birth is different, and even the best laid plans may be tossed out the window once your labor has begun. It is a good idea, however, to think through some of the typical decisions ahead of time that laboring women need to make during the course of labor. It will be useful to decide if you would like to get an epidural or another form of pain medication, or if you prefer to have a natural childbirth. You may also desire to avoid certain interventions like continuous electronic fetal monitoring and having and IV during labor. You may want to consider giving your partner the role of cutting the umbilical cord and announcing the baby's sex to the world.

Packing your hospital bag is a big step in preparing to go to the hospital. Aside from clothing for you and the baby to wear home from the hospital, you may also want to pack some of your favorite maternity lounge wear to wear during your stay. Some women prefer to give birth in their own nightgowns, rather than in hospital gowns. Many couples enjoy listening to their own music during labor, and some women even read a good book! Obviously you will want to bring a camera to take pictures and your cell phone to share the good news.

Finally, depending on where you live, it is a good idea to determine the best route to the hospital from your home. If you live in a busy area with lots of traffic during certain times of the day, your route to the hospital may be different during these times versus low-traffic times. Having this information will give you piece of mind about your transportation when the big day arrives!  And until then, enjoy the anticipation of waiting for your little angel to join your family.

Exercise During Pregnancy

Gone are the days when women were advised to put up their feet and take it easy during pregnancy. Experts agree that a healthy pregnancy requires a moderate amount of regular exercise. If you have high-risk pregnancy, talk to doctor before beginning an exercise program. If your pregnancy is low-risk, then exercise should be part of your daily routine.

Exercise during pregnancy can be challenging, but it can also be a great way to improve or maintain a healthy body image. Many women opt for walking as their main form of exercise. Walking is accessible to almost everyone, making it the most popular form of exercise. Swimming is another excellent form of exercise that strengthens the cardiovascular system. Swimming can also alleviate some of the discomforts of pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. Pregnant women often love the water because of its anti-gravity effects: women can find relief from their heavy bellies in the water. Prenatal yoga is another popular choice for pregnant women. Women who were runners prior to becoming pregnant can continue to run during pregnancies, too. Higher intensity exercise, like running, needs to be taken on with a bit more caution than lighter intensity exercise, like walking. Because pregnancy causes the ligaments and tendons of the body to relax, pregnant women may  be at a higher risk for certain injuries. Generally, pregnant women should never exercise to the point of exhaustion and should avoid sprinting and anything else that causes breathlessness. Feeling like you are able to carry on a conversation while you exercise is a good way to ensure that you are not

During the first trimester, exercise has the potential to alleviate nausea. As you enter the second trimester, your center of gravity may begin to change. From this period on, paying special attention to your balance during exercise will help safeguard you against injuries. During the third trimester you may find yourself slowing down, no matter what activity you have chosen as exercise. This is normal, and despite feeling very heavy and perhaps tired, you should try your best to continue your exercise regimen.

Exercise during pregnancy can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Sometimes you feel sick, other times tired. Though regular exercise during pregnancy may be challenging, the benefits you and your baby will reap are many. Exercise can help you manage weight gain, and perhaps more importantly, regular exercise definitely improves your body image as your pregnancy progresses. Despite the many changes that you will experience as a pregnant woman, a fit, active nine months will have you reveling in the many amazing things your body can do.

Avoiding Pregnancy Weight Gain

Many women worry about what pregnancy will do to their bodies. Women are advised to gain between 25-35 pounds during pregnancy, and sometimes underweight women need to gain more than 35 pounds during pregnancy. The opposite is true for overweight women; they may be advised by their doctors to gain less than the average recommended amount. Gaining weight is an important part of a healthy pregnancy; your growing baby needs nourishment for both body and brain. On the other hand, gaining too much weight can cause challenges for the mother, both during pregnancy and afterward.

Avoiding gaining too much weight during pregnancy can be difficult for many women, especially with the discomforts of the first trimester. Many women struggle with nausea, and typically frequent meals can regulate this ill feeling in many women. It is very easy to overeat during this time. Sometimes women allow themselves to overindulge in favorite foods when they are pregnant, but in reality, pregnant women only need an additional 300 calories during the first trimester and up to 500 additional calories each day during the third trimester. For reference, a glass of milk and a whole grain bagel with peanut butter is about 400-500 calories. Just as important as the amount you eat are the types of foods you choose to eat during pregnancy. Pregnant women, like all adults, should be eating a variety of healthy, fresh foods. Pregnant women often enjoy fruit more during the second and third trimesters, and they can and should give in to such a healthy craving. Some women are averse to eating strongly flavored vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, during the first trimester. When this happens, be patient with yourself. Eat as well as you can, and slowly build those nausea-inducing vegetables back into your diet as you feel ready for them. Lean meats and moderate amounts of healthy fish are also highly recommended for pregnant women. Check with your doctor for a list of fish that is safe during pregnancy. Dairy is also a good source of protein and calcium during pregnancy, both of which are essential for maintaining even energy levels and strong bones.

Exercise is also an important tool for pregnant women. Childbirth requires strength and endurance. Pregnant women can improve their fitness during pregnancy even if they have not been regular exercisers in the past.  During pregnancy, a woman's heart works harder to pump her increased blood volume throughout her body. This increased effort often leaves a pregnant woman feeling winded, but that is normal. Do not let that feeling keep you from moderate exercise, but, at the same time, do not exercise to the point of exhaustion. Daily walking or swimming is an excellent way to build your endurance. If you are a runner or a competitive athlete, pregnancy does not have to completely sideline you from the activities you love. Many women run through their entire pregnancies! As long as you have your doctor's approval and you listen to your body for signs to take it easier, there is no reason why you can not continue to run or enjoy another higher intensity workout  while pregnant. Exercise also enhances and regulates mood. Emotional ups and downs are normal for pregnant women, and exercise can help ease some of those highs and lows. At a time when you may feel like your body is not your own, exercise can help you feel comfortable with the many changes you are experiencing. Regular exercise during pregnancy will prepare your body not only for childbirth, but for the work of motherhood as well.

Finally, aiming to gain pregnancy weight slowly and evenly will help to prevent stretch marks on your skin. Though some women can do nothing to avoid them, maintaining an even weight gain will allow your skin to accommodate your growing belly in smaller increments, resulting in fewer stretch marks.

Enjoying your pregnancy all the time can be challenging, especially when your body is going through such rapid changes! But gaining the recommended amount of weight for your situation will help ease some of the worry you may have about taking the weight off after the birth of your little one. Sticking to a healthy diet as much as possible will give you more energy, better health, and prepare you for caring for your baby, too!

Lochia - Postpartum Bleeding

Your baby has arrived and you are probably waiting for your body to begin to go back to normal. Well, your body is on its way, but it may take some time to achieve. For the first few weeks you will have to deal with postpartum bleeding.

Postpartum bleeding is a completely normal part of the postpartum period and goes away on its own.

Lochia

Lochia is the name given to postpartum bleeding. It is the way in which your body expels excess mucus, placental tissue, and blood after giving birth.

Lochia is very similar to the bleeding you experience during your menstrual period, however, it is much heavier. It typically begins in the hours immediately following birth and usually continues for two or three weeks. However, in some women lochia can last for up to six weeks.

Symptoms of Lochia

Lochia usually begins as a bright red discharge from the vagina. This blood typically continues to be bright red in color for between four and ten days. After ten days, your lochia will become a pink color, eventually changing to a yellowish-white color. This blood flow may be constant and even, or it may be expelled in intermittent gushes. Lochia may also be accompanied by numerous small blood clots, about a size of a grape.

Dealing with Lochia

Postpartum bleeding can sometimes be annoying to contend with, however, there are some ways to make the going easier:

·         Rest as much as you can, and avoid excess standing and walking (this will exacerbate the blood flow)

·         Use heavy duty maxi pads to soak up the blood.

·         Do not use tampons for at least six weeks after pregnancy. Tampons can introduce bacteria in to the vagina and uterus, causing infection.

·         Wear your Bellefit Girdle or Corset to get the compression you need, which is great for lymphatic drainage, decreases the risks of fluid collection, and gives you  access to the groin with convenient flap with hooks to easily change your pads without taking off your girdle.

5 Things to Know about "Mummy Tummy" or Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti, is the separation of normally joined abdominal muscles-- frequently as a result of pregnancy. Diastasis occurs with approximately 1/3 of women who have had a baby. This is frequently what technically leads to lower back pain during pregnancy. (As your belly gets bigger, the abdominal muscles separate and your lower back no longer has its muscular support fram.) It is not necessarily painful, and does not usually require surgery to repair. You can tell if you have this condition if when you try to do a sit up a ridge forms in the middle of your belly from the sternum to the belly button. Diastasis Recti is also the cause of that lovely tummy "pooge" (as my children call it) that many women have after giving birth. Although it is not painful, neither is it desirable to have. Here are 5 things to know about diastasis recti:

1. This condition is why you would want to start with abdominal exercises after birth. There are two easy exercises that you can do to help with diastasis recti. The first is to suck your stomach in slowly as if you were holding your stomach in to look nice in a swimsuit or to fit in a pair of jeans. The movements should not be rapid, but you should control them slowly. You can do this while sitting or laying down. You can also do modified crunches with a towel wrapped snugly around your torso. Both of these will encourage the abdominal muscles back together.

2. It is important not to do just any abdominal exercises as this could make the problem worse instead of better. When considering what exercises to do, it is best to go to a professional trainer that has experience with diastasis recti. If you can't afford a trainer consider a video specifically designed for post partum recovery.

3. If diastasis recti isn't corrected after the first pregnancy, the separation becomes larger and harder to fix after subsequent pregnancies.

4. Diastasis is largely genetic. However, research shows that strengthening your core before and during pregnancy can help significantly in minimizing the effects of diastasis recti.

5. Diastasis should not be ignored. In addition to the general lower back discomfort, it can be associated with complications such as hernia. Furthermore, diastasis left untreated can cause permanent damage to your core.

So after you've had the baby, make a point to get an examination to see if you have diastasis. While you're at home with baby, you can do floor time together, or even do an exercise video with your baby. . .but make sure you take care of the diastasis before it becomes a permanent problem.