Belly Binders

Hi Twin Mommys!!

Did any of you use a belly binder like the Belly Bandit after your babies to help get your figure back? I have heard mostly good things about them, but was interested in some more personal stories...Thanks!

 

Hi,

I used this Gabrialla Breathable Elastic Abdominal Binder after somebody else recommended it on the expecting forum and it was great, I am thankful to have found it. My babies were born on the 3rd and on the 16th I was back in my size 5 capris - I know because we went to the airport to get my mother in law and it was the first time I went out after the babies.

However, this binder is not the only thing that I did that helped me get back to shape as fast. I had an uneventful pregnancy, no health issues at all so I was able to excercize the whole time. My doctor told me to take it easy and as long as I feel the babies are fine, I can work out. I was going on the eliptical for 30 minutes at lower speeds than usual, and also I was lifting 5# weights for my arms, shoulders, back, I was doing crunches on the excersice ball and some light work out for my legs 2-3 times a week all the way to the end.

I think working out kept my body in shape and also my body was able to carry the babies all the way to the scheduled C-Section at 37 weeks and 5 days - both my babies were breech and I had to have a C-Section. Also I was able to drive and go to work all the way to the last week. I am aware that some people have health issues that require them not to excercise but for those who can, I recommend working out during pregnancy, I think that helped me a lot, it helped me sleep better and also the added bonus was that I got back to shape fast and my stomach doesn't look too bad considering I had twins - no twin skin for me.

Of course... if only I can find the time to go to the gym now ... but that's a different story. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy, I hope you have an easy delivery and big healthy babies!

 

when I was in the hospital they offered me one! Ifigured why not and they said if I didnt like it don't wear it. It looks just like the one monica posted. And I didn't have to buy it or worry about the size because you won't know how much your tummy will go down at first! Which is alot!! I really like the support it gives me!

 

The hospital gave me one but I didn't use it much. I recovered very quickly without it as well. I went on short walks starting a couple weeks ago. There is some thought that using binders for very long after the c-section doesn't promote you strengthening up your own abdominal muscles which are your natural "binder" for your abdominal wall.

 

I think you are right also, I only used it for 10 minutes at a time, once a day, about a week after birth. It helps with getting the air out of the stomach after surgery. I didn't need to use it longer.

 

I got 1 from hospital too but I used it only once. The only things helped me most were breast feeding (most) and exercise.

The first month after delivering the twins, you will lose a significant amount of weight. Its water weight. If your breast feeding, it helps your uterus shrink faster, and your belly gets smaller faster. And dont forget to drink lot of cranberry juice. Good luck!

 

I had to use one after the birth for a solid week...ALL DAY LONG! I just felt like my insides were going to fall out or like they were in the wrong places. Wierd feeling. I, then started usin one whenever I would exercise to hold my abs tighter. I think it helped like crazy!!!

 

Yes! I used the Gabrielle too- recommended it. I don't think it's as comfortable as the belly bandit but the belly bandit was too rich for my blood when I knew I'd have to change sizes quickly. I was back into my size 6 jeans (with the binder) in 6 or 7 weeks post c-section (but still had quite a bit of belly flab). I also felt that it really helped with the healing. I used it for about 8 weeks total.

Now, 9 months later, my stomach is almost!! back to its original form. Don't know when it will get there completely but probably not until I stop nursing. I do credit the binder for some of it but I was in great shape before pg with good muscle tone before so that helped too.

 

Yeah Annti, I remember you recommended that Binder and it was so great! Thanks again. You are right, it's imporant to be in good shape. Way to go for still being able to breastfeed!