You are not alone facing this post-pregnancy belly!
You have just given birth, you hold your baby in your arms, and you look in the mirror at this belly that no longer really looks like yours. Bloated, soft, with that little pouch that seems unwilling to go away... You wonder if it is normal, if it will change, and above all how to regain your body without putting crazy pressure on yourself.
Good news: yes, it is perfectly normal. After 9 months of pregnancy, your body has undergone an incredible transformation. The abdominal muscles have separated, the skin has stretched, and all this does not return to normal in two weeks. It is not a matter of willpower or exercise, it is simply biology.
And that is exactly why the postpartum girdle exists. Not to make you look like a model 48 hours after giving birth (letās be clear!), but to support your body during its rebuilding, relieve your back pain, and help you feel better in your skin every day.
At Beshap, we have girdles designed specifically for new mothers: breathable, comfortable, and effective.
In this article, we explain everything: when to start, how to choose your model, how to wear it, and how to optimize the results!
Why does your belly change after pregnancy?
What really happens in your body:
During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles (the rectus abdominis) separate to make room for the baby: this is called abdominal separation. According to studies, between 60 and 100% of women have separation at the end of pregnancy. For some, it closes on its own. For others, it persists, hence this "rounded" belly that lasts even after giving birth.
Added to this is skin stretching, loss of muscle tone, and hormonal changes that promote water retention. In short, your postpartum belly is a complex picture that neither exercise nor diet alone can erase, at least not in the first months.
When and why to use a postpartum girdle?
The benefits of a girdle after childbirth:
Wearing a well-fitted postpartum girdle can provide:
- Back support: the back muscles overused during pregnancy need help. The girdle redistributes pressure and reduces lower back pain.
- Abdominal support: it supports weakened abdominal muscles without "working" them for you ā it encourages them to regain their position.
- Daily comfort: getting up, carrying the baby, breastfeeding... with good support, all these actions become less tiring.
- Better posture: after childbirth, many mothers slouch. The girdle reminds the body to maintain a straighter posture.
- Psychological support: feeling "held" also means feeling a little better in your skin, especially during the difficult postpartum weeks.
From when can you wear a girdle?
The golden rule: wait for the green light from your midwife or gynecologist.
Generally speaking:
- Vaginal birth: possible from day 2 or 3 for some gentle girdles, but ideally after 6 weeks postpartum, once the follow-up visit has been done.
- Cesarean: usually you must wait at least 6 to 8 weeks, the time for the scar to heal.
There are special postpartum girdles: Discover our selection of Beshap postpartum girdles for mothers
Safety checklist before starting
Before putting on your postpartum girdle, check these points:
- You have approval from your midwife or doctor
- You have no open wounds or unhealed scars
- You do not feel significant pelvic pain
- Your pelvic floor rehabilitation has started (or is planned)
- You have chosen the right size (see guide below)
How to put on your girdle: step-by-step guide in 8 steps:
Putting on a post-pregnancy girdle may seem tricky at first. Here is the optimal procedure:
Step 1 ā Choose the right time In the morning, after washing and before dressing. Avoid putting it on just after a meal.
Step 2 ā Prepare your skin Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Avoid greasy creams on contact areas.
Step 3 ā Position yourself Lie on your back, legs slightly bent. This position relaxes the abdominal muscles and makes it easier to put on.
Step 4 ā Put the girdle on from the bottom Turn the girdle inside out like a sock, pass it around your feet, pull it up to your knees.
Step 5 ā Pull up gradually Pull up millimeter by millimeter, smoothing the fabric as you go. No strong pulling!
Step 6 ā Adjust the top edge The top of the girdle should sit under the rib cage, without pinching.
Step 7 ā Stand up and adjust while standing Standing, smooth the girdle again from bottom to top. Check that there are no folds.
Step 8 ā Comfort test You should be able to breathe normally, sit, stand without pain. If you feel pressure on the perineum or difficulty breathing: remove the girdle and consult.
