Postpartum Archives - a Happy Healthy Home

Guest Post | Post-Pregnancy Belly Wrapping

Tiara — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 12:25:00 +0000

Psst: There’s still one day left to enter the Purple Laurel Giveaway! Enter HERE — Don’t Delay.

Guest Post by Stephanie Miles from PurpleLaurel.com

When Tiara recently posted about her physical journey after having baby Emerson, it really struck a chord with me because I know so many of us moms struggle with how our bodies look post-pregnancy. Even though we know that our bodies won’t just “bounce back” after childbirth—unless maybe you’re Gisele Bundchen—I think that most of us still hope that we’ll be the outliers whose bodies will look even better than they did pre-kids.

Without a doubt, I believe that there’s no substitute for healthy eating and exercise when it comes to toning up after pregnancy. However, I’m also a big fan of postpartum belly wrapping, and I think it’s something that women don’t hear enough about.

The Options

Doing research on the various belly band styles is the last thing most moms want to deal with when they’re just getting home from the hospital. The sheer number of options can be overwhelming. When a new mom asks me what type of belly wrap she should buy, I almost always start by asking her to tell me about her childbirth experience.

Women who’ve had c-section surgery need wide, firm compression garments that are going to provide as much support as possible. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the tighter the wrap is cinched, the more comfortable your muscles will be while recovering from abdominal surgery.

Most moms who’ve had healthy, vaginal births are looking at postpartum wrapping as a way to decrease bloating and minimize stretch marks. Compression is important here, too, but so is selecting a wrap made from softer materials that won’t itch or irritate the skin.

Women with diastasis recti, which is an abdominal separation that happens when the space between your left and right belly muscles widens, benefit from the regular use of compression wraps immediately following childbirth, as well. A high-quality support wrap can stabilize the abdomen and allow women with diastasis recti to exercise, or in some cases just pick up their babies, without as much pain.

The Benefits

Around the world, women in all different cultures use postpartum belly wrapping for support, stability, and comfort during childbirth recovery. In the United States and Europe, we tend to focus more on the esthetic benefits—such as toning abdominal muscles, reducing water retention, and accelerating fat burning—but I believe those benefits are secondary. When it’s done correctly, belly wrapping should be able to speed up the healing process, reduce back and shoulder pain, improve posture, and relieve muscle tension in the torso.

Any woman who has had a c-section knows how painful it can be to sneeze or even cough in the weeks afterward. Proper belly wrapping can minimize that discomfort. And the great thing about a wrap, specifically, is that you can continue to tighten it until you get the desired effects.

The Fit

Belly wrap sizing is another point of confusion for lots of women. Every manufacturer will have slightly different sizing recommendations, but here’s my basic advice: If you’re still pregnant, measure your belly at 8 months and choose the corresponding wrap as your size. If you’re 9 months pregnant, subtract 3 to 5 inches and select that size. If you’re like I was, and your belly seems extra large, you can also play it safe by selecting one size up from your pre-pregnancy size. Most belly wraps are designed with five inches of adjustability, so there’s plenty of leeway built in. Girdles with hook closures can be harder to fit, so you may want to hold off on buying one until after your baby is born.

The Reality Check

Belly wrapping is not a cure-all for every postpartum ailment, and it certainly isn’t going to give you six-pack abs overnight. Although belly wrapping isn’t going to harm you, I have spoken to physicians who advised women not to wear belly bands if they have postpartum incontinence or prolapse. Both of these issues can be made worse under the constant pressure of an abdominal brace.

The truth is, postpartum belly wrapping is just one of many components in a childbirth recovery plan that should also includes healthy eating and moderate exercise. Belly wraps work best when they are worn for at least 30 minutes at a time—up to 18 hours per day—for the first one to three months after delivery.

My Picks

A search for postpartum belly wraps online will bring up hundreds of thousands of results at all different price points and quality levels. Here are my picks for the best wrap options, based on our selection at Purple Laurel.

Best For C-Section Recovery: Postpartum Waist Cincher

Best For Ab Tightening: PL Compression Wrap

Best For Back Support: Wide 4B Support Belt

Best For Long-Term Waist Slimming: Postpartum Compression Girdle

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Business Highlight | Q&A with Purple Laurel + A Giveaway!

Tiara — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 17:00:00 +0000

Navigating pregnancy, postpartum and baby gear can be overwhelming. There are so many products out there and what works for one person may not work for another.

With that said, I’m chatting with Stephanie the brilliant mom of two behind Purple Laurel, an online shop that sells postpartum shapewear and nursing bras. YAY!

ME: Why did you start Purple Laurel? What made you focus mostly on postpartum items?

Stephanie: My sons are just two years apart, so I’ve been in this phase of my life—pregnant, recovering from birth, and breastfeeding—for pretty much the last 3+ years straight. What I’ve discovered is that it’s really tough to find products for new moms that are both durable and stylish. Most cute nursing bras start losing their shape after they’ve been washed a dozen times, and a lot of the big name belly wraps have a reputation for not holding up very well. So I just started researching to see what else was out there.

I wanted cute, comfortable, really high-quality nursing bras that I could throw in the washer and dryer without worrying about the fabric shrinking or the seams unraveling. When Purple Laurel first started, that’s all we had. But then I started hearing from friends who weren’t finding really high-quality postpartum shapewear online, so I decided to go on the hunt again to find medical-grade compression wraps that would hold up well and wouldn’t be super noticeable underneath clothes.

ME: I love that you can dry your nursing bras! As a first time mom there were definitely times I was on the struggle nursing train. Do you have any great nursing tips? What about favorite nursing bra?

Stephanie: When my oldest son was an infant, he had a posterior tongue-tie and trouble latching, which meant I was pumping ALL.THE.TIME for months. I went from knowing nothing about breast pumping, to being someone who could talk your ear off about the merits of different flange sizes or milk storage bags.

One of the first things I discovered was that I needed a hands-free solution, because my son was colicky and he wasn’t just going to play on the floor by himself while I pumped six times a day. I tried making my own pumping bras, and I bought a handful of different pumping-bustiers, but the hands-free bras we have at Purple Laurel are so much better than any of those other solutions.

Nursing bras that are made for pumping hold the breast shield in place really securely, which increases suction and ultimately means you’re able to get more milk during each pumping session. So I would definitely say that my favorite nursing bra is our Classic Pump Bra, and I would also say that buying a hands-free pumping bra was one of the best things I did as far as making breast pumping easier on me.

ME: I completely agree — a hands free pumping bra is a must have item! Speaking of pumping, what do you think is the biggest issue?

Stephanie: The biggest issue is a lack of knowledge about what products are out there to make pumping easier. When I first started pumping, I was sitting next to an electrical outlet, holding the breast shields in place with my hands, and wondering how I’d be able to keep this up for the next 15 minutes with a fussy newborn beside me. I had no idea all the gadgets and garments available to make pumping easier — and this is coming from someone who considers herself pretty savvy when it comes to planning ahead and doing all the research.

The first thing I realized was that I needed to have my hands free while I pumped. I made my own pumping bra, and when I realized the poor fit was causing my milk supply to drop, I made the switch to a hands-free pumping bra. When you’re pumping at home, the hands-free bras allow you to nurse on one side while you pump on the other.

ME: When I was pregnant I really relied on friends. What advice would you give expecting moms?

Stephanie: Do your shopping early! Most of our customers at Purple Laurel are one or two weeks postpartum, and they’re usually up in the middle of the night researching belly wrapping on their phones, either because they’re in a lot of pain or because they’re looking for ways to get rid of that tummy pooch after pregnancy.

I’m happy to answer those frantic emails, but I still think it’s better to do your research and make your purchases ahead of time. That gives you the time to really look at all the different options—for example, some women prefer soft belly wraps and some women prefer structured girdles—and figure out how to use whichever wraps or nursing bras you’ve selected before you’re sleep deprived and juggling a fussy infant.

ME: Any new items we should keep an eye out for?

Stephanie: I’m really excited about our new seamless nursing bras by Nizo, called the Kismet Bras. These bras have a hidden pocket in the pull-down flap where you can place nursing pads to hide any leakage that happens during the day. What makes them really amazing is that you can take out the pads if you don’t need them and put in a warm or cool pack to decrease breast discomfort on days when you’re sore or achy.

ME: As a mom, how do you maintain work/life balance?

Stephanie: It’s not easy, and I don’t have it all figured out. I’m fortunate that I’m able to work from home. Although I’m answering emails and IMs all day, I get the bulk of my work done early in the morning, before my boys wake up. Starting my day before everyone else is nice because it allows me to clear out my inbox before new messages start pouring in.

I know a lot of moms work after their kids go to bed at night, but I’m really not a night owl, and I’d prefer to use the time after my boys are in bed to catch up on blogs and watch my favorite reality shows.

Thank you, Stephanie! I’m not ready for baby number two, but I know where I’m buying nursing bras!

Prize: (1) $75 Purple Laurel Gift Certificate

To Enter: Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter (it might take a second to load, but it should eventually pop up below this paragraph). This giveaway is available for USA & Canada residents. Please note, only entries via Rafflecopter will be eligible to win. Thank you and good luck!

P.S. All emails will be provided to Purple Laurel. Once the giveaway has concluded you will receive a 25% promo code.

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Body After Baby [ #1]

Tiara — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 22:46:00 +0000

After much debate, I’ve decided to share my ‘body after baby.’ This post isn’t meant to gain praise. It’s meant to inspire. I’m a just a regular gal, with real struggles. If this post inspires one person then it’s served its purpose.

It’s been eight months since Emerson was born! Since then I’ve posted a few ‘body after baby’ photos on instagram, but it’s time to share my journey and the dirty truth.

This is a very sensitive subject for many and I’m not any different. The struggle is real. First, I must say, it’s truly amazing what our bodies can do. No pregnancy, delivery or recovery is alike. With that said, please keep in mind what works for one may not work for another. This is my story, my journey.

If you followed my pregnancy then you know I stayed very active up until the day I delivered. I’m not kidding, I went to a spin class the day before I delivered. You can read more about my pregnancy workouts here and here.

After, delivery I was a hot mess. Not only did I look, but I felt like I was hit by a truck — twice. My face was swollen, I had burst blood vessels under both eyes, and red dots all over my face from pushing for nearly three hours! Not to mention stitches. Oh, vey!

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the luxury of going home. Instead I had to drive two hours to be with Emerson who had been transported to the NICU at UC Davis Medical Center. There were a lot of things going on during my first week postpartum. The first few days I felt bloated, sore and tired. Here’s what I looked like two days postpartum.

During that first week, instead of being home with my feet up I took a long hot shower [in a hotel] and walked over to the hospital to be with Emerson. I didn’t have time to relax between talking to numerous doctors, figuring out how to pump, and staying positive for my girl. However, I did get really good at pumping. I couldn’t even tell you what or when I ate.

Once settled in at home I started using the belly bandit [a few hours everyday for 3 weeks], eating healthy and walking daily. There was just a slight problem, I couldn’t keep up in the milk department. My clothes fit, but I felt soft and squishy. Wanting to bounce back I really focused on my diet, but I was having a hard time producing milk. Ugh.

I tried everything to increase my milk supply. At around four weeks postpartum I started eating anything and everything I could. Once I started eating more my milk supply increased. More calories = more milk. I really started to take advantage of the extra breastfeeding calories. However, my body changed. At this point I still wasn’t cleared for full activity so I was only walking. Although I was shrinking in size, I slowly started to see my muscles fade. I became frustrated.

Well, it was all in my mind! At five weeks I hit the gym and boy did it feel great. It was definitely slow going, but it was nice to break a real sweat. Once cleared for full activity I started logging 5-6 workouts a week. These workouts included spin, HIIT, PIYO, walking and abs. Around 12 weeks postpartum I started adding Crossfit WOD’s a few days a week. Today I crossfit 5 days, spin two days, walk the dog and mix in PiYo a few days a week. Every day I’m getting stronger and stronger.

Final Pregnancy Stats

Height: 5’4″

Weight: 150lbs (Only up 18 lbs)

Postpartum Stats

Height: 5’4″ (nope didn’t grow)

Weight: 130 lbs (3 weeks PP); 131 lbs (5 weeks PP); 130 lbs (7 weeks PP); 131 lbs (8 months)

Because I love a good before and after shot here’s me at 39 weeks and 2 weeks postpartum.

Every week I saw small changes in my body.

The Dirty Truth
Yes, I dropped all the weight and then some in the first three weeks. Heck, I was lower than my pre-pregnancy weight, but soft and squishy. I might have “bounced” back, but my body isn’t what it was. It takes time and hard work. Today I’m strong, but there’s still things I need to work on, like core. Slow and steady wins the race and prevents injury.

How did I bounce back so quickly?
Honestly, good old fashion diet and exercise. I worked my butt off while I was pregnant and it paid off big time. I also was in great shape prior to getting pregnant. Don’t get me wrong I’m not prefect I did indulge here and there.

Why is this important to me?
While some may not agree with me that’s ok. Being fit is important to me. I want to be the best version of me I can be and that includes how I look. My workouts are my “me” time. I’m also creating good habits for my family and I’m pretty sure my husband isn’t complaining about it. Although, I know he would love me at any size.

Where am I today?
Every week I’m making fitness gains. Emerson is healthy and I was able to breastfeed her until she was 6 months old. My diet is decent, but could always be better. My goal, over the next few months, is to maintain workouts while eating clean 90% of the time.

Want more fit pregnancy? You might like:
The Best Workout Gear
How I’m Staying Fit While Pregnant
The First 20 Weeks
The Last 20 Weeks
Fit, Pregnant & Tough — Running Tough Mudder Four Months Pregnant
Staying Hydrated

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My New Mom Style

Tiara — Fri, 06 Mar 2015 12:53:00 +0000

Being a new mom is a big adjustment. There are a few more things to consider when leaving the house. Right now the biggest is what to wear when you’re breast feeding and need to leave the house. Typically I gravitate towards casual attire so it’s no surprise that’s still the case.

Lately this has been my “uniform” tank, cardigan, jeans and oversized tote. I’m loving the boyfriend fit right now as they’re loose yet still cute. The J.Crew tank is perfect and a new mom must since it zips on each side! Usually I’m rocking TOMS, but I’m in love with espadrilles and plan to add these bad boys into the mix this spring.

What does you mommy style look like?

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Postpartum // My Essentials

Tiara — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:20:00 +0000

Happy Monday!

We survived our first weekend at home with Emerson! If you follow me on instagram then you know her first week was spent in the NICU at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. It was a stressful week. I have so much to blog about this week from her birth story to our NICU experience to her nursery reveal. Just warning you now this week will be all baby. Don’t worry next week I’ll be back with food, fitness, adventure and a dash of Emerson!

While I was pregnant I found posts about “the essentials” very handy. Since this was my first pregnancy I didn’t know what to expect over the nine months or postpartum. Everyone’s recovery time is different, but these are a few things that helped me make the transition from pregnant to postpartum just a bit easier.

Cute Sweatpants: You just pushed out a 7+ pound baby and all you want is to be comfortable, but also feel good. For the last few weeks I’ve lived in leggings or cute sweatpants. Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you still can’t look good!

Ugg Slippers: Yup lounging around the house calls for a good pair of slippers! You can’t go wrong with Uggs.

Lansinoh Lanolin: I’m lucky Emerson is up for breastfeeding and is good at it! I know other mamas swear by this stuff and well so far it’s helped make the transition to breast feeding 90% of the time easier. Yup I pump and the dad bottle feeds too. Don’t forget to pick up some nursing pads as well.

No-Show Hiphugger: After a day or two of wearing the lovely hospital mesh panties I upgraded to these VS hiphuggers. They are amazing! So comfy and super breathable. They’re perfect for leggings — Hello no panty lines! I purchased my normal size and they fit just fine.

Gilligan O’Malley Nursing Cami: If you’re breast feeding then a number of nursing tops are essential. I personally like this cami. My advice is try on a few different styles around 37 weeks and pick what is most comfortable to you. I also have been sporting this sleep nursing bra.

Zico Coconut Water: Hydratation is the name of the game. Aside from water I’ve been enjoying coconut water daily. Babies really drain you, but they are worth it.

Yogi Tea: I’ve also been staying hydrated with some yummy tea that is said to help boost milk production. win-win

Always Maxi Pads: Let’s be real you are going to have longest period ever… just stock up. I found the Always infinity with flex foam to be my favorite. Not wearing pads since a teen I had no clue which ones to buy luckily these worked out nicely! Word to the wise they’ve come a long way over the last 15 years.

Belly Bandit: Keep it tight. I went back and forth about whether or not I needed it. Honestly my stomach is pretty flat after a week (more on that later), but now I feel I need a little something extra to help pull everything together. The belly bandit does just that. It really holds everything in place nicely while your body is healing. I have the bamboo version in xs.

What items couldn’t you live without postpartum?

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