Ah, the joy of motherhood! The never-ending diaper changes, sleepless nights (thank you baby), and an entirely new life as a mom. You've pushed that tiny human out and are now left with a body that barely resembles what it used to be.
Fear not mama bear, as waist trainers may just be your saving grace in reclaiming some of your pre-baby shape (emphasis on some). But the question remains - when is it ok to start wearing one?
What Exactly is a Waist Trainer?
Let's back up for those who have no clue what I'm talking about. A waist trainer is essentially a modern-day corset made from elastic and latex material worn around your midsection. Unlike traditional corsets, these can be adjusted for comfort based on how snug you want them.
The idea behind waist training is that if you wear one consistently over time (like Kim Kardashian) then you'll train your waistline into an hourglass shape by reducing water weight or even shifting internal organs (yikes).
Ok Mama, Let's Talk About Your Post-Baby Belly
So here’s the deal: after giving birth, whether naturally or through C-section (go moms who’ve done either) , there will inevitably still be swelling or bloating in your belly area due to hormones being released postpartum as well as stretched abdominal muscles.
But do not worry ladies; this doesn’t last forever - unfortunately- at about two weeks post-birth most women experience their ‘uterus shrinking’. This means your uterus contracts back down from its pregnant size causing some of that bulge around our midsection to sneakily disappear (like we needed another thing contracting).
What else contributes to making us feel like makeshift marshmallow peeps 2 days after Easter (or any day really)?
- The sudden decrease in hormone production (estrogen and progesterone)
- Breastfeeding?
- Swelling after delivery
- Water retention
So, what does all of this mean for waist training?
When Can I Wear A Waist Trainer After Having a Baby?
The timing is crucial here! It’s important to wait until your uterus has shrunken back close to its regular size (hold on those babies, we’re considering it). As well as waiting the standard 6 weeks postpartum approval from your doctor to resume physical activity (cue jazz hands)
At any time before that and you risk harming yourself or delaying your body's natural recovery process (nobody wants that).
Every BODY Is Different!
Not every mom experiences their uterus shrinking at 2 weeks post-birth. Some may experience this sooner or later depending on other health factors and whether they've had a multipurpose birth. For others, it could take up to nine months before there are any significant changes.
Bottom line: everyone is unique so don’t feel discouraged if your progress isn't happening as fast as someone else's.
During Postpartum Exercise
When you're ready - like really ready- introduce exercise back into routine workouts; however be cautious such types of exercises:
1) Planks 2) Weightlifting 3) Traditional abdominals
These exercises can seriously cause abdominal separation issues especially without proper ab engagement While plank is great for engaging transverse abdominis when done correctly, most people assume the classic front plank which puts additional pressure on the maternal core muscles causing actual damage progressively.
There are also plenty of ways one can incorporate postpartum-friendly movements whenever possible during an everyday routine with less negative impact like tiny lunges mixed with squats throughout dishes folding laundry among others that doesn’t require too much effort but eventually reduce belly bulge.
We Have GOT To Talk About “Diastasis Recti”
A very common dilemma most mothers experience that you might have heard about in books, talking to family members or friends, online; this is a separation of your abdominal muscles. Erm no thank you.
Pssst.... Safe Waist Training Without Diastasis Recti
For women with diastasis recti, waist training can actually help them knit their abs together while also supporting the back (^W^), so it may be worth looking into postpartum waist trainers designed specifically for women with DR.
Waist trainer works efficiently by applying compression more effectively holding things in providing additional support helping muscles heal quicker and reduce discomfort usually found during the early days or weeks after giving birth- (missing the good old pregnant feelings yet?)
The best way to avoid experiencing damage done down there like lowering body iimpact exercises and introducing some physical activity at least once a day & gradually increasing its intensity over time without overwhelming our bodies through Dr.’s guidelines- (they spent years studying this stuff)
The Last Word
At long last - as much as we may want to rush things - timing is key before incorporating any sort of postpartum waist training regimen (remembering every body IS different) 6-8weeks is advised which tends to provide adequate recovery for majority moms but listen carefully because what’s important is individualized timeline recommendations your doctor gives & knowing when you’re ultimately ready based on personal health.