New technology and research guide designers as they manufacture maternity compression garments to support a woman’s body throughout pregnancy and postpartum. As amazing as some of these new compression products are, some new and expecting moms don’t know which product is right for them. Never fear, mamas–Pumps for Mom is here for you! Read on as we break down everything you need to know about these products with our ultimate guide to maternity compression.
What kinds of maternity compression products are available?
Designers and manufacturers produce a range of maternity compression garments to help new and expectant moms feel their best. Certain compression products help moms feel more comfortable during pregnancy, like maternity compression socks or belly bands, while others help moms recover after delivery. Designed to reduce swelling and strain, maternity compression garments support a pregnant mom’s changing body. Postpartum compression garments, however, have breathable fabrics and supportive panels that help moms’ bodies recover gradually from the physical challenges of labor and delivery.
Are maternity compression products different from shapewear?
There are several important differences between specially made maternity compression products and typical shapewear. Although both products provide compression, ordinary pieces of shapewear are not specifically for moms. Maternity compression product panels provide optimal support for moms’ changing bodies. They also have breathable fabric to promote comfort and circulation. While maternity compression products are medical products that help moms feel better during pregnancy and improve their recovery after labor and delivery, shapewear is for purely aesthetic alterations to a woman’s body.
Which compression products are used during pregnancy?
Maternity compression products can be broken up into two broad categories–compression products meant to be used during pregnancy and those meant to support recovery. Some moms assume that a compression product is the last thing they want as their belly continues to grow. However, maternity compression products actually have a significant impact on improving expectant moms’ comfort throughout their pregnancy. Products like compression socks improve blood flow, decrease swelling, and reduce varicose veins. Additionally, garments like belly bands limit the strain on moms’ backs and hips as their pregnancy progresses.
What is the point of maternity compression socks?
As the body changes throughout pregnancy, moms often experience swelling and aches in their legs. Maternity compression socks help to relieve discomfort and encourage circulation throughout the legs and feet before, during, and after pregnancy. Moms should look for compression socks that offer moderate to firm compression, support in the heels and arches of the feet, and sufficient breathability. Talk with your doctor to learn more about the benefits of maternity compression socks and learn if you can get this compression product through your health insurance.
What is a maternity belly band?
Pregnancy comes with a fair share of aches and pains. A maternity band helps relieve discomfort in the back and hips and improve circulation throughout the body. This product provides gentle compression around the hips to support moms’ growing belly. Additionally, maternity belly bands offer adjustable straps and compression options so moms can use it throughout their pregnancy. Traditional belly bands are not designed with adjustable straps and do not provide the necessary support that moms need during their pregnancy. Maternity belly bands are made with input from medical professionals and solve the problems that most affect expectant moms’ wellbeing. With breathable materials, versatile support, and a discreet design, belly bands can help moms feel their best as they stay active throughout their pregnancy.
Postpartum compression products are designed for recovery.
Postpartum compression products have a different purpose than maternal compression. During pregnancy, moms’ bodies adapt to provide the best environment for their little ones to grow. However, after labor and delivery, recovery is the number one priority. Postpartum compression garments provide unique support depending on delivery method. Additionally, these products are often covered by insurance so moms don’t have to cover the cost themselves. Moms need postpartum compression products to improve their recovery after the physical challenges of labor and delivery.
Postpartum recovery garments for natural deliveries
Vaginal births require weeks of recovery time for new moms. Vaginal deliveries can result in abdominal muscle strain, perineal tears, or episiotomy incisions. Postpartum recovery garments designed for natural deliveries provide support to help the abdominal muscles recover and protect the pelvic area to promote healing. With seamless support panels and breathable materials to maximize comfort, moms recover more quickly and look good doing it with postpartum compression garments for natural deliveries.
Postpartum recovery garments for C-sections
While C-sections are a common operation, this procedure is a major surgery and requires several weeks of recovery time. Like compression products for natural births, postpartum recovery garments for C-sections also provide abdominal, hip, and back support. These garments also include specific protections for the C-section incision, and many recovery garments for C-sections have a side zipper so moms can take the garment on and off without irritating their scar. Compression garments for C-sections promote a smoother recovery after the physical challenges of pregnancy, labor, and invasive surgery.
Shapewear options for post-recovery
For moms who have made it through that initial postpartum recovery period, it’s time for a post-pregnancy body shaper! Even after the first several weeks of recovery, moms may avoid old pieces of shapewear that they wore before pregnancy. Postpartum shapewear targets areas more significantly impacted by pregnancy, like the hips, buttocks, or thighs. Insurance doesn’t usually cover these products as they do not serve the same medical recovery purpose as postpartum compression garments. Post-pregnancy shapewear provides continued support.
There is no need to struggle through your pregnancy or your postpartum recovery. There are compression products that help you take on motherhood like a boss. Spend less time struggling with aches and pains and more time with your little one with help from maternity compression products.
Pumps for Mom does more than provide top-of-the-line insurance breast pumps to new and expectant moms. Through our partnership with Body After Baby, we also help moms with maternity compression products. The experts at Pumps for Mom are here to lighten your load. Whether you need a breast pump through insurance or want to stock up on maternity compression garments, Pumps for Mom is here for you.