1. Use Postpartum Recovery Garments

Our postpartum recovery garments offer more than just basic compression. Ease your recovery with products specifically made to help moms heal.

Our Products, Designed for Your Unique Experience

You may wonder what is the point of postpartum compression? The simple answer is that new moms need to heal! Giving birth is like experiencing an injury that needs the right support to get better. Compression garments promote postpartum recovery by providing a comfortable way to regain strength. Gentle compression helps reduce pain and swelling for improved mobility so you can reclaim your body in a healthy way.

Our Products for Postpartum Recovery

There are several essential questions to ask when considering postpartum compression garments, including:

• Is it made for a vaginal birth or C-Section recovery?
• Does it support the tummy, hips, waist, and lower back?
• Will the crotch design help with leakage?
• Is the material comfortable?
• Will the garment reduce pain, bloating, and swelling?

Our compression products are made to help moms heal. The Angelica Postpartum Recovery Garment is specifically designed to help after vaginal birth and meet your needs for comfort and support. A similar product, the Sienna C-Section Recovery Garment, is made specially for C-Section recovery. It has the benefits of a regular compression garment with added protection and support for the incision.

2. Prepare for Postpartum Recovery During Pregnancy

Taking time during pregnancy to get ahead of postpartum struggles will help moms focus on the recovery process. We know you have to prepare for many pressing matters, like a newborn baby, but there are a few simple things you can do to be ready. 

Get Your House in Order

Preparing your home to be clean and cozy will give you one less task to worry about after giving birth. In addition to getting the nursery together and baby-proofing, you need to focus on a few things for yourself, too. Meal prep and freeze food or have a plan in place with a partner about who will order takeout or cook. Do as much as you can so that you don’t have to worry about chores for at least the first month of recovery.

If you already have children, pets, or other dependents, set them up with a schedule, caretaker, or whatever else they need that will involve minimal input from you later on.

Make a Self-Care Kit

We dive deep into self-care later in the article, but moms can prepare a self-care kit during pregnancy that will be waiting for them during postpartum recovery. A few items that can be lifesavers for new moms may include:

• Sitz bath soaks
• Perineal spray
• Maxi pads
• Weighted blanket
• Soft robe
• Tea 
• Medications you need
• Any of the compression items listed in this blog

Get these items together beforehand so that you don’t have to go shopping or wait for delivery during your postpartum recovery. 

Looking for another great way to prepare for motherhood and an excuse for a spa day? Go ahead and self-pamper during pregnancy to ensure that you’ll be as refreshed as possible when recovering.

Relax with Our Maternity Compression Products

Try our maternity compression garments to help yourself relax and unwind while preparing for postpartum recovery. The Motherload Maternity Support Band is for expectant moms on the go who need to reduce sciatica and abdominal, hip, and back pain. Our Capa Compression Socks are also for active moms who need to relieve tired legs and reduce swelling. These products can help moms feel their best during pregnancy and start postpartum recovery the right way.

3. Maximize Postpartum Recovery with Self-Care

Compression garments aren’t the only way to speed up postpartum recovery. While you’re busy taking care of your newborn, it’s also necessary to take care of yourself.

Don’t Overdo It

We know it is easier said than done, but you need to get as much rest as possible in the first few weeks after giving birth. Use your community—your partner, parents, or friends—to help when you need to sleep. Don’t strain yourself with exercise either; wait for at least six weeks before strenuously working out, and, even then, talk with a doctor first. 

Eating and drinking well are also important. Remember that it takes the right nutrients to recover, and certain foods for breastfeeding can help moms feel their best and boost milk supply. Your body will recover soon, but it will take longer if you don’t give it a well-deserved break.

Discomfort is (Unfortunately) Normal

Pregnancy has its moments of beauty, and its not so glamorous times, and postpartum recovery is no different. Most moms experience at least one of the following while in postpartum recovery:

• Soreness
• Urinary incontinence
• Bowel issues
• Discharge
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Hemorrhoids
• Hair loss
• Infection

You might be nauseous just from reading that list, but remember that the above symptoms are normal and can be treated. Ice packs and warm baths are your new best friends, and you can ask your doctor about medications like laxatives and painkillers. 

Urinary incontinence is one of the most common postpartum problems. Pelvic floor exercises like kegels will help tighten those muscles. As for leakage, stick to sanitary pads and avoid tampons, which can lead to increased discomfort or infection.

Expect Hormonal Changes

It is also very common for new moms to experience some sadness or anxiety during the postpartum period. It makes sense; your child lived in you, protected, for nine months, and now they are out in the world. Beyond typical emotions of fear and worry, hormonal levels can lead to stronger feelings like postpartum depression. 

If the feeling of sadness is overwhelming or persists beyond a few weeks, seek help for postpartum depression and know that you are not alone.

Regardless of your physical and mental symptoms, remember it’s okay not to be feeling the best. It’s also okay to feel great—don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for not feeling a certain way. Your body just created a human, and that’s pretty awesome! Postpartum recovery is different for everyone, so whatever you are feeling about your new world is valid.

Qualify for Postpartum Recovery Garments and More through Insurance

Good news: you may be able to get compression garments through insurance with help from Pumps For Mom. Prepare for your postpartum recovery without stressing about hidden fees and take advantage of the medical benefits of insurance-covered postpartum compression products. Pumps For Mom is here for you as you begin your motherhood journey; work with our maternity product specialists to qualify and shop compression products for postpartum recovery now.

Specialized Compression for C-Section Recovery

The hips, lower back, abdomen, and pelvis are all affected by pregnancy and delivery by C-section. The C-section incision also makes recovery more challenging because moms need to be extremely careful about caring for this area. A high-quality C-section recovery garment will feature targeted compression for the most affected muscle groups and protect the incision for a faster recovery. For example, the Sienna C-Section Recovery Garment stabilizes the incision site and supports the back and abdominal muscles with gentle compression. On the other hand, a typical postpartum belly band or C-section underwear can irritate the incision and may not provide the ideal levels of support in the right places. For serious surgeries like C-sections, moms deserve specialized recovery products to help them feel their best.

Comfortable Features

As important as compression is, a C-section recovery garment should also be comfortable! After going through nine months of pregnancy, moms deserve to feel their best in their bodies, and comfortable features can help. The Sienna C-Section Recovery Garment, for example, is easy to wear under any style of clothing thanks to soft, moisture-wicking fabric and seamless support panels. Plus, this product features an easy-to-use side zipper so moms don’t have to strain their recovering muscles or incision site to take the garment on or off. A thoughtfully designed compression product made with comfortable fabrics makes it possible for moms to enjoy their recovery without suffering through discomfort.

Available Through Insurance

From covering medical costs to stocking up on the right products, having a baby can be expensive. Thankfully, many health insurance providers will cover the cost of a C-section compression garment for new moms. Some insurance plans may require a prescription from your doctor or may only pay for a portion of the total cost. Get your C-section recovery garment without the stress by working with Pumps For Mom! Our maternity product specialists will work directly with you and your insurance provider to get you the best maternity compression products that work for your budget.

At Pumps For Mom, we are proud to walk with moms through every step of their motherhood journey, from pregnancy and postpartum recovery to breastfeeding and beyond. Our insurance-covered maternity products give new and expectant moms the tools that they need to focus on themselves and their little ones when it matters most. Explore our wide range of compression products and breast pumps through insurance today!

What is postpartum edema?

Before learning how to address postpartum edema, moms should know exactly what this condition is! In general, edema refers to swelling that occurs due to excess water or fluid retention in bodily tissues. Therefore, postpartum edema is when moms’ bodies retain too much fluid in the days and weeks after giving birth. This condition is extremely common, and most moms notice the swelling in their feet, ankles, and legs. Postpartum edema can certainly be uncomfortable because the body has gone through a lot of changes after pregnancy, labor, and delivery. But thankfully, some simple remedies help moms get back to feeling their best and caring for their little ones.

Can maternity compression help postpartum edema?

Postpartum edema is one of the conditions that maternity compression garments are specifically designed for! The targeted compression offered in many postpartum recovery products promotes circulation and relieves swelling in commonly affected areas. Compression socks are well-known products that are especially effective for moms who experience edema in the legs and feet. Other postpartum recovery garments provide compression to promote circulation in the abdominal muscles and reduce swelling shortly after delivery. Work with Pumps For Mom, and our team may be able to help you receive these beneficial compression products for free with health insurance. 

What else can relieve postpartum edema?

In many cases, the body simply needs some time and gentle compression to get back to normal after nine months of pregnancy, plus labor and delivery. Many moms notice a natural improvement in postpartum edema within the first week or two after giving birth. Even though it feels counterintuitive, drinking water is one of the best ways to alleviate edema, especially for breastfeeding moms. When the body is dehydrated, it actually clings to water more and may make swelling worse. Moms can also engage in some light exercise to improve circulation and avoid standing for long periods of time to help relieve edema. 

Pumps For Mom is here to make motherhood easier. Our variety of breast pumps and compression products through insurance make it simple for moms to find the products they need. Plus, our maternity product specialists will help moms through every step of the process, from verifying prescriptions or insurance coverage to receiving an order confirmation and delivery. Explore our available products and qualify through insurance today!

Targeted Support

Postpartum compression garments are designed to help moms recover from pregnancy and delivery, so targeted support is essential. High-quality compression products should be created with support panels that provide the ideal amount of structure for the garment along with seamless construction for optimal comfort. For new moms, the muscles in the back and abdomen are particularly weakened, so a postpartum compression garment should provide relief to these areas. Look out for products that emphasize support in these particular parts of the body.

Comfort

Shapewear products are notoriously uncomfortable for women to wear for long periods of time, but postpartum compression products are designed with guidance from medical professionals to provide support and comfort simultaneously. And while postpartum recovery garments rely on a certain amount of compression, a new mom should still feel comfortable as she wears one of these products. In addition to targeted support, a garment designed with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric can help moms stay relaxed as they focus on their body’s recovery. Ideally, new moms should look for compression garments that are made with comfortable and lightweight materials. 

Options for Specialized Recovery

Not all postpartum compression garments are created equally. There is a wide range of compression products, with some designed to support moms after a vaginal delivery, others made for moms who have had a cesarean section, and even more products made for relief during pregnancy. Moms can make the most of their recovery by looking for a postpartum recovery product with unique designs depending on their delivery method. For example, a compression product for vaginal deliveries will feature extra support around the pelvis in case of perineal tears and episiotomy incisions. In C-section recovery garments, there should be special support to protect the incision site, and it should be easy to get on and off so moms don’t have to strain after major surgery.

Versatility

It can be hard for moms to prioritize a peaceful recovery with a newborn in the house. But a postpartum recovery garment should be versatile and comfortable enough for a mom to feel supported while she cares for her new bundle of joy. Unlike shapewear, which prioritizes appearances over wearability, postpartum recovery garments are made so moms can continue to go about their daily lives uninterrupted. Specifically, these products can easily be worn under clothes and are made with breathable materials so moms can prioritize their postpartum recovery no matter what they are wearing or what their newborn needs. 

Insurance Coverage

Going through pregnancy and delivery comes with its fair share of challenges, but thankfully, health insurance can help. With some coverage options, moms may be able to get postpartum recovery garments through insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. These products are considered to have distinct medical benefits, which is why certain insurance providers will cover the cost of these products through partners like Pumps For Mom. Our maternity product specialists can help new and expectant moms get a prescription from their doctor, verify their insurance coverage, and order their compression product in a few simple steps. 

Pregnancy and parenthood are no joke. Pumps For Mom is here to help. Our experts are happy to work with new and expectant moms to understand their insurance coverage and order the right products so moms can focus on what’s most important—spending time with their little ones. Whether supporting moms during pregnancy and postpartum with compression products or working with moms to find the best insurance breast pump for them, we are passionate about helping parents get the products they need. 

Materials

One of the most noticeable differences between compression garments and shapewear is the materials used to make these products. Compression garments come with extremely breathable and lightweight fabric that helps moms stay comfortable as they heal. Shapewear products, on the other hand, come with less breathable fabrics that can irritate skin or sensitive scars. Recovering mamas should look for postpartum compression garments that are made with breathable fabric to promote safe, gradual healing.

Support

Whether it comes from a spouse helping with late-night feedings or a new grandparent moving in for a few weeks, new moms usually appreciate some extra support. Shapewear products do exactly what they say–they shape the body through padding and compression to slim the waist, hips, or buttocks. Postpartum compression products, however, help moms heal with strategic support and compression aimed at the most vulnerable parts of moms’ bodies. Made with abdominal and pelvic support to help reduce swelling and repair muscles, postpartum compression garments support new moms through every late-night breastfeeding session and diaper change.

Insurance Coverage

Babies aren’t cheap, and any opportunity to save a few dollars is welcome for many parents. Insurance does not cover conventional shapewear products because their primary purpose is aesthetic with temporary shaping support. On the other hand, insurance often covers specially made compression garments for new moms, thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Insurance covered postpartum garments often need a prescription from a doctor, but many moms can receive free postpartum recovery garments through their insurance.

Comfort

Moms who have been living with swollen feet and a growing belly for months deserve some comfort. Moms’ comfort and recovery is the only thing in mind with postpartum recovery garments. They help stabilize weak or stretched muscles, promote circulation, and reduce swelling. Additionally, the best postpartum recovery garments are designed for different delivery methods. A compression product for C-sections should have a side zipper and a seamless design to prevent irritation of the scar on moms’ abdomens, while a compression product for vaginal deliveries should have additional crotch supports that promote recovery and protect episiotomy incisions or perineal tears.

Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are not easy. Thankfully, specially designed postpartum compression garments help moms speed up their recovery. But it’s probably best to leave the shapewear in the closet for now.

At Pumps For Mom, we are passionate about making moms’ lives easier. Insurance covers our range of postpartum compression garments. High-quality materials help moms recover from the physical challenges of labor and delivery. You don’t have to do this on your own–work with the experts at Pumps For Mom and order your compression garment through insurance today!

Different from shapewear

Most women today know about shapewear products. Likewise, most women associate these garments with memories of scratchy, tight, and uncomfortable outfits. Thankfully, postpartum compression products differ from common shapewear in many important ways.

While shapewear slims the appearance of women’s bodies, women who have recently had a baby use compression products. Manufactured with materials that are breathable and gentle on the skin, postpartum compression products will not irritate any sensitive areas. Shapewear works to make women look good without much thought into making women feel good. Postpartum compression products offer new moms the best of both worlds.

Designed for moms’ unique delivery experiences

Every mom experiences pregnancy, labor, and delivery differently. Many postpartum compression products differ slightly in designs to best suit moms’ unique delivery experiences. Compression products for a natural delivery focus on stabilizing loose ligaments and reducing pain. They also decrease discomfort in the back and abdomen and improve circulation to reduce swelling. Postpartum recovery garments for C-sections reduce pressure and protect the surgical incision. They also promote better circulation and minimize overall discomfort. As 32% of U.S. births are now by C-section, these distinct postpartum recovery garments are becoming increasingly essential in moms recovering safely and quickly.

Not all compression products are made equally

Although postpartum compression products help new moms bounce back from pregnancy, labor, and delivery, these products are not all equal. Many lower-quality postpartum recovery garments come from fabric that is not breathable or does not support the right parts of a new mom’s body. The best postpartum compression products are designed with seamless support panels to help the most sensitive areas of the body recover. They are also made with breathable fabric to keep mom comfortable. Doctors and nurses help create products for moms experience the best recovery possible.

Not limited to postpartum

Great news for moms currently pregnant and dealing with too many aches and pains to count–you don’t have to wait until after delivery to find relief! Postpartum compression promotes recovery and reduces swelling and pain. Maternity support products help moms experience relief from discomfort and pressure. Well-designed pregnancy support products offer adjustable back support that can be used throughout many months of pregnancy. They relieve pressure on the hips, back, pelvis, and sciatic nerves. These pregnancy support bands don’t work to change or shape expectant moms’ bodies. Rather, they provide functional support and comfort that can easily be worn under clothes. 

No one ever said being a mom is easy, but maternity support bands and postpartum recovery garments may make it more comfortable.

You’ve got enough to worry about with a new baby at home – let Pumps for Mom look out for you. Did you know that many insurance plans cover postpartum recovery products? Thankfully, this isn’t breaking news to the Pumps for Mom team. Our simple process makes it easy for new moms to receive an insurance covered postpartum compression product at little to no cost. Learn more about postpartum compression and maternity support products available through insurance, and give your post-pregnancy body a head-start towards recovery.