It is absolutely okay to feel overwhelmed as a new mother; on the same note, remember that reliable comfort is available throughout that journey. You may have heard that the postpartum phase after bearing your first child can be quite challenging, as it comes with a multitude of changes. For most of the mothers, it’s a phase where you might feel back pain, weak abdominal muscles, and all kinds of uncomfortable feelings. To ease all these discomforts, you can use the abdominal belt during your recovery.
You might be wondering why the abdominal belts are recommended as a top pick for new moms and how. In this blog, we’ll understand how support belts help new mothers.
Why do new mothers experience back and pelvic pain after delivery?
Back or pelvic pain in new mothers after delivery occurs due to various reasons that include:
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Relaxin hormone: Pregnancy releases relaxin to loosen joints for birth, but it stays in the system. This can leave the joints unstable and prone to strain.
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Weakened core: Abdominal muscles stretch and weaken, a condition called diastasis recti, which reduces spinal support and overworks back muscles.
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Altered posture: Extra weight and an expanding uterus shift the spine's curve, creating misalignment that applies excessive stress to the back.
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Labor and delivery trauma: Pushing during vaginal birth or surgical strain from a C-section puts stress on pelvic muscles, ligaments, and the spine.
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Tears & scars: Pelvic pain after delivery can result from perineal/vaginal tears.
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Pelvic floor issues: Post-delivery, muscles can become too tight or weak from overuse or injury, leading to both pelvic floor dysfunction and back pain.
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Poor feeding posture: Hunching over to breastfeed or even bottle-feed leads to strain on the neck, shoulders, and back, thereby causing back pain.
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Awkward baby lifting: Carrying a newborn involves excessive bending, hunching, or twisting. While bending and lifting the baby in awkward postures, extra weight or strain can be applied, and this can trigger pain, especially after a C-section delivery.
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Other medical conditions: Appendicitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and other non-pregnancy-related issues can also cause abdominal pain after delivery.
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Sudden activity changes and fatigue: Sleep deprivation and reduced recovery time can impair muscle support and healing, making everyday movements feel more painful.
Does delivery type (vaginal vs C-section) affect back and pelvic pain?
Based on NIH studies, pelvic pain affects a large number of women. It shows that out of any number studied, a population of 4-15% women are affected by pelvic pain. Childbirth, whether vaginal or C-section, may influence its development through muscular, nerve, or tissue injury.
Vaginal delivery
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Pelvic floor issues: Vaginal birth is a major risk factor for pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and anal incontinence, often showing up years postpartum.
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Pain during labor: Most pain occurs during labor, but pain levels vary with interventions like epidurals.
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Nerve issues: Nerve stretching, like pudendal neuralgia, can trigger vaginal pain.
C-section delivery
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Higher short-term back pain: Healthcare experts' analysis shows that C-sections often lead to back pain in the first few weeks after delivery.
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Increased chronic pelvic pain risk: C-sections are associated with a higher chance of developing chronic pelvic pain months or years later, possibly due to surgical trauma.
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Abdominal pain: Surgical trauma can cause pain in the abdominal wall and incision sites, lasting weeks or months.
Key takeaways on both vaginal and C-section delivery
Different pain profiles: C-sections often mean immediate surgical pain, while vaginal births carry long-term pelvic floor risks.
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Both can have long-term pain: Neither option guarantees a pain-free future; both have potential long-term issues.
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Rehabilitation is crucial: Physical therapy for pelvic floor and core recovery is vital after either delivery type.
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Risk factors: High BMI, post-term pregnancy, and other factors also influence postpartum pain, regardless of delivery method.
How do postpartum support belts help with back and pelvic pain?
Wearing postpartum support belts after delivery is often recommended because of how they help with postpartum back pain and pelvic pain. Here’s how:
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Core support: They offer stability to weakened abdominal muscles and minimize the application of pressure on your back.
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Pelvic stabilization: The compression helps stabilize loosened pelvic joints and ligaments, which can become loose during pregnancy, easing hip and pelvic pain.
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Posture improvement: By supporting the core and lower back, they encourage better posture, which reduces strain and pain.
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Reduces swelling & pressure: It helps distribute weight throughout the body equally, and this reduces swelling and alleviates pressure on the bladder and lower back.
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Encourage recovery: A pregnancy support helps to prevent the incision area from damage after a C-section. Also, it compresses to reduce swelling, thereby offering comfort and enhancing recovery speed.
Which type of belt is best after delivery?
The best type of belt to wear after delivery varies based on your overall wellness and the support required for your condition. Consult your healthcare provider to determine which belt is best for you.
This helps to achieve safe, effective, and quicker recovery. However, in general terms, consider a Leeford Ortho Pregnancy Support belt or Abdominal Support Belt, which offers firm abdominal support. Also, it has skin-friendly material to keep the belt in place without rolling or shifting in place.
Are postpartum belts safe for C-section recovery?
Postpartum belts are generally safe after a C-section. Wearing a C-section belt often helps with mobility when movement feels challenging in the first days after delivery. It applies gentle compression and support to the abdominal area to alleviate pain and minimize risks of accidental incision damage. Wearing it aids in re-establishing mobility and enhances performance in daily activities. The key role is to always consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Can breastfeeding posture cause pelvic or back pain?
According to Hinge Health, poor breastfeeding posture can cause pelvic or back pain. It is important to learn positions that are safe to maintain during breastfeeding to prevent pelvic or back pain. Carrying the baby on one side while breastfeeding can strain your lower back and hips.
Hunching or leaning over the baby applies extra strain on your neck and upper back muscles, often along the bra line. Also, a forward head posture can compress nerves and blood vessels, leading to referred pain in the shoulders, arms, or even headaches.
Final thoughts
The journey of motherhood is unique for every mother, but despite that, comfort and support are essential needs for each one of them. A top-quality abdominal belt ensures your core is maintained, and you can smoothly adjust in your journey of becoming a mother.
You can consider getting a Leeford ortho abdominal supports or pregnancy support belt that is adjustable to fit any size, offering accessibility to all. In addition to relieving pain and correcting posture, it’s a must-have for new mothers. Give yourself the best care you need by using a good-quality abdominal belt as a new mother.
