When I was pregnant with my first baby I did all the normal research into what I would need. A belly bandit was almost always suggested for postpartum recovery, but somehow I also came across a newly released medical grade belt that came with shorts called the Mama Strut.
To me it made so much sense to use something that not only would cinch at my waist and support my I’m so glad I decided to go with the Mama Strut system, because not only does it cinch around the waist, it offers more pelvic support by having shorts with movable velcro straps if necessary. It also includes a hot/cold pack that can be inserted, something I used for weeks after my son’s birth. I had stitches from a 2nd degree tear that were painful both following birth and as they healed around 3 weeks postpartum, the ice packs saved me, offering me some relief.
This time around I've used it for an entirely different reason, for the pelvic floor support. Simone’s birth was fast and furious, and because I felt it necessary to push her out quickly and as a result felt like I blew out my entire pelvic floor. Once home and caring for myself, a newborn and an active toddler, my pelvic floor felt even more weakened, even as I tried to restrain myself from doing normal activities around the house (I’m an obsessive vacuumer, so it was challenging ha!). I immediately got out my Mama Strut and have been wearing it daily since. I feel supported in my waist, but also by the shorts and the little elastic bands that I am able to Velcro in place to further support my pelvic area. At 3 weeks into my postpartum recovery I wore this almost daily, if anything, it supports my pelvic floor while I'm not thinking about it, but having it on also reminds me to do a few kegels from time to time, while also being cumbersome enough in the waist to keep me form bending too much. It helped me remember that I JUST had a baby and not to push myself too quickly. When I have it on, it feels like everything is lifted and put back together.
At 6 weeks postpartum I received a good bill of health from my midwife, which was really encouraging since after Simone’s birth I was more worried about my pelvic floor strength than anything. I still have a ways to go to recovery from pregnancy and childbirth, but am so thankful for my Mama Strut and can't imagine my recovery without it, both in terms of comfort and physical recovery. If you’re expecting, I highly recommend this for recovery!
