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Postpartum Surgery or Shapewear?

Shapewear: An Alternative To Postpartum Reduction Surgery

In our society, visuals are everything. Think of Instagram chefs with their macro slo-mo vids of boiling macaroni, steam vivdly rising, or perhaps a YouTube millionaire dining on $100,000 ice cream sundae bedecked with an array of colorfully hued trimmings, with his astomishedfriends. They all share in common that they put a lot of effort into sculpting a visual presentation that is impeccable. It's all optics these days; face it.

The present "ideal" for a woman is a person with an athletic body. Again, think of Instagram, but his time call to mind the trim and fit bodies of female health influencers. Our society began focusing on health way back in the dim 1970s, and with each passing decade the States have become a more health-oriented population. However, it's also led to many issues with body acceptance and in some cases, promoted a lifestyle that was less-than-healthful.

Body Acceptance Is Self-Acceptance

In actual fact, this ideal is maintained by the media, and historically, women of all sizes were considered attractive. In other world cultures, the idea of a woman being thin may be equated with ill health, even today. The body acceptance movement was an important step in liberating men, and especially women, from having to view themselves through the lens of a preconceived stereotype.

There Is No "One" Ideal Shape!

In reality, women come in all shapes and sizes; some people are tall and thin, others average height and thick. And of course, those are just two possibilities. The point is, we're all different. And, we're all at different points in our lives, ever changing. Perhaps you had an injury and haven't been able to exercise. Or, maybe you're now pregnant, or in your postpartum phase and doing little more than breastfeeding, eating, and taking care of the baby? (Notice I didn't say sleeping! Sleep is essential; find a way to get some!) In either case, you may have added some unwanted adipose tissue, and perhaps your muscles have grown slack as well.

With that said, there may come a time when you see your body in the mirror and feel that you want a different shape, that you want to feel more fashionable, or that you want a change. That is fine. There's nothing wrong with that. And, if you use it as a driving force to get things done in your life, then it may even be a positive development.

Approach Change Mindfully and Healthfully

If this desire for your body to appear different leads to binging, purging, obsessing, using sketchy products or misusing pharmaceutical drugs, or leads to any other sort of thoughts or emotions that raise your blood pressure, then you're definitely on the wrong path! It's all "where you do it from" in the end, and how you go about getting to your goal. Always find the healthy approach, and approach it from a place of balance and responsibility.

Exercise is a good start. Walking is a great plan before, during, and even after pregnancy, after due course, of course. Also, there's diet. When pregnant, never go "on a diet." Eat when and what you feel like eating, but of course, continue to eat healthfully, in whatever that means to you, in your particular context.

Postnatally, you will likely be on a special diet, which may include Gond Laddoo, or even Medhi Laddoo. These are traditional Ayurvedic "sweets" from India that are really proven means of strengthening the body post-birth, as well as producing more milk volume, of the highest possible quality. Studies in the last few decades prove the efficacy of these eons-old regenerative snacks.

Returning To Pre-Pregnancy Form

As the baby grows into a toddler, at some point you will choose to stop breastfeeding. But even before this time, at some point you will want to return to your pre-pregnancy yoga, or other exercise routine.

In the meantime, you may not like your shape. That's your prerogative. But remember, it's natural for a new Mom to gain additional weight; the fat stored in your own tissues will eventually end up going into your breast milk to feed your baby. Just remember, though, that being fashionable is more about style than shape. And, real style and beauty comes from inside. This will always be true.

Plastic Surgery: A Quick Fix

At some point, you may grow impatient and want a "quick fix." Plastic surgery is an option; there are skilled surgeons out there, though these reconstructive surgeries are major medical procedures, and costly. There is down time, as you will need to recover.

And, if you're going for breast reduction, the surgery itself may adversely affect your present, and future, milk production. (link) Then there's nerve damage. It can happen, even with the most experienced surgeon. Such nerve damage can cause sensory or motor loss. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728899/

The alternative for new Moms, or any women for that matter, wishing to "go quicker" in getting to their body shape goals than exercise and proper eating can reasonably deliver, is shapeware.

Shapewear While You're Reaching Your Goals

Shapewear is an amazing alternative, and can help you feel confident and keep you looking as you wish, while you slowly achieve your health goals naturally. (Notice I did not say body shape goals. That should always be secondary.) Shapewear can help you feel your best, and is a way to attend weddings and other events while looking your best, as well.

Shapewear, or a Foundation Garment, is the twenty-first century's answer to the 19th century corset. It's made of synthetic material and is very stretchy, and different lines from even the same brand can trim the tummy, smooth the buttocks, or accomplish other specific shaping goals. There are even product lines specifically aimed at maternity bodysculpting.

There are bodysuits, bras, leggings, panties, pants, and shorts; of course, the full bodysuits are most constricting. Each brand offers different designs, but generally, these are the major types of shaping underwear. Shapewar items come in the full complement of skin tones and sizes, as well as levels of compression.

Is Shapewear Safe? Is Shapewear Comfortable?

While there may be concerns that squishing your organs can cause digestive issues and worse, the actual risk is minimal. The reputation is far worse than reality, though some women feel wearing shapewear is akin to being squeezed into a "sausage wrapper." Of course, follow product guidelines as per maufacturer specifications for sizing; you certainly don't want to have any difficulties breathing due to incorrect sizing!

And, shapewear can help bind your belly, if you are choosing to go that route during your postpartum period. Belly binding is a practice that is done world-wide. Please consult with your ob-gyn, doula, or midwife for details. If you are suffering with Diastasis recti, shapewear can actually be a component of your stretegy to get your abdominal wall to re-mend.

In the end, most women find that shape wear is comfortable, though this is subjective, and there are certainly women who absolutely despise wearing these types of garments. Keep in mind that different brands fit differently, and different materials feel different and have different stretchability. It's worth the search for the "right fit," as an $80 shapewear item can keep your figure looking as you wish, while you slowly change your body into a healthier version of itself.

Postnatal Massage Therapy Can Help

Receiving regular sessions of Therapeutic Postnatal Massage can also aid you in returning to a shape you're more comfortable with. You will find that there are,in fact, abdominal techniques that can help your abdominal wall to mend, post-pregnancy. And, Postnatal Massage At Home, during the month or two following the birth of your new baby, can be immensely helpful, with studies proving many benefits.

Massage modalities like Myofascial Technique help the fascia to redistribute more evenly, affecting the physical form and apperance.

Which Shapewear Brands Are Best?

In summary, remember that there is an entire range of shapewear products, from inexpensive (not recommended) to expensive and well-made like Spanx and Maindenform, (highly recommended). Unnamed imported brands are cheap for many reasons: Poor overall quality, lousy super-thin materials, with elastic that will lose its shape after only a short time.

There's also Skims, a product marketed by Kim Kardashian, a branded fashion item than is in the higher price range. For the same price, you may find other brands that may deliver more. Always read reviews on large online selling platforms for more specific feedback.

Shapewear Saves You In Medical Costs and Helps You Avoid Unnecessary Risk

If even one woman avoids unnecessary surgery and instead opts for shapewear to (more) naturally alter her appearance until she attains her health goals, I feel that this article will have accomplished more than most of the articles I've written.

Major surgery is something to avoid, and in fact, plastic surgery doesn't always go exactly as planned. It's best to avoid elective surgery when possible; in cases where medical need necessitates surgery, that's a different matter altogether. If you're depressed and it's been suggested that reconstructive surgery might help, consider trying a few shapewear pieces. It might just be an easy fix!

If you do opt to go for any of the available reconstructive surgeries, know what you're getting into and read extensively about the procedure before signing on. Also, read about your surgeon; some are amazing, others are horrible. It makes a huge difference who's doing the operation, and thanks to the Internet, the information is out there regarding past issues and complaints.

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