Pelvic Floor Support Devices
Pelvic Floor
During the last few weeks of pregnancy and initial weeks postpartum it can feel nice to have some support on the perineum when having to walk around to do any sort of activity. There are tons out on the market available that can be used during both pregnancy and postpartum. I tried out 3 different perineal supports during the postpartum period that I wanted to share with you all. As most of our followers know, I have a Grade 2 rectocele prolapse that was symptomatic after my first birth, so this time around I wanted to be more proactive!
Mamastrut
The Mamastrut provides both abdominal support and pelvic floor/perineal support and has these straps that you can adjust how much perineal support you get. It even has a compartment for ice/heat packs. This one is safe and recommended for both c-section and vaginal deliveries. It is said to assist with healing because it has 5 points of support: the abdomen, the back, the hips, pubic symphysis, and the pelvic floor/perineum.
I liked this one the most for those first few days postpartum when I needed a lot of Perineal support when walking to the bathroom or to our doctor’s visits. My pelvic floor muscles felt almost numb after birth which made it hard to engage them initially. So, the Mamastrut was super helpful to make me not feel like my insides were falling out by giving me that extra support. The ice pack compartment was nice for the initial 24 hours because it applied more pressure, so the ice was actually pressing against my perineum to reduce swelling and not just hanging out in my mesh underwear.
I like that I was able to adjust the straps to provide more or less support. It was a bit confusing to use at first with the straps. I felt like they were just bunching up and going up my butt, but once I figured it out it was very comfortable. I didn’t really like too much abdominal support initially, so I didn’t make the abdominal support super tight. This was a great help during the first 2 weeks postpartum, and some insurance companies even cover it.
Mamastrut – Check to see if your insurance covers it but if not
Use Code MAMASTE15 for 15% off
Baobei Bloomers
Bao Bei offers lots of pregnancy and postpartum clothing. They were created by a Women’s Health PT and Pilates instructor.
The Bao Bei bloomers I purchased during pregnancy provide some perineal support along with abdominal support during pregnancy. It is said to provide support of the perineum with their hammock PRO fabric and provide support of ab separation (Diastasis Recti) by supporting the core to resists strain/stress on the abdomen.
I found that it provided enough Perineal support during pregnancy, but the band would bunch up some so I would have to sometimes pull them up a bit over my belly, which I never had to do with my bumpPRO support band from them. It did provide relief from the pelvic pressure and pain I was having at the end of my pregnancy!
Postpartum I wore these bloomers almost daily from week 1.5 postpartum and on. It didn’t provide enough perineal support for me in the first week and a half postpartum but after that, I would wear this while walking and lying around the house and for any appointments outside of the house. It was super comfortable to wear and the fabric is so soft! I wore lots of high-rise pants and leggings and these could be worn underneath them very easily.
Use Code MAMASTEFIT for a discount. We do receive a commission on purchases with this code at no additional charge on your part.
It’s you babe V2 Support
The V2 Support by it’s you babe has been an external device I had heard a lot about during my pregnancy for external support for prolapse and knew I wanted to try it this postpartum. They offer tons of other external support garments ranging from Full support, pregnancy support, and even just hip support.
The V2 Support specifically was created by medical professionals to provide pelvic floor compression to relieve pain and pressure from vulvar varicosities, prolapse of the bladder and uterus, pelvic floor dysfunction, and pelvic girdle pain. It’s adjustable with Velcro straps in the back. You wear it over your underwear and under your clothes.
This product is FDA approved and the device I have most commonly heard being recommended by Pelvic Floor PTs.
My experience with the V2 support has been positive and I am a huge fan of it. It provides the perfect amount of perineal compression, and I like that it is adjustable for days I may have more heaviness than others. I didn’t wear it immediately postpartum but they do say you can wear it after. It is said to help to heal postpartum and reduce swelling. I started to wear it after my tearing already healed and began slowly reintroducing activity. I wore it at first on days that I knew I would be more active with activities like grocery shopping and taking Lily to the park or gymnastics and had no heaviness during it which was great. I noticed a difference in my pelvic floor when I took it off, which told me how effective it is! This is something that I plan to continue to wear, especially on days I may have more prolapse-type symptoms. I like that it is worn over the underwear because the days I am usually more symptomatic are around my menstrual cycle.
Its You Babe V2 Supporter – https://www.itsyoubabestore.ecwid.com
Use code MAMASTE15 for 15% AND Free shipping on purchases of the V2
Supporting our pelvic floor postpartum can help alleviate a lot of common pelvic floor issues, such as prolapse. The additional support can help ensure that there is no downward pressure onto the pelvic floor that could worsen symptoms that you may be feeling.