There are a lot of questions that new mothers have about their health and the safety of their children. One question that comes up often is whether or not it is safe to use body wraps while lactating. In this blog post, we will discuss the safety of using body shapewear while breast-feeding and provide some advice for new mothers.
What Are Body Wraps and What Do They Do?
There is a variety of different body shapewear on the market, and each one serves a different purpose. Some body shapewears along with a stretch mark cream are designed to help you lose weight, while others are meant to improve your posture or give you a more hourglass figure.
Most body shapewear work by causing you to sweat. This helps to remove toxins from your body and can also help you to lose water weight.
If you are looking for more than just a temporary effect, you may also want to look at other methods for losing weight. These include exercise and eating a healthy diet.
They may provide some benefits, but the results are short-lived and the treatment comes with some risk.
One particular brand, It Works Body Wraps have been making the rounds among new moms lately. It comes with a body applicator and a defining gel which are made from natural ingredients. According to the makers of It Works Body Wraps, both applicator and defining gel are not designed nor recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
Can a Breastfeeding Mother Use Body Wraps?
Even though more research should be done, the answer is yes as long as the mom takes some precautions.
First of all, make sure that the body wrap you choose is made from breathable material. You don’t want to trap sweat and bacteria against your skin.
Additionally, make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your body wrap session. This will help you to stay hydrated, keep your milk available when needed and will also help to flush toxins out of your system.
It is important for the breastfeeding woman to check the size of the shapewear and make sure it is not too tight around the stomach area. However, these body shapers don’t affect breast milk supply.
If you are looking for a postpartum girdle or body wrap, then you will need to get one that is made with cotton. Cotton helps your skin breathe, which is why it is recommended for pregnant or nursing moms.
If you follow these guidelines, using a body wrap while lactating should be safe for both you and your baby. But if you experience other issues, it would be helpful to talk to your doctor.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Using Body Wraps While Breastfeeding?
The most common side effect of using shapers while lactating is dehydration. This can be dangerous for both you and your baby.
Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your body wrap session.
Other potential side effects include:
- Skin irritation
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
How Can a Lactating Mother Lose Postpartum Weight Safely Without Using Body Wraps
You can lose your postpartum fat without using contour products. You just need to be patient and not set unrealistic goals for yourself.
Nursing moms need to eat healthily, use products that are made from natural ingredients, try to breastfeed their babies regularly and exercise when it is convenient. Although the time of the day when you exercise doesn’t matter, the best time to do so is when your baby is sleeping or on a walk.
Don’t try to lose weight too fast (that’s not healthy), but know that you’ll lose most of your pregnancy weight 6 months after giving birth.
Take Away on Body Wrap for Pregnant or Nursing Women
Lactating moms or a mom-to-be might be wondering if they can use a wrap. Wraps are a great way for many women to start or maintain a weight loss program for a couple of reasons. They’re affordable, easy to use, and effective. If you are looking to shed pounds, a body wrap could be the right option for you.
It’s important to know the facts before making your decision even though they are perfectly safe, however. The fact is that many doctors have reservations about the use of shapers while breastfeeding. Like having a foot peel when breastfeeding, you need to know all the facts to make an informed decision.
Breastfeeding is an incredibly rewarding experience. Pregnant or breastfeeding moms should be enjoying this moment with their baby, not worrying about squeezing into a pair of jeans or tightening up their tummy.
This article was written by Sandra Baker – full time writer and the mother of four amazing kids (including twins!)
She’s also a breastfeeding counselor and has spent years helping new parents learn how to care for their children. When she’s not writing or caring for her children, Sandra likes to spend time reading and taking walks with her husband.
