Can You Sleep With Abdominal Board?
Abdominal boards for new mothers are currently popular. Most women use them after childbirth. This postpartum gadget is intended to aid new mothers in feeling more secure, moving around more effortlessly, and enhancing their posture. Moms who give birth vaginally or by cesarean can use it. In fact, some hospitals are starting to suggest that new moms wear these abdominal boards.
What is the Abdominal Board?
The abdominal board is the ideal tool for post-abdominal treatments including mommy makeovers, tummy tucks, childbirth, or liposuction to assist flatten and smooth the belly area.
Typically, the abdominal board has wings that extend over the waist to further shape the belly. The board aids in lowering the possibility of sagging or loose skin and in decreasing edema and bruising. Simply tuck it into your compression garment and secure it in place on your abdomen to use.
Can You Sleep With Abdominal Board?
You could be eager to get back in shape after giving birth and opt to wear your abdominal board all day, but it is not advised. In fact, you should avoid wearing the abdominal board while sleeping, as it may lead to several problems that we’ll discuss in later sections. With that, if you sleep while wearing the abdominal boards, you may feel awkward or uncomfortable.
How Do Abdominal Boards Help Postpartum Recovery?
Your body extends and develops throughout pregnancy to make room for your unborn child. Even your abdominal muscles split to provide space when your organs shift out of their usual positions.
But following childbirth, your body must reposition those muscles and organs to their original positions. When used correctly, an abdominal board that is wrapped around the hips and abdomen helps support the pelvic floor. Additionally, it gives light compression that keeps ligaments and muscles securely in place while your body heals.
Benefits of Wearing Abdominal Board
Wearing an abdominal board can offer many benefits, such as:
Reducing edema:
The abdominal board will accomplish exactly that if you’re wondering how to lessen swelling following a C-section or childbirth. By exerting strong pressure on the region, it aids in limiting postoperative edema.
Helping muscles regain their strength:
Wearing the boards can assist your muscles in regaining their previous strength faster, without the need for extra abdominal workouts.
Body Contouring Procedure and Shaping:
As you recuperate, the abdominal board may support and bolster your new contours. Patients with low skin elasticity, for instance, benefit most from wearing one after birth or liposuction since such garments encourage skin retraction.
Prevents Pain:
The abdominal boards help mothers in preventing pain in their abdomen and back muscles.
Reducing discomfort and pain after surgery:
After surgery, there will be less pain and suffering because of gentle support and pressure. Take the instance of hitting your shin as an example. Your first inclination is to put pressure on the region with your hand. Why? It alleviates discomfort in the damaged region. After trauma following a surgical operation, the same theory holds true. Again, little pressure is essential.
3 Best Abdominal Boards
If you wish to try the abdominal board, you can use any of the three discussed below:
#1. M&D Abdominal Board
M&D abdominal board is a known brand that you can use to support your midsection conveniently. This ab board is made from Powernet, a breathable fabric weave with a hypoallergenic cotton inner layer, and features gentle seams that won’t irritate your skin, shielding you and your stomach from any discomfort that prolonged usage of a regular lipo board may bring you.
#2. Moolida AB Board
The second entry on our list is of Moolida Ab Board. By covering both the top and lower portions of your abdomen, this abdominal board helps you enhance the outcomes of your post-operative healing process. Use this post-surgery ab board soon after your delivery, liposuction procedure, or tummy tuck to get a flat, smooth stomach and a high amount of compression that prevents skin folds. Additionally, it will stop swelling and serve as a barrier of protection for the treated regions.
#3. YERKOAD Abdominal Compression Board
Another good option to try is YERKOAD abdominal board. It is a supple and moldable board that may easily fit your belly appropriately. These foam boards are very comfortable when used with a waist trainer since they make it easier to stay flat and in place. It strengthens the contour effect and aids in the recovery process of abdominal wrinkle removal or liposuction following surgery.
Potential Risks Associated With Abdominal Boards
There are a few risks related to postpartum abdominal boards that you should be aware of. Too much compression can lead to pelvic floor prolapse, respiratory problems, and increased discomfort. Furthermore, avoid wearing your abdominal board for longer than 12 hours a day or more than 12 weeks, as doing so might potentially weaken your muscles.
What Should You Keep In Mind If You Use An Abdominal Board?
Do you want to test out an abdominal board? Make sure the fit is comfortable. There are two reasons for this: Firstly, our pelvic floor is under additional pressure because of compression, and secondly, the pelvic floor becomes weak afterward and also carries a lot of weight during pregnancy. Therefore, use the board with caution if you exhibit symptoms of incontinence, leakage, or vaginal prolapse.
Alternative of Abdominal Boards
There are several other options that you can use in place of abdominal boards, including:
Abdominal Binder:
As with Abdominal boards, the abdominal binder will cover your abdominal region and shape your body. These binders also help new mothers reduce swellings.
Compression Garments:
Compared to abdominal boards, compression garments are soft alternatives and these can be worn all day long without any risk.
Postpartum Belly Wrap:
Designed specifically for new mothers, postpartum belly wraps help women bring their bodies back in shape. In fact, belly wraps are a great tool to avoid saggy skin after childbirth.
The Takeaway
Because abdominal boards are not really safe to wear at all times, you should avoid wearing them at night and sleeping while wearing them. Wearing these for an extended period can lead to many problems, including pelvic floor prolapse, respiratory issues, and increased discomfort. With that, wearing the board, you may feel uncomfortable and find it difficult to fall asleep.