Q. HOW DO I CARE FOR MY SRC RECOVERY GARMENTS?
Q. CAN YOU WEAR SRC RECOVERY GARMENTS DURING PREGNANCY?
You should not wear SRC Recovery Garments during pregnancy. In fact, you should not even attempt to try them on. SRC Recovery Garments are designed to be worn postpartum, after delivery. On the other hand, SRC Pregnancy Garments are designed to be worn during pregnancy to assist with common pregnancy conditions.
Q: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A POSTPARTUM BELLY BAND OR BELLY WRAP AFTER PREGNANCY AND THE SRC RECOVERY GARMENTS?
Why should you buy an SRC Postpartum Recovery Garment instead of a postpartum belly band?
SRC Recovery Compression Garments were designed to treat multiple conditions during the postpartum period; abdominal muscle separation, perineal tears and stitches, C-section wounds, sciatica, and low back pain.
Postpartum belly bands simply do not treat all these conditions.
SRC Postpartum Garments are more comfortable to wear than any belly wrap after pregnancy. Because of this, they are more likely to be worn for long periods which increases their effectiveness.
- Most postpartum belly wraps do not move with your body and can feel restrictive, requiring constant adjustment when sitting down or getting up.
- Belly wraps after pregnancy are not always comfortable or flattering, especially if you wear them under anything fitted or over your clothes.
- Many postpartum belly wraps have hooks, loops, or Velcro so there is a chance of snagging your clothes.
With SRC Recovery Garments, there’s no risk of deactivating your muscles. On the other hand, postpartum belly wraps pose a risk of deactivating your muscles in various ways:
- Postpartum belly wraps rely on your ‘judgement’ to get the right level of compression when tightening it. Doing it up too tight and you risk muscle deactivation.
- With belly wraps, there’s also the risk of compromising blood circulation, negatively impacting your pelvic floor and bowel function if worn too tightly or for too long.
- Belly wraps after pregnancy should only be worn for short periods, 2-3 hours to prevent deactivation of your muscles.
Q. CAN I SLEEP IN MY RECOVERY GARMENT?
Yes, absolutely!
HOW MANY HOURS A DAY CAN I WEAR MY RECOVERY GARMENT?
You should wear your SRC Recovery Garments for as many hours as they feel comfortable. They can be worn both day and night.
Q. I'M RIGHT IN BETWEEN 2 SIZES, WHICH DO I CHOOSE?
With postnatal recovery garments, when you are between sizes, we recommend that you select the size down to achieve the optimal fit due to the likely rapid loss of fluid post-birth.
Q. WHEN SHOULD I START TO WEAR MY SRC RECOVERY GARMENTS?
You can start wearing recovery garments as soon as you feel comfortable having gentle compression post-delivery. For best results and to help reduce swelling and discomfort early on, our research indicates to start wearing them within the first two days post-delivery. It really depends on how you feel and the advice of your healthcare practitioner. Most women put them on around the 36-48 hour mark post delivery, in the case of C-section, maybe a little longer, as any straining is contraindicated.
You will most likely need some assistance putting them on the first few times. Most midwives and hospital physios know our product and should be able to assist you.
If at any stage you feel pain, please take them off. The breathable lining and fabric will not impede healing in any way. In case of a C-section, and if your wound is infected, you can wear the product during the day and remove it during the night to allow additional airflow to the wound until it is fully healed.
Q. HOW MANY HOURS A DAY SHOULD I WEAR MY SRC RECOVERY GARMENTS?
You should wear your SRC Recovery Garments for as many hours as you feel comfortable. Your garment can be worn both day and night.
Q. HOW MANY WEEKS SHOULD I WEAR MY SRC RECOVERY GARMENTS?
Your SRC Recovery Garments have been designed for use in the first 8-10 weeks after delivery but can and should be worn for as long as they provide benefit. You can also continue wearing them beyond this period to provide support during exercise or simply for aesthetic reasons under fitting clothing.
Q. I HAVE SOME ABDOMINAL SEPARATION, IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME TO GET BENEFITS FROM THE RECOVERY GARMENTS IF IT’S BEEN A FEW YEARS AFTER I HAD MY BABY?
We have many women ask us this same question.
We recommend an individualised Clinical Pilates program designed specifically to your needs by your Women’s Health Physiotherapist and combining that with wearing SRC Recovery Garment day and night for a period of up to 4 months or greater. This has provided significant benefits to many women with this issue.
Q. IS IT OK TO WEAR POSTPARTUM COMPRESSION GARMENTS EVERY DAY?
Yes, it is generally safe to wear compression garments for postpartum recovery every day, provided they are comfortable and not too tight. Ensure they are of the correct size to avoid restricting blood flow or causing discomfort. Listen to your body and take breaks from them if needed.
Q. ARE POSTPARTUM RECOVERY GARMENTS WORTH IT?
With the support and comfort they provide during the postpartum period, many mums find postpartum recovery garments worth the investment. These garments are not simply clothing—they are essential aids in the physical recovery process as well as posture enhancement and can help make daily activities more manageable.