The Recovery Kit

Brand new moms can pamper themselves with products that accelerate healing, lessen scar appearance, alleviate pain and swelling and promote relaxation. Recovery Kits were designed to help new moms recover faster following c-section or natural childbirth. The Recovery Kits can be purchased online at www.therecoverykit.com.

"One of the first things my friends with kids told me when I got pregnant was "buy a Belly Bandit" so I was thrilled to team up with them and acturally get to design one so that it is sexy, stylish and actually helps tighten and shrink your belly after giving birth. It also totally helped support my back." -Kourtney Kardashian of Keeping up with the Kardashians

"The Belly Bandit not only helped my tummy, but also really supported my back and helps my posture while nursing." -Minnie Driver of Good Will Hunting, Will & Grace, The Riches

"Twins destroyed my body. Seriously. Belly Bandit had me back into my "almost skinny" jeans in 8 weeks." -Julie Bowen of Boston Legal, Weeds, Monk and The Face of Neutrogena

"What a genius idea. This is a great gift for all new moms." -Poppy Montgomery of CBS TV series Without a Trace

"It was way more comfortable than I ever imagined. I wish I had this for my first pregnancy. I love how the Belly Bandit flattens my stomach and supports my back all at the same time." -Cynitha Daniel of The Basketball Diaries, Sweet Valley High, and That 80's Show

"I love my Belly Bandit!" -Brooke Muller

"They say breast-feeding helps, so I am going to be doing that, but there is this thing called the Belly Bandit and apparently that is supposed to help, but I'm going to pull out all of the stops." -Ana Ortiz of Ugly Betty

Having a baby really takes a toll on your body. For 9 months your body has been changing wildly and now that you have had your baby, you must let it recover from pregnancy and childbirth. After giving birth, it is imperative that you nurture yourself so that you are better able to care for your baby. By following these 3 simple tips below and you will be on your way to a smooth and speedy recovery. Tip #1 Pamper Yourself Yes, you have just given birth, but this is not the time to show everyone that you are "Supermom." Don't worry, they will realize that soon enough! Take the time to rest and pamper yourself. Getting sleep helps your body heal itself quicker so nap when your baby is napping. Nibble on some dark chocolate for a natural mood boosting antioxidant. Light candles and practice deep breathing techniques, which help relax the mind and body. Once you start feeling better, you will be much more capable of caring for your new baby. And don't be afraid to ask for help. Your husband, your family and your friends will all be more than willing to lend a helping hand. Remember, there is no shame in asking for help or agreeing to it for that matter. Secret #2 Take Those Walks I know that it is uncomfortable, you feel sore, you're back is aching and you're exhausted. But please, please, please get yourself out of the house and moving as soon as possible. Go slowly at first, even if it is just for a few minutes at a snails pace, you will slowly build up the strength and stamina to go on longer walks. Wear an abdominal compression binder to help support your back and abdomen. Walking will improve circulation, increase your energy levels, improve digestion and decrease muscle stiffness; movement is ESSENTIAL to your healing. Not to mention the good that the fresh air will do you. Secret #3 Put The Right Foods In Your Body You are what you eat! Food is what will fuel you and your baby, so make sure to eat foods that will help your body to repair itself quickly. Eating a diet that is low in fat and high in protein helps speed the recovery process by rebuilding damaged tissue, building antibodies to help fight infection and synthesizing collagen for scar formation. Some good sources of protein are; lean beef, fish, skinless chicken or turkey, milk, eggs, beans, and soy. Don't skimp on those whole grains, fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables, and do try and avoid processed foods at all costs. They can be high in fat, sugar, and salt and tend to be loaded with chemical preservatives. You could be surprised at how ravenous you feel if you are breastfeeding so make sure to consume enough calories, this is NOT the time to diet. Also, it is imperative to drink plenty of fluids during your recovery period. Help flush toxins, reduce postpartum swelling, and replace fluids that have been lost through breastfeeding by drinking at least 64 oz. of fluid (preferably water) a day.

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How did Jessica Alba get her body back after baby? A GIRDLE!!!! Click here to find out how she did it!

Check out the girdle used by Jessica, a Belly Bandit.

Do you ever think to yourself as you are watching a celebrity, that has just given birth 6 weeks ago, walking down the red carpet looking ever so fabulous, with her bosoms overflowing and no pooch in sight, "How does she do it when I can't?" Well, celebrity moms have several tricks up their sleeves, and no, this one doesn't cost thousands of dollars. So what is this genetically blessed goddess doing that you're not? Its called abdominal binding, and it is the secret weapon used the world over. Now you too can get your tummy back to its pre-pregnancy form with an abdominal compression binder and all for less than a pair of fabulous shoes.

Women in Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Latin America, Mexico, Spain, England, and the Philippines have all been privy to this information for centuries. Abdominal binding has been used to, flatten the belly, speed up weight loss, tone the muscles of the abdomen, promote good posture during breastfeeding, reposition the womb, dispel the lochia and eliminate stretch marks.

In the United States, abdominal compression binders are primarily used to help get your body back to its former fabulousness. They can be worn as soon as the day after you give birth, even after a c-section. These comfortable binders fit snugly around your waist and can be adjusted as your tummy becomes smaller and smaller. For the best results, an abdominal compression binder should be worn for at least 6-8 weeks following delivery.

Celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Brooke Burke, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Tori Spelling, Gwen Stefani and Minnie Driver, have all wrapped their post pregnancy tummies and lost inches fast and now you can too. You may or may not be a genetically blessed goddess but you now possess one of their secret weapons. So go out and get yourself an abdominal compression binder and say hello to your new flat tummy.

Check out our abdominal compression binders by Belly Bandit

Don't Be Caught Unprepared!

Today, 1 in 3 deliveries will end in a c-section. With statistics like this, there is a good chance that your delivery will end on the operating table as well. C-section rates are skyrocketing and it is concerning that there is so little information out there on how to recover. Oftentimes, having a c-section can mean a more difficult postpartum period, especially when you are unprepared. You will have limited mobility, low energy levels, and a painful incision to deal with. By having an assortment of recovery products on hand, you can enhance your level of comfort and lessen the time it takes you to heal. Here are a few products that you should consider buying ahead of time in order to facilitate a smooth and comfortable recovery.

Abdominal Compression Binder: Abdominal binding is a centuries old technique. Wearing a binder helps to reposition the womb, reduce uterine swelling, decrease bloating, flatten the belly, speed up weight loss, tone the muscles of the abdomen, promote good posture during breastfeeding, dispel the lochia and eliminate post-pregnancy stretch marks. A binder also helps to support your incision while you are moving about.

Reacher Tool: Bending over while you are healing from your c-section can be a difficult and painful task. Stay upright and grab all of those hard to reach items with this clever tool.

Ace Bandages: Post-surgical swelling is not uncommon after a c-section. Avoid uncomfortable leg and ankle swelling by wrapping your legs in ace bandages to help minimize swelling.

C-Section Underwear: Once you move past the initial healing stage, ditch those ugly hospital mesh panties and slip on a pair of chic, boy-short cut underwear with an ultra soft waistband that won't irritate your still-tender incision.

Surgical Scar Reducer: If you have a c-section, you will have a scar, but there is no need for a large, pronounced scar that can leave you feeling self-conscious or unattractive. Help decrease the appearance of a c-section incision with a healing cream or salve.

Guided Relaxation CD: Gentle guided relaxation techniques focused on c-section healing can increase energy levels, decrease perceived incision pain, and help get you back on your feet more quickly.

Postpartum Tea: Jump-start your healing immediately after your surgery. Herbal teas can help to shrink the uterus and have the added benefit of nourishing, calming, and balancing a new mom.

Essential Oils: The combination of ginger and citrus essential oils as well as ylang ylang flower essence can help a new mom battle the 'baby blues'. A gentle spritz and a deep inhale can leave you feeling uplifted.

Aromatherapy Eye Pillow: Aromatherapy eye pillows can offer gentle therapeutic benefits. According to ancient Eastern healing tradition, the subtle pressure of an herb filled pillow laid across the eyes helps alleviate tension and headaches, reduces eyestrain and promote relaxation. Look for one filled with lavender, chamomile, peppermint, rose petals, and/or flax seed.

So now you have a new baby and a major surgery to recover from. Don't kid yourself a c-section is MAJOR surgery. Don't push yourself too soon, accept help when it is offered, and don't underestimate the healing power of relaxation. You must invest time in taking care of yourself so that you are better able to care for your baby. Just a few simple products can make your journey back to well being that much easier.

Melissa Johnson is founder of The Recovery, a recovery concierge for those who have undergone surgery or childbirth. In addition to recovery services, The Recovery offers a variety of Recovery Kits that will assist you throughout the recovery process. For more information on how these services or products can help you to recover faster, visit http://www.TheRecoveryKit.com.

The Miracle of Abdominal Binding

As a woman, you are used to being scrutinized. But this scrutiny seems to become even more intense during and after pregnancy. How much weight you have gained and how long it takes you to lose it is practically headline news. After pregnancy, wouldn't it be fabulous if there were a surefire way to get you back into your skinny jeans and quiet the critics once and for all? Luckily a centuries old technique known as abdominal binding has resurfaced and it could be the answer to your skinny jean prayers!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, we all know that the combination of diet and exercise is the tried and true method to whittling down our waistline. But let's be honest, after having a baby, who can find the time, or energy, to make it to the gym 5 days a week AND put a healthy meal on the table? You need something easier and faster and this is where abdominal binding comes to the rescue.

Abdominal binding has been used for many, many years. Around the world, it has been used to prevent herniation, reposition the womb, increase weight loss, and enhance waistlines. Separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy and childbirth can make it hard to regain your pre-baby belly. By binding your abdomen, you allow your muscles to come back together giving you a tight and toned midsection.

Celebrity moms such as Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, and Halle Berry have all used abdominal binding to reclaim their pre-pregnancy form. Abdominal binders provide comfort to a sagging belly, back support during breastfeeding and can even keep post-pregnancy stretch marks at bay. Worn under your clothing as soon as one day after delivery, the use of an abdominal binder will unquestionably start turning heads in as little as 6 weeks after giving birth.

You have much more to worry about than what others are saying about your post-baby body. Do yourself a favor and slip on an abdominal binder so that you can focus on what truly matters...baby!

Melissa Johnson is founder of The Recovery, a recovery concierge for those who have undergone surgery or childbirth. In addition to recovery services, The Recovery offers a variety of Recovery Kits that will assist you throughout the recovery process. For more information on how these services or products can help you to recover faster, visit http://www.TheRecoveryKit.com.

How to Reclaim Your Waistline After Pregnancy

It took your belly nine months to get to the state it's in and there is NO WAY you willing to wait another nine to get it back to its former glory. Luckily, in just 8 weeks, you can be on your way to a firmer and more flattering midsection. This program will not require crash dieting or 3-hour a day workout regimens. Who can do that anyway? Your only job is to wear a special "binder" for 8 weeks following pregnancy.

Scared? Don't be, it's really quite simple. For centuries, women from around the globe have regained their pre-baby bellies by wrapping themselves with a item known as an abdominal compression binder. Binding helps to tone the muscles of the abdomen and can speed up weight loss. In order to achieve the maximum benefits, an abdominal compression binder should be worn religiously for 8 weeks (with your physician's approval). It can be taken off when showering and to be laundered.

Abdominal compression binders are snugly wrapped around your abdomen as soon as one day following delivery. Similar to how a corset is worn, a binder is tightly wrap around your midsection and easily fastened in the front. Although they may sound like it, these binders are not medieval torture devices; in fact, you might be surprised at how comfortable you are wearing one. The reassuring pressure it provides will support your sagging belly. Over time, with increased and constant pressure, you will notice your abdomen regaining its original form.

Tighter abs and a re-defined waistline are not the only benefits an abdominal compression binder can provide in a short amount of time. Your improved posture, thanks to being bound, can lead to less back and shoulder pain commonly associated with breastfeeding. Post pregnancy stretch marks can be lessened and uterine swelling diminished. Bloating, caused by water retention, can also be a decreased. For women who have had c-sections, using an abdominal compression binder may decrease the recovery time. Firm pressure on the belly seems to lessen the incision pain and allow for greater mobility.

Celebrity moms have been using this binding technique for years, becoming red carpet ready in no time. Jessica Alba, Brooke Burke, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Nicole Kidman, Tori Spelling, Gwen Stefani, and Minnie Driver, have all wrapped their post pregnancy bellies and lost inches fast.

You won't believe the results when you take the time to invest in wearing an abdominal compression binder. Now is the time to banish your baby belly, reclaim your confidence, and rediscover your waistline, and you can do it in just 8 weeks!

Melissa Johnson is founder of The Recovery, a recovery concierge for those who have undergone surgery or childbirth. In addition to recovery services, The Recovery offers a variety of recovery kits and products that will assist you throughout the recovery process. For more information on how these services or products can help you to recover faster, visit TheRecoveryKit.com.