Episode #852 - Dr. Ari Brown brings in childbirth educator and doula, Shelley Scotka from St. David's Medical Center to take a quick look at the benefits of maternity belly belts. When fit properly, a belly belt will help support the weight of a growing pregnancy to help alleviate lower back pain. These belts allow Moms to stay more active during pregnancy in regards to mobility and exercise, and also can help with recovery after giving birth.

Ari Brown:  I'm Dr. Ari Brown with the 4‑1‑1 on maternity belts. With me, today, I have Miranda who's a mom‑to‑be, and Shelly Scott Beth who is a child birth educator and doula at St. David's Medical Center. Shelly, can you explain to us why maternity belts are helpful and actually show us how to put one on?
Shelly Scott Beth:  I sure can. It's a common question in my child birth classes. Moms ask quite a bit. Do I need to get one? What should I look for? How much should I spend? So, this is a really normal average type belt. It's just going to go right under Miranda's belly. She can help me hold it there. We're going to come around and secure it firmly in the lower part of her back. She should feel that nice pull and that tight, that support there. It should feel better on her back already. The main benefit of these belts is that it does help support the weight of your belly. So, imagine as your belly is growing with that baby, all that weight is really in the front. That's hard on your back over time. A common complaint, of course, in pregnancy is all that back pain. This can actually alleviate that greatly. I can't promise it will take it all away. But it should make it feel a whole lot better.
Another benefit of the maternity belt support is it may help you feel you like you're able to stay active longer, and to get out and exercise which we all know is really important in a healthy pregnancy for both you and your baby. In addition, this can be a great thing during postpartum. When that baby comes out, your belly won't be back right away. The way it was back in those skinny jeans.
We know it takes time for your body to recover. The support band can actually help you feel better as you recover from pregnancy and childbirth.