Thank you to Aeroflow Breastpumps for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
Before I was pregnant — really, before I hit the last couple weeks of my second trimester — I didn’t understand what the big deal was about wearing a belly support band.
Then, almost overnight, my belly became much larger and rounder, and by the end of the day, it felt like I was carrying weights in my pelvis.
To be fair, walking around with a 2.5-pound baby sitting on your pelvic floor is basically the same thing as carrying small dumbells that you can never put down.
As baby has grown, it has naturally become more difficult for me to stand up straight, not lean forward when I walk (hello, that’s a lot of weight pulling you), or feel comfortable in general in my pelvis and lower back.
Luckily, Aeroflow Breastpumps gifted me a pregnancy support band from Motif Medical to try.
If you don’t know what a pregnancy support band is, it is a garment you wear to support your lower back and abdomen during your second and third trimesters. It’s great if you are active during your pregnancy and are experiencing pelvic pressure and lower back pain.
The last week, as I slid into my third trimester, the pelvic pressure at the end of the day has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I can’t even get comfortable laying down for bed in the evening because of it.
My doctor assures me that this is perfectly normal and recommended I wear my pregnancy support band throughout the day (for a couple hours at a time) to support my belly and help take some of the pressure off my pelvic muscles.
At her suggestion, that is exactly what I have been doing. The Motif support band has been wonderful at helping relieve some of my discomfort.
What I love about the Motif Pregnancy Support Band
Easy to put on and take off
I wear my band for no longer than two hours at a time to prevent dependance on it. Since it velcros in the front, it’s easy to put on and take off as needed.
Adjustable tension straps
Being able to choose my desired level of support with the adjustable tension straps is great. These straps also mean that the band will adjust and grow with me throughout my pregnancy.
Comfortable, soft fabric
The Motif Pregnancy Support band is made from a soft, breathable fabric that is comfortable to wear. I haven’t had any issues with it rubbing my skin and causing irritation.
Made to be worn discreetly
I am modeling the band by wearing it on top of my shirt (which is fine), but it can also be worn under your clothes without anyone knowing you have it on.
Relieves pelvic pressure
The best benefit of this band is that wearing it for a few hours each day helps relieve the pelvic pressure I experience at the end of the day.
Supports lower back
I mentioned above that I noticed my posture wasn’t great because of the additional weight pulling me forward, which was, in turn, causing lower back pain. The support from the band redistributes weight and has helps improve my posture and reduce my lower back pain.
Machine washable
This is a big plus since you’ll want to keep your pregnancy support band clean. Having one that is machine washable is super helpful and makes caring for it easy.
How to wear
- Position the band with the padded inside and outer elastic straps on your lower back.
- Secure the front of the band like a cradle, typically below your belly button.
- Adjust the level of support and compression using the side tension straps.
How to receive a support band
As an FDA-listed device, Motif Pregnancy Support Bands are covered by most health insurance plans. However, since insurance plans differ, it is easiest to qualify for a support band by going through Aeroflow Breastpumps.
By submitting the “Maternity Compression Through Insurance” form on their website, a representative from Aeroflow Breastpumps will work with you to obtain the documents needed to order your support band. When you submit the form, you will have to include your doctor’s information for a prescription, as well as your health insurance information.
Just like ordering your insurance-covered breast pump through Aeroflow Breastpumps (which I talk about in this post), the process is made easy by a caring customer service team.
You should always consult with your healthcare provider before using a maternity support band to determine if one is right for you.
