Abdominal binder question

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Is the abdominal binder supposed to go directly over the incision or right above it? I just feel it would irritate the incision if it was placed right on it.

Thanks!

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The abdominal binder we use at my job is white, and large enough so that it covers the the abdomen from their midsection to 2 inches down their hips. It is supposed to fit like a little mini skirt to offer support. It should never go above the incision.

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We use a white one as well that velcros in place and is approximately 12-15 inches long. It goes over the incision. As a previous csection patient, it is amazing!

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Specializes in L&D.

Yes it should go on top of incision to hips so that it covers the incision. Excellent for our fluffier moms. Very expensive though!

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I have only had a very rare complaint about a binder causing incision irritation. It has been easily fixed by placing a pad (without the sticky side) on top of the incision before placing the binder on (we usually do this anyway once the dressing is removed). We don't use binders very often but I do find them to help certain new c/s moms when other measures fail. We have certain cultures request them more often after delivery.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Not in OB, but with abdominal surgeries, we sometimes place a clean pillow case between the binder & incision for pt comfort.

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Oh okay. Thanks. Everyone says it's to support their abdomen (at least that's how they visualized it with their hands). My lady partsl delivery patients find it extremely comforting as well. Like large breasts, large abdomens can feel overbearing and the abdominal binders help support the weight of it and reduce pain. Correct me if I'm wrong.

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Some of our lady partsl moms like the binder. Keeps everything secure and tucked away.

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Specializes in LTC.

Not an OB nurse, but I am a c-section patient. I honestly felt no irritation from the abd. binder, although I've got a lot of fat that may have protected the incision some. The abd. binder was one of the best things that happened after my c-section. Having the incision and abd. supported really helped reduce pain.

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I have worked in facilities that use them faithfully as well as facilities that do not like them. Personally, I find my mothers more willing to move in bed and get up sooner with them on. In some places they are put on the bed as the pt is transferred from OR table to bed across the entire abdomen. I have never seen any problems with irritation or heard complaints. Some cultures insist on using a girdle, even with lady partsl deliveries, for additional abdominal support following delivery. The abdominal binder is easier to remove for abdominal assessment but either are there for support.

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