I was really determined to wear this thing for the whole 8 weeks post partum. But as a first-time mom, I didn't realize how difficult that would be. First of all, I had minor tearing during delivery and the belt squeezed my legs together and caused too much friction on my stitches. Obviously, the belt was just doing what it was designed to do, but I hadn't anticipated how this would cause me pain and possible reinjury and deter my healing. So I couldn't wear it for at least 2 weeks after giving birth for that reason. Once I felt that I'd healed enough, I tried wearing it, but I was still getting the hang of breastfeeding, which (for me at least) required that I get in just the right seated position and the belt didn't allow me to sit in that position. In fact, I couldn't sit at all while wearing it. When I sat down, it pushed into my stomach, which remained sore for 6 weeks. I felt that learning to breastfeed was more important and would probably help me lose more weight anyway. Also, breastfeeding made me very thirsty so I was drinking tons of water and I had to take the belt off every time I used the bathroom. Taking the belt on and off that many times a day just isn't realistic with a newborn in your house. The velcro is very strong and the sound of it when you pull it off wakes my baby up every time, which is maddening. Bottom line - a newborn is a challenge enough and this belt that may or may not work is not worth the excessive extra effort.