A couple of months ago, The Tummy Team was offering a coupon code for people who shared about their site on Facebook. I had been mulling over the idea of doing their online rehab program since I love their splint (read more about it here), and that was the push I needed to take the leap and buy the program.
I need to take a moment here to talk candidly about my diastasis, and the journey this has been. You may have seen my Diastasis Recti page here on Raising Arrows, but I haven’t updated much lately because its been too discouraging. Yes, I posted recently about how I was ready to get to cracking on it again, but frankly, those efforts (along with my weight loss efforts) have been slow. As in, so slow you can’t even tell. I had pretty much resigned myself to having the surgery to correct the gap in my belly, until I did more research and realized the surgery would be a bandaid. I would still be weak in the core and the mesh would not be a guarantee.
A few months ago, I signed up for a program called MuTu, but quickly realized there were exercises on the program that are absolutely not good for someone with a DR as large as mine. I found myself in tremendous pain (especially at night and first thing in the morning), and so I asked for my money back. (They were very gracious, and I hold no ill feelings toward the company. They have a lot of great information, and I would still recommend them for understanding alignment.)
So, I felt like I was back to square one. I couldn’t seem to be consistent with the Tupler exercises. I could never find the time once a day, let alone 3x a day to do all the exercises.
I knew about The Tummy Team, but the price tag seemed too hefty, so I ignored the online rehab, despite the fact that I loved their splints.
In one word, I felt DEFEATED.
I wish I felt comfortable showing you photos of what my belly really looks like, but I’m not. You’ve seen the non-braced photos:
You can probably imagine what my belly really looks like. Some of you probably know first hand.
And I imagine some of you feel defeated too.
When it came right down to it, I decided I would try The Tummy Team because their prices are a WHOLE LOT CHEAPER than surgery (surgery that is listed in most cases as “Cosmetic”).
So, I’m only a few days into Week 1. I am realizing this program is DIFFERENT than anything I’ve tried so far in that I feel like Kelly doesn’t just want me to heal, she believes I CAN! Her video lessons are telling me things I never knew in ways that make sense! Here are just a few of the things I am loving about this program…
- There are lesson videos that help you understand the muscle and why you lost function of it.
- She addresses how you feel about your middle.
- She expects you to be a busy mama.
- You do the exercises on YOUR time. You don’t have to carve out a ton of time.
- You keep a journal of how you are feeling and your measurements.
And the biggest thing I love about the program so far? (hold on tight…this is going to reveal something rather ugly about my character…)
She only gives you ONE WEEK AT A TIME.
I can’t skip ahead. I have to focus RIGHT WHERE I AM. I cannot look ahead and come up with excuses as to why this is too hard or try to do the hard stuff first because I think I can get further faster if I do that. Nope. I’m stuck in Week 1. And it is actually making me do a BETTER JOB of fitting the exercises in.
And I am slowly feeling LESS DEFEATED.
I realize from her discussion of how we feel about our middles that I truly am disconnected from my middle. I can put my hand to my stomach and feel nothing…except maybe disgust. The only time I feel connected there is when I am pregnant, which ironically is the only time I’m allowed to be big in the middle. I don’t use those muscles. I’ve learned to compensate and allow those muscles to atrophy.
But, now I have HOPE!
I’m praying. I’m praying hard. Please, Lord, let this be it. Let this be what keeps me from surgery. Let this be what finally strengthens me. Let this be what relieves the pain. It feels like this may be it! Please, Lord, give me the stamina to stick with it, to not sabotage myself, to see this through to the end. Amen.
And yes, I WILL keep you updated on my progress!
Serena says
you can do it!
Renee says
I love this program! I did it 2 years ago. Weeks 3-6 were rough for me. Hang in there. You will be amazed at how it changes your whole life and you can function better throughout your day.
Amy says
And how are you doing now, Renee?
Renee says
When I started the program my DR was a 2 and I had no regular aches or pains in life. I did not splint because I did not think I would use it. I was nursing a 7 month old at the time. You will learn nursing/pregnant makes it harder to close the gap all the way. The program made me feel proud because I completed a program! I was doing things for my health and that has changed my attitude about my tummy. What surprised me was improving my core strength enabled me to lift 45 lb packages with ease (like the cat litter) and I enjoy bedroom life with my husband so much more. I ended with a 2 DR. On and off I apply the principles learned. The stuff I learned has been helpful this year with a January pregnancy followed quickly by 1st miscarriage. I am once again expecting (first trimester) so I have once again jumped in and dusted off my notes and I am doing what I know I should be doing. Each time I start applying what I know to life it is easier so I must retain some of it during my “off times”. One step at a time. Pick one thing to do and then add another when you are ready. If you are on FB I suggest you join the group. I also love Fit2B. They talk about this later on.
Amy says
I’m a member at Fit2B as well, but it has been harder for me to stick with the routines there. I’m hit and miss. Exciting to hear your progress!
Cailee says
I’m praying for you. I’ve been on the same journey. I used the TT Prenatal program recently but my belly grew way too fast to reverse anything. I’m 6 weeks pp and am using my weak pelvic floor as an excuse not to do the exercises and keep posture. (It’s really only the splint that bothers me.) Tupler is just too hard to fit in as a mom. They really know what they’re doing at TT and really help you learn to change how you use your body all day instead of just doing exercises. I was just recently considering surgery but the reminder of it just being a bandaid is encouraging me to stick with TT. Thank you for sharing your story.
Amy says
You are welcome!
Jenni says
Amy, thanks so much for being honest about your struggles. I have a mild RD, and I’ve only had 4 kids! I hope and pray that this one will work for you – I know how hard it can feel like you’re trying and things don’t get better!
Gwen says
Praying along with you 🙂
Amy says
Thank you!
Stacy says
I’ve looked at this before and this was just the push I needed to take the plunge. My hubby even promised to do the exercises with me to keep me motivated!
Amy says
Yay!!!
Melissa says
I started this program in May. I started with a 4 finger split. I’m now down to a 1 1/2 finger split. Is my stomach totally flat? No, but neither is Kelly’s. My stomach does not protrude nearly as much as it did. This momma of eight is in disbelief! My posture is so much better. I have reduced my back pain by 80 percent. My husband surprised me with a trip to see Kelly in person. She was so encouraging. She really packed a lot into the 1 hour I had with her. She helped me focus on the exercises that would help ME most. I would strongly encourage getting a 1 on 1 online session with her (or someone else on the team). It really helped me (I wasn’t doing the transverse hold quite right and she corrected that).
Amy says
OH how neat! What a great experience! And thank you so much for telling me your success story. So encouraging!
Lisa says
I am in the same boat. Thanks for sharing! I would love to use a splint but read that it causes more pelvic floor pressure and can cause more weakness there. Do they mention anything about that in their information?
Amy says
No, I have not heard that.
Stephanie Thompson says
Hi there. I have a couple questions for you. I am due in less than 2 weeks for our 8th. I have been told by my doctor that I have Diastasis and it’s probably pretty bad. I am in so much pain. I have been wearing the belly splint from Fit Splint. While it does help, all of a sudden the past two days I can hardly stand from the pain. I can see where my belly has taken on a weird bulge but this new pain is off to the left side. I am crying even as I write this. Besides the dread of what I will look like after, the pain has just become so awful. I would love any tips you could give to just get through these last days of pregnancy, tips on delivery, as well as which splint to purchase for after the birth. I looked at The Tummy Team splints but wasn’t sure which one to order. Thank you for your blog and for being so transparent. You have blessed me more than you know over the years!
Amy says
Stephanie – That doesn’t sound like pain from DR – I would talk to your OB immediately! I would also put in a call to The Tummy Team and ask them what would be best. I took a splint with me to the hospital because my dr. asked me to splint after immediately following giving birth. ((HUGS))
Erin says
Just curious how you are doing now, if you were able to complete the course, and if you still recommend it. Thank you!
Amy says
I have completed it and bought an extension as well because I needed more time to really go over everything. I absolutely do recommend it wholeheartedly! However, my muscles are going to take a really long time to heal. I understand that and accept that; however, I feel like I finally have the tools to do this and make it better than it has ever been before!
Erin says
Thank you for responding! I am so glad to hear it is working for you. 🙂
Stephanie Thompson says
Hi there. I am wondering if you started the workouts. I’m considering buying them after the holidays but before spending the money was wondering if you have had success with them. Thanks!
Amy says
I wholeheartedly endorse them! My diastasis is HUGE, but I finally feel like I have the tools to fix this on my own. It is going to be a long road, but I am impressed by how The Tummy Team handles the healing process. I actually feel like I can do this.
Melissa says
Do you recommend the Tummy steam over Tupler or MuTu? I have both & am hoping for more.
Amy says
Yes, I do.
Tomorrah says
Hello,
Oddly enough I have been guided back to your website over several years now. After my first daughter was born in 2009 I was struggling to figure out why I still looked pregnant. In the wee hours of the night as I was researching I stumbled across your website and was glad to know that my condition had a name and that I wasn’t the only one with it. I’m not sure if you were following a program at this point, but I believe you were splinting. I then found the Tupler Technique and jumped on that and pressed forward. Soon after I got pregnant with baby #2. After her birth I had a separation of 7-8 finger widths!! I continue son with Tupler, but couldn’t keep up with the pace and all the reps. I got discouraged and didn’t follow as diligently. Then along came baby #3. I splinted the whole time, and felt a little better throughout my pregnancy and recovery, but thr diastasis was still present. I continued to splint to disguise my belly, but I’d given up on working at correction. I began searching for something else and I came across your site again. As I was researching yet again I found MuTu, and dived into that without much avail. I worked diligently, but didn’t didn’t see much in the area of results. I think your assessment is correct that it may not be good for larger diastasis. I feel like I’d be working on stage one for forever before I could move on. So that brings me to today were I have once again been led back to your page as I am again looking for solutions to help my belly. I found the Tummy Team before I saw your post here, but the fact that you find this a good fit gives me some encouragement. I’d soon love to give The tummy team a go, but I’ve got to save up first :-). I’ve written this long post to say thank you for being a beacon of hope for me and for continuing to document your mountains and valleys , THEY HELP! May God bless you in your journey and I pray that you’ll find peace and contentment on your journey.
Amy says
Yay! Thank you for taking the time to share. And look for sales on the program. I try to post when I catch them, but I sometimes miss them.
AthEna Aronson says
Thanks so
Much for these post on diastasis recti! I just had my 6th boy and my 6th c-section. I have had DR for several pregnancies and the Dr has told me my abdominal are 16 cm apart. When I run my organs feel bruised, i
Have a ton of back problems and can not stand for long. I most definitely look pregnant all the time and it
Is so frustrating. These post make
Me feel normal and I am so excited to show them to
My Dr!
Natalia says
Hi Amy! Are you still using this program and if so, has there been any progress? I don’t know which program to use. My diastasis is not large, maybe a 2, but I’ve had it my whole life. I have two kids and the pregnancies did not enlarge my diastasis. Of course no amount of core exercises have shrunk it, either. I’m clearly not doing the right ones. I am thin and always have been, but have no hips and no waist, so I look like a rectangle. My diastasis is genetic, but was officially about 4 years ago, before I had kids. It’s not bad, and I considered surgery but (as has been stated), that does not fix the problem, and leaves quite a scar.
So, really, I just want a waist, and to not look like a 12 year old boy in a bikini. Do you think this is worth the money?
Natalia says
I meant officially *diagnosed*
Amy says
With it being genetic, I’m not sure. I would actually call The Tummy Team and ask them. It is a fantastic program, but I don’t have any experience with what you are describing.
VidA says
Hii
Are you still doing exercises for DR?? And did it really work?
I have the same condition now and was looking for motivating stories.
Thanks!
Amy says
I do still do the exercises and totally believe in them; however, I am pretty sure I am going to end up having surgery. That said, I am certain if my DR was not as bad as it is (10+), these exercises would close it. The exercises have totally helped me strengthen my core, and even if I do end up having the surgery, I’m going to need a strong core.
VidA says
Thankyou so much for replying! What do you mean by 10+?? Ten fingers???
Amy says
Yes! 10 finger-widths+ – as in, not really measurable any more. But, I’m determined to strengthen my core as much as I can. Who knows – maybe I’ll get it measurable again!
Patty says
Good luck Amy! I am just starting on this journey, and I am 64!! My kids are totally grown of course. I’m hoping I’ll be able to close mine at least by some (I’m about 4 fingers). Praying for you!
Bethany says
Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve never been able to find any info about anyone with really large DR. Mine is probably about 16 cm, i can fit 12 fingers in the largest part and it is very deep. I liked mutu and got a lot stronger, was able to get it down to 6 cm and my incontinence went away. However I was stuck in week 1 forever because you aren’t supposed to move on until your gap is smaller. Just had my last baby and things are worse than ever, pelvic floor is a mess. I am hoping the tummy team will get me stronger than ever and then yes I might have to do surgery.
Brooks says
Hi Amy,
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love finding out I’m pregnant because I can finally breathe and let my tummy out! I feel attractive pregnant and can wear “normal” clothes, like a t-shirt and cardigans. After pregnancy it’s back to finding clothes whose sole purpose is to hide my stomach. 🙁 I am also much larger during pregnancy and am often asked if I’m having twins and told I won’t make it to my due date. I’m a 5 – 6 finger width apart and am currently pregnant with baby 6. I had some questions regarding your articles:
1. Is a splint and/or abdominal support worn after pregnancy only for the purpose of relieving pain and looking slimmer or do they actually help strengthen your muscles?
2. Do the during-pregnancy abdominal supports you recommended on the contourmd site help prevent the baby from becoming breech? Or are they mainly to relieve pain?
3. Is the Tummy Team program to be used during or after pregnancy?
I have not been wearing a support or doing exercises and am 28 weeks along. But at my last midwife appointment she actually took the DR seriously enough to write out a “prescription” for classes for me. I am currently waiting to see if my insurance will cover these. The idea of the baby being breech is very concerning.
Thank you!
Amy says
That’s great your midwife took it seriously! I’ll do my best to answer your questions:
1. The splint does relieve pain and help you stand upright and heal. The point is to bring your muscles into the correct position as much as possible and strengthen from there.
2. The pregnancy support I used did help keep baby head down, and yes, it did relieve pain as well.
3. The Tummy Team has two programs – one for during pregnancy and one for after.
Laura says
The Tummy Team is having a one-day sale (1/22/19) and I want you to know I purchased through your link so I hope you get credit! 🙂 Looking forward to some structure (no pun intended!) for my core/pelvic rehab!
Amy says
Thank you!!! I actually bought a core rehab today too because I need to teach my muscles how to move since the surgery.