You’ve probably landed on this page because you have a condition called diastasis recti that few people know about and you just want help and understanding. Well, I definitely understand, and hopefully, I can help too!
My name is Amy and I have had a diastasis of the recti muscles since the birth of my 4th child back in 2006. However, I had no idea what that bulge in my belly was, and neither did any doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist I consulted with.
Disclaimer: I am a mom and not a medical professional.
SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO SEE UPDATES ON MY SURGERY!
After the birth of my 5th child, it significantly increased, and I learned the condition had a name – diastasis recti. I started a regimen of exercises called The Tupler Technique with some success, bringing an 8 finger-width gap down to a 5 finger-width gap, but each pregnancy left me with more of a gap than before, until the birth of my 10th when it became so bad we chose to seek surgery options. I am currently scheduled for surgery this coming September, and will chronicle that journey as well.
However, during these past several years, there has been more recognition of the condition and what it involves, and thankfully, there are some great diastasis recti resources out there now! But few address what it is really like to be the woman behind the diastasis.
The honest truth is:
It hurts.
Not just physically, but emotionally.
Knowing you always look pregnant. Knowing the size of clothes you have to buy are not your real size. Knowing your muscles aren’t holding anything in anymore. Being pregnant and worrying that the diastasis will cause you issues that could lead to anything from horrible back aches to unwanted c-sections.
I understand. I’ve been there. I am there.
And I’m on a quest.
A quest to find the best programs, products, and advice for moms who are more than just a collection of flimsy muscles, but rather hurting, yet hopeful women looking for a shoulder to cry on and answers to a little-understood problem.
QUICK LINK TO THE SPLINT I RECOMMEND!
Best online diastasis recti program
The program I am currently using has been my favorite of all the programs I have tried.
I am REALLY liking this program and finally feel STRONGER!
Here is a link to my first week on the program.
The best thing about this program is not just the exercises, but the fact that Kelly knows what it is like to have a DR and she healed her own using her program! She also teaches you to really connect with your core, rather than hate your body. So, so important!
Posts I’ve written on Diastasis Recti:
I’m Pregnant & Huge!
Pregnancy Support Garments
The Perfect Brace Outside of Pregnancy
I Started Classes with the Tummy Team!
The Tummy Chronicles (series chronicling my experience w/ the Tupler Technique)
My Favorite Diastasis Recti Splint!
How to check for Diastasis Recti
Resources to heal diastasis recti without surgery:
(These are all products I have personally tried and had a certain degree of success with.)
Best Diastasis Recti Brace
My favorite brace is one I purchased from The Tummy Team:
I purchased the 3-Panel Abdominal Splint because I am short-waisted. It is super simple to use and it does a really great job.
The Tummy Team also does Physical Therapy and Online Consulting to help heal DR. I just started classes with them, and I LOVE what I am learning. Here is a link to the class I am doing –> The Tummy Team Online 8 Week Class
T-Tapp is a gentle exercise program I have used for years.
You might also want to look into Fit2B – an online tummy-safe exercise resource that has partnered with The Tummy Team:
The Tupler Technique Book
Lose Your Mummy Tummy
Paperback
Kindle
The Tupler Technique resource package
Includes: DVD, splint, & record book
from BellyButtonBoutique.com
(NOTE: This is the package I used for the Tummy Chronicles;
however, the splint is different – I do not recommend the new splint.)
Should I have diastasis recti surgery?
As long as you are still having babies, the answer is no. It would be pointless. Any surgical methods performed would be undone if you became pregnant. So, that would equal a huge waste of money.
Will I have diastasis recti surgery?
After much prayer and agonizing discussions, my husband and I decided to seek out a plastic surgeon to repair my muscles and remove all the loose skin. I will have surgery on November 30 of this year and will be chronicling that journey on my YouTube channel. Here are photos of what my diastasis currently looks like:
Video #1 – My Diastasis Recti Repair Story – From Exercise to Surgery
Video #2 – Diastasis Recti Repair Options & Why I Chose Surgery
Video #3 – Will I Get My Surgery? (Anemia Update)
Video #4 – My Surgery Fears
Photos from the day before surgery…
Video #5 – Day 1 Post – Op!
Photo of me up and around 24 hours after surgery – you can already tell a huge difference!
Before & After (4 days post op)
On Day 4, I made a video on pain management and how I was feeling so far. Little did I know…
Day 5 & Day 6 were TERRIBLE! I hurt so bad, I was extremely nauseous, and I began to wonder if this was worth it. (something I never thought would happen!) [FIRST WEEK POST COMING SOON!]
But, on Day 7, I turned a corner! Here’s my update from Day 8:
2 Months post-op – I still have swelling, but things are definitely healing. I have also had to face some realities…