What on earth is this weird sounding name called diastasis recti?
You are not alone as most people have never heard of it but get in a friendship group and mention a post birth baby boep (South African slang for belly) and most Moms identify with that immediately! In my previous blogs we spoke about the 4th trimester, being more knowledgeable and then how to take control of your own body.
So diastasis here we go…
I vaguely remember my lovely British midwife who delivered my third baby naturally at home in Cape Town telling me at my 6 week check-up that I had diastasis recti. She gave me a few tips on how to close it but I did not really understand or get my head around it as I was so determined to get fit again and resume teaching. Hey, after all I was the aerobics manager at the then ‘Table View Health and Racquet Club’ (now Virgin Active), so I had to look the part and go back to work after my 3 month maternity leave not looking like Bessy Bunter (for you young ones, Google her to get my drift) on the podium.
I remember felling gutted when I ventured out to the local shopping centre (Bayside for the locals) 2 weeks after my baby and hearing via the grape vine “OMG Have you seen Denise, she still looks pregnant!”. Well, when I heard that it made me go on a strict diet and punish myself with a gruelling exercise program, which ultimately lead to back pain because I wasn’t ready due to a weakened core (more about diastasis recti/weak pelvic floor and core/when to return to exercise coming later).
Okay, let’s get this diastasis recti nailed down. Firstly, what exactly is it?
It is defined as a gap of roughly 2.7cm or greater between the two sides of the rectus abdominis muscle.
In normal English this means that your belly sticks out because the space between the left and right tummy muscles has widened and you end up with a ‘pooch’. It is actually very common among pregnant women and about 2/3 of pregnant women have it. Having more than one child makes this condition more likely, especially if they are close in age. You are also more susceptible if you are over 35 when pregnant or carrying a heavy baby or having a multiple pregnancy.
Pregnancy puts pressure on the stomach that sometimes the muscles in front can’t keep their shape, so diastasis means separation, while recti refers to your abdominal muscles called the rectus abdominis.
When the ab muscles move aside like this, the uterus, bowels, and other organs have only a thin band of connective tissue in front to hold them in place. This condition can cause lower back ache, constipation and urine leakage. It can even make it harder to breathe and to move normally. It is rare but in extreme cases the tissue may tear and organs may poke out of the opening – that’s called a hernia.
The tummy gap often shrinks after giving birth, but in some studies of women with diastasis recti the muscle was not back to normal even a year later.
How does having diastasis recti make you feel?
Many women say that when they have a tummy gap and do not understand it, they feel fat, ugly, vulnerable, unconfident, and self-conscious. The good news is that with the correct knowledge and exercise this gap can heal and with your core restored you can get your pre-baby body back.
How do you know if you have it?
Watch my video (scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your email address to be taken to video) for guidance on how to self-diagnose. Don’t panic if you think you have it as with my knowledge and holistic healing program, plus some elbow grease on your part, you CAN make steps to close it naturally.
Take a look at the testimonials from clients that have participated in my programme. If you want more information contact me and stay posted for my next blogs.
Yours in health, Denise
[optin-cat id=112]
Please send more information on diastisis recti.
Thank you
Hi
I have responed to your comment on the previous one!
Thanks
Denise
Please send more information on diastisis recti.
Thank you appreciated
Hi Natalie
Would you like to know how to measure for it or when I see clients? Call me on my cell: 061 922 7037 or alternatively give me your contact number and I can call you? Regards Denise x
Contact me on cell no: 061 922 7037
Need help please. After my baby, I still have a mummy tummy.
Hi Charlene
Apologies for the delay I have only just seen your comment, please get in touch with me my cell number is on my website.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Denise
hi Denise please can you help me I have a mummy tummy after my son and it’s very depressing people often critize me.. thank you. 0606218281
Hi Bronwyn
Thank you for your comments and sorry to only respond now but you went to spam! I will be in touch with you.
Thanks
Denise
hi Denise please can you help me I have a mummy tummy after my son and it’s very depressing people often critize me..regards bronwyn thank you. 0606218281
Hi Bronwyn Thank you for your query I will give you a call to discuss. Thanks Denise
Hi Denise, I see you’re in CT now. Do you know anyone in Joburg that could help with my diastasis recti? It’s been 6 years since I had my son. Would appreciate any referrals
Hi Jeannie Thank you for your comments and don’t stress about being in Jhb as you can access my programme online it went live on the 1st June! Check it out under the shop tab on the website Kind regards Denise
Hi Denise
Please send me more information as well. My youngest son turned two this week and I am still struggling with my tummy!!
Hi Brenda thank you for your comment, if you live in the Cape we can make a plan for you to come to my studio or check out my website as the Mama Restore Programme is availability online to help with your Tummy! Give me your cell number so that I can call you.
Regards
Denise
Hi Denise. I have just been diagnosed with diastasis recti. Interested in your programme as I’m not keen on surgery. Had my baby 2 years ago. Have lost 90% of weight but this tummy is draining the life out of me.
Please send self diagnosis
Hi Noni Thank you for your comment you can find the link to the self check video on the blog or under the “Gift to you” page! Thank you Denise ?