My Journey with Diastasis Recti

 

I am almost 4 years post baby #2, and still working on my tummy! After my first son, weighing 8lbs14 oz, I was left with a pretty large separation of my abdominals, known as Diastasis Recti. I had a 9cm gap between my abdominals!! I first noticed the issue about 6 weeks after I gave birth, during a fitness class. Every time I would crunch, a "peak" would form in my belly. The instructor pointed it out and I followed up with a visit to my physiotherapist. He confirmed the diastasis recti and we began working at closing the gap.

After many months of work, it did get smaller (about 3 cm gap). My tummy did get flatter, but was still round. My obliques were strong, but the middle was still weak.

After months of physio and hard work, the gap started to close, and my tummy tightened.

Then after my second son, weighing 8 lbs., I ended up with another large gap and an abdominal/umbilical hernia. My tummy would not flatten out, despite what I did. I had lost all my baby weight and more, but still looked 4-5 months pregnant. I got asked all the time when I was due, or was congratulated on being pregnant. I was self-conscious about my belly, sucking in didn't work, my clothes didn't fit properly, I analyzed my stomach in every way possible, it weighed on my mind heavily. Each time I got dressed I worried whether someone would ask if I was pregnant. All I wanted to do was cover up.

After baby #2, the gap was too wide and wouldn't close.
The hernia made it even harder to tighten the core muscles.
Although I was fit, I looked a few moths pregnant still. This was 2 years post partum.  

Again, I went to physiotherapy, but it didn't fix the problem. My core was so weak. I also suffered with an instable pelvis due to a loose S.I. joint. It was painful to work out, vacuum, lift the kids, etc. I couldn't run, too much pelvic pain and  I couldn't lift heavy weights, because my abdomen would pop out.

My stomach would get bigger as the day went on; with bad posture, eating, standing all day, lifting the kids, etc.  It wasn't just the way I looked, it was also how I felt.  A weak core led to chronic back pain. Every night I lay in bed watching the bubbles pass through my intestines like something was living inside me. I could push the intestines back through the separation, which freaked me out. I also suffered from constipation because my core was too weak to regulate bowel movements. I had had enough. I needed to do something about it.

My family DR. referred me to a general surgeon. I saw the general surgeon about my hernia, but he made no promises to make me look better. He also insinuated that I was there for pure vanity reasons. He wouldn't even listen to any of my issues or concerns. They were real, and I left there bawling. I felt so defeated.

4 months post surgery

I looked into cosmetic surgery. I met with three surgeons. They all wanted to give me a tummy tuck to fix the issue. It was major surgery and made me very nervous. I was torn. There had to be another way.

I finally found a cosmetic surgeon who would fix my hernia, and repair the diastasis without a tummy tuck. Basically, he would cut along my C-Section scar, lift up the skin, repair the issues, and put the skin back down (with a little tightening). My belly button would remain intact. This was what I was looking for, so I did it. A year and a half later, my core is getting stronger and my pelvis is much more stable. I am able to run again, lift weights (and my kids) without pain.

I am happy with the decision I made. It was what I needed to continue a healthy and active lifestyle. Part of me felt guilty that I did it for vanity, but I didn't. It was much more than a flat tummy. I wasn't able to be the person and mother I wanted to be. My stomach is not perfect, nor do I want it to be. It is still flawed with marks of pregnancy and still round, but I wouldn't want to hide the fact that I carried two beautiful babies in there.

I feel better in my clothes and more confident. I can participate in the activities I want to do. I am running again, lifting weights, and wearing whatever I want! No one asks me if I am pregnant anymore either! LOL

If you suspect that you have diastasis recti:
1. see a doctor or physiotherapist to confirm and for help
2. STOP all abdominal exercises (e.g., crunches)
3. DO your kegels
4. Research ways to close the gap and restore your core

I hope that my journey with diastasis recti is helpful for any of you suffering with similar issues and helps you on your journey to "closing the gap".

~Jen