As I mentioned before, the more I learn, the more I can identify the symptoms I’ve experienced, and based on the results, I’m even more convinced that DR was wreaking havoc on my body.
Here are a few highlights:
- I continued learning each week. If you purchase the program, don’t skimp on the videos! Listen to them all the way through–it’s not difficult; this program is very busy-mama friendly.
- The program continues to offer hand/print outs and weekly instructions, as well as log sheets to keep up with the exercises. Around Christmas, I didn’t get in all my daily exercises, but I was still thrilled with the results.
- While Diastasis Recti education continued, there was a shift into preparing for labor and birth, which was exciting! I’d experienced natural birth before, including water birth, and looked forward to practicing the techniques Kelly teaches while birthing this new baby. She includes positions for labor, pushing, explains exhale pushing, and includes modifications if you’re unable to push in an upright position.
- I continued to wear my splint, which was supportive and felt great. Since several have asked about splinting and how it looks while pregnant, here’s a picture of my 7 1/2 month tummy wearing the 3 panel prenatal splint. If you need to buy one, I recommend contacting them to ensure you get the proper size. It may look tight in the pictures, but the splint isn’t restrictive; it’s very stretchy and comfortable.
How I felt (the fun part):
- The exercises were strengthening my body, and I felt the consequences when not following directions. For example, there’s a move called the “sexy slide.” My husband learned the lingo and after seeing me doubled over in pain one day said, “That’s not the sexy slide; that’s the sexy avalanche!” One of my little ones called to me and I sat up to get out of bed (by sitting up, I was in a “crunch” position which isn’t good for DR). When I did the “sexy slide” to get out of bed, I had virtually no round ligament pain.
- May be TMI, but mamas who’ve had a few babes can appreciate this–the pelvic floor exercises worked! When I first started the program, my kegels were pitiful, and I wasn’t very good with other pelvic floor strengthening exercises, but now they were getting easier and becoming a regular part of my routine as I prepared for the birth.
- In my last update, I wrote that I hadn’t seen a change in measurements and wondered if I would. I don’t know if it’s because the baby changed position, if my amniotic fluid level was fluctuating, the muscles were truly becoming stronger, or if it was a combination of everything, but my waist was measuring three whole inches smaller, and I saw it becoming more firm and centered, just as other women described. I wish I’d taken a picture of the measuring tape around my belly in the beginning so I could show you.
- When I did a crunch to test, there was still a separation and the “bulge” was present, but it was smaller, and I was able to contract it in a little, which I couldn’t do four weeks earlier.
- Lower back pain was easing, which was amazing for being in the third trimester.
- My children laying their heads on my tummy no longer sent shocks and pain through my body. They still needed to be careful when approaching me, but I didn’t flinch when they wanted a hug.
- In the intro post, I also mentioned my history of severe sickness during my fifth pregnancy and how I felt it returning. After weeks of drinking a variety of herbal teas a day to counteract symptoms, I noticed that I required less. One day during this time frame, I didn’t have a bit of heartburn!
- Overall lifestyle modifications continued as I became more aware of how I was standing, sitting, moving, etc.
Overall, I’m thrilled that I was referred to The Tummy Team. In the beginning I was desperate for help and willing to try anything, and was both excited and skeptical, especially since I began the program in the latter part of my pregnancy. Since I trusted the judgment of the person (Beth from Fit2B) who referred me, I knew it was a legitimate program but didn’t expect to be this pleased.
For more information on Diastasis Recti Rehab, including prenatal and post-natal programs, visit The Tummy Team, and contact them with any questions.
(Read the wrap-up of my journey here
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Thanks for sharing over at The Modest Mom! I’m pinning for after this baby comes (any time now). I know it won’t be exactly the same, but I definitely want to look into solving some of the pain problems I’m having before the next pregnancy.
This is great information. I am off to read your other entries on this subject. I am newly pregnant with #12!!!! So excited but morning sickness is getting the best of me.
You are doing great Sara! Since I do this with clients all day, I am excited to see what is happening in your body. This work you are doing now is going to pay off so big at and after delivery. Your birth recovery is going to be amazing. I hope you post about that as well. Thanks for sharing your journey!
I keep hearing about exercises to repair diastasis recti. I experienced my 5th c-section last year and definitely need to start doing exercises to strengthen my ab muscles again. Thanks for sharing via Family Fun Friday!
I’ve had three little ones and want more. I have slight DR, a 1 finger separation. My core is still weak. I’ve been doing Fit 2 Be Tummy safe workouts. I am concerned with my next pregnancy and the DR getting worse. Would you suggest waiting until I’m pregnant for the rehab or for the postnatal rehab? Another question, is this rehab also preventative. Meaning, will you need to continue on with postnatal rehab after baby and more rehab with further pregnancies? The materials they give you, do you have them for future reference, or do you only have the online videos that expire once you’re done with your six weeks? The cost is another factor for me. It’s huge especially on our missionary salary.
After the birth, I plan to continue with the postnatal program and believe that my recovery this time will be much easier compared to the others.
I began with the prenatal program because I was starting to experience the same symptoms as I did in my 5th pregnancy and didn’t want it to get worse. So far, my experience has been great and the symptoms I started to have are diminishing.
If I had the knowledge I do now, I would’ve started a rehab program as soon as I knew I had DR. I wouldn’t have put it off.
The nice thing about the prenatal program is that it’s not only teaching the participant how to modify their lifestyle and exercises, it also includes a focus on preparing the body for birth and postpartum.
I believe that their hope is to produce long term results, but of course every woman is different with unique needs.
As for the materials, I don’t think ongoing access is provided, but not 100% suret. BTW, the handouts, instructions, and log sheets are printable, and that’s what I plan to use. I’m on my final week and will continue to do the exercises between now and the birth.
You are convincing me with each post to do the prenatal program. One question for you, do you suggest waiting until you receive your splint before starting the program? I’m 23.5wks pregnant right now and have ordered the splint. I am stationed in HI so it may take 3-4wks before receiving it.
IIRC, the initial lesson begins before you get the splint, but I would call them first to double check, because it may have changed. 🙂 I loved the results I got using the prenatal program. I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you so much for the quick response. I’m looking forward to trying this. I’m hoping it will help with my SI joint and sciatica pain as well as help build up my weak core.