I’ve never had strong stomach muscles, so I guess it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I ended up with this condition. I was a cheerleader and did a lot of jumps and back bends and such that put a lot of stress on those muscles. To try to tighten them, I did crunches. Pregnancy and large babies only made the problem more obvious.
However, it wasn’t until my last pregnancy that I became hopeless that these muscles would ever heal. During my pregnancy with Garin (who would turn out to be an overdue 11 pounder), I noticed I could actually see my internal organs moving below the surface of my skin and I could feel the muscles pulling on either side of my belly. In addition to that, I carried bigger than ever and my OB said my uterus had actually flipped over, putting me at risk for yet another C-section.
2 months after I had Garin, this is what I looked like:
All through the years I had only made half-hearted attempts at The Tupler Technique„¢. I had done fairly well despite the fact I was not consistent; however, in the back of my head I figured I would eventually have to resort to surgery and I sort of leaned on that option. In many ways, it seemed easier.
But after the plastic surgeon told me he couldn’t do anything for me until after I was done having children and even then didn’t think it would be the fix I would need, I resigned myself to finding a way to conceal my tummy and just live life fielding comments about when the next baby was due.
That’s when I found the Donjoy brace. It covered my belly, pulled the muscles together and concealed fairly well. But once the brace was off, nothing had changed. The brace didn’t fix anything…it just made it less noticeable.
I also decided losing weight would help some as well. I dropped 20 pounds and looked like this:
The bulge was definitely less protruding…
But, it was nowhere near being gone.
For those of you who do not suffer from this and do not realize the depth of the issue, let me just give you a run down of what it has meant for me (and if you really want to get a good grasp of diastasis recti, read the comments on some of these posts…they will make you cry).
- Clothes that don’t fit right – You either buy a size larger so it will go OVER your belly, or you wear something that goes UNDER your belly and deal with the “potbelly” look. Wearing skirts has made this a little easier as there are some great looks out there with elastic in the waist.
- Maternity clothes that are never big enough – My belly gets so big and hangs down so low because I have no muscles to hold my uterus in place (more on that later). That makes finding tops and bottoms to fit is nearly impossible in later pregnancy.
- A uterus held up by nothing but skin – As I mentioned above, my uterus nearly flipped over. No feet in the ribs here…baby’s feet stick straight out! To turn over in bed, I had to hold my belly or else what little muscle I had left (which were now completely off to each side of my belly) would feel like they were tearing and burning. No support garment was enough to hold the uterus in place, so my OB told me when I went into labor, I would need to pull back on my uterus so baby could engage.
- Lack of labor pattern – Since the DR has gotten really bad, I have struggled to pull together a decent labor pattern. With the uterus out of position, it is very difficult to get labor going.
- Internal organs just below the skin – My muscles are separated and my connective tissues are nearly non-existent. When I first began this program, as I checked for the size of my DR, my fingers could go quite deep into my belly. Sometimes eating would make me nauseous and sometimes sleeping in a certain position would make my insides cramp for hours afterward.
So, as you can see it isn’t simply vanity or pride that drives my desire to heal. This condition isn’t just about how you look.
So, because I know you are all on the edge of your seat wondering how my first week went, let me give you a quick rundown…
This was my profile picture from Day 1:
{I was shocked to see how swayed my back was!}
I watched the DVD and practiced putting on the splints (remember, I have to wear 2).
Here’s what those look like on me:
My diastasis was 10+ finger-widths with deeply damaged connective tissue. When putting on the brace, I had to really move those muscles into place before strapping the velcro. I wear the brace 24 hours a day except for very rare occasions.
The exercises didn’t seem too difficult to start with, but as I kept doing them and made sure I was doing them slowly enough, they were definitely a workout! I did them whenever I could sneak them in (even though Julie recommends you take time out to get away from everything).
A couple of days into it I felt a little nauseous from my insides being held in a position they had not been in in years! Thankfully, Julie warns of this on the video!
One thing happened I was not prepared for, though…
I got grouchy!
I felt bound up. I felt restricted. I felt like I might explode! I got very grouchy with the children and with the splint and the exercises themselves. It was a moment of…
I don’t want to do this!
This is too hard!
(and it was only Day 2!)
And then I got the flu.
So, for about 36 hours, something around my belly was out of the question. Perhaps that was enough time to collect my thoughts and emotions or perhaps I was reminded of morning sickness and WHY I am doing this, but no matter what it was, I put the splint back on as soon as I was well and never looked back!
And one week later, the difference is UNDENIABLE…
Take a look at the side by side from Day 1 to Day 7 (remember, BOTH of these picture are WITHOUT the splint on):
I was shocked and THRILLED! I even think my posture looks a little better without so much out in front to hold up. By the way, I have not lost any more weight (hoping to come off a plateau I’ve been on!) and I am not doing any exercises except for The Tupler Technique„¢ (as required by the program). So, the 2¾” I’ve lost have been ALL because of strengthening my tummy muscles!
As for the diastsis itself, I did not feel any change in finger-width, but did feel a difference in the depth, so that means my connective tissue is healing!
If you are doing this with me, please let me know how you are doing! And I hope this is as encouraging to you as it has been for me!
Deedee says
Well done Amy!! That is a VAST improvement in such a short amount of time.
I have had this condition for the past 11 years since my eldest was born. He was an undiagnosed breech and I was so huge people thought I was having triplets!!
After all my misscarriages I finally had to do something about it! I couldnt’ have any more babies and being constantly asked how many months along I was was leaving me in tears in very strange places! (like the grocery store checkout!!) For my mental health the dr finally agreed to get me some help.
I saw the physio and she was brilliant and after showing me some excersises to do she then recommended that I take up pilates as those core muscle excersises were just what I needed.
I joined a class and dropped two dress sizes in two months – not weight, just dress sizes!! I try to keep up with the Pilates at home now, especially with the Wii fit program too.
I can’t wait to see your progress as you go along! Keep up the great work. It is soooo worth it!
Courtney says
I don’t have this issue (at least not yet) but I was wondering is it painful all the time? It looks like it would be. I am so impressed with the progress you are making with the exercies! What a blessing! Can’t wait to see how you continue to progress.
Blessings,
Courtney
Amy says
No, it is not painful all the time. 🙂
Jessica says
Wow! That’s amazing. I have a two-finger width diastasis, maybe I should try this before it gets any worse.
Caroline says
You are doing a great job Amy! I can tell a big difference in just a weeks time!!
Elizabeth says
Hooray for you! Thank you Lord for such an encouraging first week result for Amy!!! 🙂
Muthering Heights says
I am soooooooooooo checking this out! I’ve been able to lose all of my baby weight each time, but back to back pregnancies, coupled with the fact that I lost 100 pounds, has left me looking slightly pregnant…even though there is no baby on the way!
Grateful Grammy says
Hey Amy, thank you for sharing your vulnerabilities with us. Although this is not a problem I face, I am blessed by your willingness to share a very personal situation with the hope it will be of help others. May the Lord encourage and help you.
Bren- says
Amy-How do you measure the degree? I am going to continue to watch this progress. I am SO excited for you. If this truly works for you, I I am going to pray toward a commitment to do this program. Blessings, Bren-
Amy says
Here’s Julie’s instructions for checking: http://www.maternalfitness.com/diastasis-rehab.html#checking
I have been absolutely amazed!
Jenny Anne says
Oh, you sweet thing! I so feel for you. I am pretty skinny everywhere else but have a lil pot belly after having 4 huge kiddos, and I feel so vain that I want a flat tummy and I hate it when people ask me when I am due. grr! I am just crying tears of joy for you to have made such progress so quickly! I am praying for you and thank you ever so much for being so transparent about the situation. You are beautiful and lovely. It give me such hope.
Lauree says
That is soooo amazing! I don’t have this issue, not even sure I can imagine this, but you are doing awesome!!! What an inspiration for the women who do suffer from the same condition!
Meg Logan says
Absolutely fantastic, inspiring me to maintain the Tupler Technique… I still have inches to lose by closing my diastatis and have kinda petered out on the motivation… I have already closed a 4 finger DR to 1.5 and much less deep. You’re going to feel worlds better! I really should put my splints back on too…
Meg Logan says
Thanks for posting the dangers of a DR, I had no idea! Knowing that will help me to have motivation between pregnancies. Thanks.
Amy says
That’s fantastic, Meg!
Alexis says
Hello!
Thank you for this blog! I was lead here by searching for pregnancy support garments for DR…and what a surprise! I have been debating the Tupler Technique for a few months and I am now pregnant with my 3rd. I have a 4 finger diastasis and was wondering if you know if wearing the splint is safe during pregnancy? Also how would one even put it on without pushing the tummy down further? Your Day 1 and Day 7 photos are so inspiring that I want to do something about mine…yesterday! Please keep us updated on your progress!
🙂
Amy says
Julie says if you have a bad DR, you should wear the splint during pregnancy (as long as it is comfortable). The exercises are safe as well. 🙂
Kim says
I am pregnant too and I have been lying down to put it on. Much easier to get the muscles to go together that way and then you just (carefully) stand up. 🙂
Jennifer says
This is great, Amy! That is a tremendous amount of progress! I was never aware of this problem before, and I am so glad you are finding something that helps.
OKCAHA says
Go, girl! You are an inspiration! I am looking forward to seeing your final results. May the Lord give you strength to persevere to the end!
Joyce says
Amy this has so humbled me. My lower abs have always pertruded no matter how many crunches I have done and I have been frustrated with this. However, after seeing what you are going through I have no reason to complain. Thanks for sharing.
Peace, <
Rebecca I. says
Amy, your results are incredible! And, you can’t put a price on HOPE, can you? Praise the Lord!
As I understand you measure the degree of diastasis by placing your fingers lengthwise in the “crack” on the center of your abdomen while lying on your back and crunching up a little–is that correct? If I can fit 1 1/2 fingers does that mean I have this condition to some degree? What is considered “normal”?
Amy says
Yes..normal is fully closed. You can read here to see exactly how to check: http://www.maternalfitness.com/diastasis-rehab.html#checking
Teresa says
I am not sure if this is what I have or not. After several abdoninal surgeries I have what my husband refers to as a double butt. One in back and one where my tummy should be.
It is like a seam that is indented about two inches deep from my belly button to just about as low as it can go. I have had so many surgeries that they just simply go over old scars. Some of the scars are up to two inches wide as they have stretched with each child. This leaves me with two butt check like bubbles for a tummy. I tried the instructions to check for Diastatis but with so much scar tissue it feels all hard. As for back pain that is something I have a lot of, but I do have a three and one year old I carry around alot.
Beth Yenca says
I am so encouraged by this. I have a slight Diastasis (3 fingers max) after 3 kids. I bought her book a couple of weeks ago but will be buying the dvd, splint and chart. Thank you for being so open with this. I thought it was something I would just have to deal with till I found your blog.
Katie says
wow. this is absolutely wonderful! It is so encouraging and wonderful to see that it actually works! I can’t wait to start it once I get enough money for the splints.
After finding your site months ago, I have been so encouraged by you…so much that I gave a small shout out to you on one of my blogs. Thank you, thank you for sharing this with us…
Holly says
Amazing results! I plan on doing this though my DR isn’t as severe. I’m waiting for my stuff to arrive in the mail!
nancy says
Hi!
Does this brace do the same thing as a belly bandit? I just had #4 and invested in one, but I think I have a diastasis recti, since having twins 2 years ago.
Thanks!
Nancy
Amy says
I looked at it and I don’t think it will do quite the same thing. The splint pushes your muscles into the right position and then holds them there. I don’t think the belly bandit would be quite strong enough to hold those muscles in place, but it would be good to conceal a tummy…just not heal it.
Dawn says
WOW, there is certainly great improvement!! Continued prayers for you Amy!
Jesselyn says
Hi Amy,
I will be doing this with you and will let you know. More power to you, we can do this!!!
You have inspired me to start blogging also to chronicle my journey. As you know, its very hard to find information about DR and hopefully in the future I can help participate in rehabilitating others.
Nadege Armour says
Wow, congratulation on your progress. I too am looking into this program but was wondering if the video and splint would be enough or would I need the book also?
Once again, great job.
Amy says
If you buy the DVD, you will not need the book. 🙂
Kim says
Wow, great job!!!! Having the pictures I bet really helps to keep you focused. I think I will try that too. Otherwise I tend to get discouraged. I can’t wait to see your future updates.
Gail says
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I hadn’t heard of this until I came across your blog. I never knew it even existed! Seeing results like that in just a week make me very excited for you! Keep going! 🙂
Ambritt says
Thank you! I am so anxious to get my supplies and start going. I can’t believe that it made that much of a difference in just 7 days. That is SO encouraging! Thanks for the pictures too, I think I will do the same thing for motivation. So excited!
Rebecca says
Thank you for the update Amy. I had been wondering how it was going for you and hoping you would soon see some progress and experience some relief. But that amount of change is amazing. Well done to you.
I’m sure it’ll be a challenge to keep up with the exercises and the discomfort of the brace, but keep your eyes on the prize girl!
Andrea says
I have ordered my pregnancy kit, hoping it will arrive soon! I will let you know how it goes – I “bound” my abdomen after our last baby, and I know EXACTLY what you mean about getting grouchy!!!!! Pray. And keep looking at the before and afters – pictures and measurements!
Amy says
I am SO glad to hear that someone else understand the grouchy comment! You don’t know how much better that just made me feel! lol
Andrea says
It is the restriction that does it – the restriction of our undergarments, then the restriction of the splint (mine was specifically made for post-pregnancy so that equals tight), and then when you are nursing too, trying to find a comfortable position, holding the baby, etc. I am clausterphobic as well. So I truly felt like I was tied up. Not pleasant. And I gave up. So thank you for the warning!
A Restful Place says
This is wonderful! Praying for you on your journey! Blessings!
Mama Chocolate says
Wow! That’s great! I’ve been looking into the Tupler Technique since you first blogged about it, and I bought the book…but I think the DVD might be more helpful for me!
I’ve always had weak stomach muscles and after my first baby, I had probably a 2 DR. With my second pregnancy, the baby ended up in-less-than-ideal position which my midwife thinks may have been related to the DR. (Similar to how your uterus flips out.)
She explained it like this: When you don’t have the strong stomach muscles and the baby is lying with its face towards your spine, (the best position,) the baby’s body sort of falls back, protruding out of the weak area of muscles in your belly. This isn’t comfortable for the baby in general, especially for the neck as it gets larger, so the baby tends to turn around, which makes for a sunny-side-up baby, unless you can get them to turn before/during labor.
Fortunately, my baby did finally turn before she actually came out, but it made my labor much longer and harder because she started in that position.
I’m not sure that DR is entirely to blame, or that it would always cause this, but it’s a theory my (very seasoned) midwife has. She’s noticed many more baby positioning problems in women who have DR, than in those women who don’t.
In any case…besides all the other benefits you listed, I’d would also very much like to prevent repeating the last labor I had!
My DR is a 4 now after my second pregnancy, and I really want to get it fixed before I get pregnant and need to deliver a baby again!
You’ve inspired me to really get on top of it! I just need to get the DVD and splint!
Thanks! 🙂
Keren says
This is wonderful; I am so happy for you! And happy to see it is working.
I have had 2 births so far, and after the last my midwife mentioned at the postpartum checkup that I did have some separation, but it wasn’t bad. That was really all I knew about it, and I assumed it would close up. (It was only minor, like 2 fingers after the birth.) She showed me an exercise I could do right after birth, but she didn’t explain more, and I thought I could do crunches later to close it up; I had no idea it actually mad it worse!
Fast forward 18 months later. A doula friend and my Bradley instructor both posted a link to your blog on this topic (last week’s) on their walls. (I’d read here several years back, but hadn’t been back.) And then it started to make sense. About 5 months ago, I realized I needed to lose some weight as I, too, looked like I was mildly pregnant. I had been walking and cut my diet back, but I still wasn’t losing weight. So I joined a fitness club and have been running several miles a day and then focusing on using machines that worked out my abs. I’ve lost about 25 pounds so far (I’m now about 145 lbs), but I still have a mummy tummy.
I had no idea that the ab machines I was using are probably actually worsening the problem. I measured my DR, and it’s about 1-1.5, but I’m wondering if this will help. I ordered your recommendations, and they arrived today. I am looking forward to starting.
Also, the Tupler site mentioned that this sometimes exhibits itself in stomach problems. Well, I had horrible stomach problems the entire first year after I had our baby, and now it makes sense that it was probably related to the DR.
I am so thankful you wrote about this, and that I can get a head start on jumping on this before I get more stretched out and hopefully go through more pregnancies.
Amy says
Yay! I think you will be really pleased with the results!
Valerie says
YAY AMY!!! Wow, so happy for your quick victory and I’m inspired to get started – I ordered my splint yesterday (Julie herself answered the phone) and as soon as it arrives, I’m with you!! I put my Donjoy back brace for sale on craigslist. Thanks for the update!
Amy says
I kept my Donjoy brace to wear when I’m washing the splints…just a thought. 😉 (and Julie pretty much ALWAYS answers the phone!)
Valerie says
Ah. Good idea.
And that’s funny, I figured she’d have a huge staff to handle everything, didn’t mean to sound star-struck, ha ha!. I’m so thankful she’s devoted her life and career to this little-known condition. What a blessing!
Jessica says
I have a silly question-how do you pronounce this? Is is diAStasis or diaSTASis?
Amy says
Not a silly question! For years I have pronounced it diaSTASis, but Julie pronounces it diAStasis…I’m having a hard time changing how I say it and I’m not sure one is wrong and another right. 😉
Jessica says
Also, thank you for this! I had heard of this but never gave it much thought because I thought it wasn’t something that I would have. I just thought that my protruding tummy was just something I was going to have to live with from having 8 pregnancies. I work out and my tummy always stays squishier than the rest of me. But my back hurts and I feel I’m always having to tighten my ab muscles b/c it feels like everything is hanging out with no support. I thought maybe I need to work a little harder on my ab lounge. Then I read your post and thought, “hmmmmm….maybe? But if I do have this, surely it can’t be that bad?” Then I checked and I am a 4! It was actually a huge relief because now I know there is something I can do about it to relieve my discomfort-both in how I feel and how I look. I will be ordering the supplies you suggest in the next few days. I can’t wait to be able to relieve this pressure on my lower back! Thank you again!
Laurie says
I am so proud of you for doing this! I got my splint and DVD yesterday and started watching the DVD last night. Today is the first day I have started wearing the splint. 🙂
Amy says
Yay for you! Keep me posted!
Coach Sara says
Just as a caveat to those who are measuring themselves at home: don’t lift your head all the way up. bring it up very slowly and take the measurement just as the muscles start to move toward your midline. Before Julie trained me, i was lifting my head all the way up, which brings the muscles together, then poking my fingers in and thinking I was fine. Turned out, I had a 3 finger diastasis. I was just measuring myself wrong.
Way to go, Amy! Very excited about your progress!
Amy says
Thanks! And I was doing the same thing! I thought I had an 8 finger width, when really I have a 10+!
Mama Chocolate says
I just ordered the splint and DVD! 🙂 Can’t wait to get started!
Michelle says
Hi! I’ve been following you for awhile as I read earlier that you suffered from diastasis recti like me. Unfortunately I have only had one kid (in normal range weight) and suffer from a severe case of this also. I thank you for blogging about your journey. I also attempted Julie’s method a few months ago to no success. I am now restarting like you (and waiting for my 2nd splint!) and am hoping to see some progress. Please keep letting us know how it is working.
How large of a separation do you have? I have 8 squished fingers worth (about 3.5″) and I have to say I feel pretty hopeless about this – I don’t know how I”ll carry more children! Anyway keep it up – I’m drawing inspiration from you!
Amy says
I have a 10+ finger width gap. I am already feeling less depth to the diastasis so that means the connective tissue is healing. I hope to see the dR coming together soon!
Linda Williams says
Amy, thank you for sharing your journey! I think you and I had a discussion about this in 2007 on MOMYS. I cringed in pain when I saw your photos and read your post… because they look exactly like mine, and your description of what it feels to have this condition is exactly like my experience. It hurts like no one can imagine. You know how some women are offended when people stare at their chests? I hate it when I’m talking to someone I’ve just met, and all they do is stare at my belly. And I KNOW they are wondering why I haven’t mentioned my “pregnancy” yet. I’ve been to the doc and heard the same ol’ thing: only surgery will help. I didn’t bother doing anything about it, since I wasn’t done having babies, but now I am 5 months postpartum after a c-section, and ready to reclaim the body God blessed me with. Inspired by you, I’ve ordered the whole Tupler package… I’ve had the book for years but just ignored it, thinking it wouldn’t work. I’m ready now, and excited to join you in getting rid of my mommy-tummy!
Amy says
Wow! Yes, I am sure we discussed this back then. So glad to have you along! Keep me posted, please!
Cindy says
I have this also. I wish I had known that until you “heal” it that all the crunches/sit-ups etc will potentially make it worse. Not to mention it was frustrating that I could barely pull myself up into a crunch bc the muscles didn’t seem to exist at all…that’s when we noticed the “triangle” popping up. I didn’t have doctors who could tell me anything, so hubby went on the web last summer. I am looking forward to beginning my exercises again after baby #4 comes in July!
Martha Artyomenko says
That is really interesting, Amy.
His daughter +5 says
Wow!!! Keep up the good work. You can do it!
I just wanted to share a little something with you and the rest of the ladies. I am a mother of 5 so I can relate. My mom informed me of a garment called Abdo Woman. This garment is designed to give abdominal support and reinforces the lower back. By the use of special material in the garment, the muscles in the abdomen experience a rise in temperature, helping to burn fat.
So as a result it reduces up to 2 sizes, firms the abdomen while smoothing your appearance, supports the back, helps protect the spine from backaches, helps relieve muscular fatigue.
And for me the best thing of all was that I was still able to wear my nursing bra and nurse my baby freely. It basicly acted as a cami for me while working the abs.
Here’s the other secret. You put it on feet first and bring it up from the bottom. What this did for me was pull up my “extra tummy” then pushed it in.
You can wear this to the gym during your workout or even use it later to maintain all of your hard work later.
I’m sorry if this was “long winded” but I just wanted to make sure I gave detailed info on all that I knew about this piece that has done wonders for me in my life with baby #5.
Here’s the website for all who’s interested http://www.ardysslife.com/carmellahib
mamashortcake says
How long do the exercises takes and how do you fit them in with caring for the children, homeschooling, etc.? I want to do this, but I’m not sure how to fit it in especially if it takes a long time each day.
Thanks!
Amy says
You’ll need 5-10 mins 3x a day. HOWEVER, I do them in the van while I’m driving, I do them while I’m sitting at the computer, I do them when I’m playing on the floor with the kids. I have to just take what I can get. 🙂
mamashortcake says
Thanks, Amy!
Kathleen says
Yay for you for doing this. I actually started 10 days ago with physical therapy to heal my DR issues (and other child birth issues-internal). I had been doing boot camps, running like crazy and nothing has worked. Turns out I was really making my stomach worse with all the sit-ups not to mention the stress on my back and other muscles. I’m a week in and I can see a different. Instead of the brace, I’m wearing under armour core shorts. (I’m 2+ years post pardum)
Jesselyn says
Hi Amy,
I got my splints last night and wore it today. How do I know if I’m wearing it right? Also Julie did mentioned it is safe to wear while pregnant but wouldn’t it squeeze the baby??? I feel restrictions on my movement right now (maybe because I’m not used to it yet). I will also start the exercises today and will let you know.
Amy says
Did you watch Julie’s video on putting on the splints? It should be enough to let you know if you have it on right. There are restrictions on your movements and she said to only wear it in pregnancy if it is comfortable.
Jane says
It is very encouraging to see the progress you’ve made; I discovered your site a year ago when I was diagnosed with DR after getting pregnant with my second child. I just had my insurance deny me surgery to fix it (combo hernia repair/abdomnioplasty) so I was thinking of trying the Tupler technique. I was told that only surgery would fix my DR (six fingers) but obviously it’s working for you. I have a question that maybe you or someone else here can answer — is Tupler safe when you have an umbilical hernia?
As a side note, this is my second umbilical hernia in two years, both caused by DR — I’m doomed for more unless I fix this thing somehow.
Also thank you for writing about this. It comforted me to know I wasn’t alone.
Amy says
Someone else emailed me this question and I asked Julie and she said you CAN do it w/ an umbilical hernia b/c it is the CAUSE. 🙂
Ren says
Amy
I just got a link to this site through MOMYS! Thank you for sharing this info. I had no clue I could do anything other than wait for a surgery after I was done having kids…..
I am 7 weeks to having my fourth c-section….do you think it would make more sense for me to wait until after I heal from surgery to start? I more worried about the belt size and it fitting righ. I have a 7 finger width distasis.
Amy says
Yes, I think it would probably make sense for you to wait since you are so very close to delivering another blessing! 🙂
Melissa says
Amy, I am so excited to see your post here! A friend pointed me to your blog–and I have known for some time that I have a huge separation of my abdominal muscles. I have one splint (but may need TWO) and all of Julie Tupler’s stuff…the book, the dvd, the exercise bands, etc. I am committed to doing this! I thought it would just be a waste of time, but after seeing your before/after photos–I am convinced that MAYBE I can fit into normal clothes again soon! It is SO depressing to shop! Also…I would love to know your thoughts on having a tubal reversal and about VBAC deliveries after THREE cesareans. I broke a rib 2 days before my first born was to be induced at 41 weeks and they told me my only option was a c-section. Then I had my 2nd child only 15 months later, and I was told that it was too risky to try to vbac so close. After 2 cesareans, there isn’t an OB in my city who will attempt a vbac…so when baby #3 was born, again, I wasn’t given a choice. We also had my tubes tied because we thought we were done. But both my husband and I feel that we have shut off a form of blessing from the Lord! Thoughts? You can email me directly if that is easier…and to keep it off the comment thread. Thanks for your feedback…and for sharing so openly here on your blog!
Amy says
Welcome! If the Lord is laying on your heart to seek a reversal, then don’t let the world stand in your way. He may not choose to bless you with another child again, but He will hold you accountable for your faithfulness and bless you for that faithfulness.
I’ve a VBA2C and had to search long and hard for a doc that would take me on. However, I did find one and one that also believed most c-section scars heal quite well. (and she checked after my last birth and said you couldn’t even tell I’d had a c-section!) Yes, there are ruptures that occur and the more times that scar has been opened the more the chance it will rupture. So, you have to weigh your options if you are not hearing the Lord on this matter. It is not a light matter and one that should be pursued with much prayer.
Keep seeking Him! 🙂
Brooke says
I have a couple of questions. First, when measuring the circumference of your belly, should you be standing or lying down? Also, is the guidebook necessary?
Amy says
You’re not measuring the circumference, you’re measuring the finger-width of the gap in your belly. Lie on your back and try to feel between the muscles. If you need to roll up a bit into a crunch situp to tell where those muscles lie, do that. Then measure by how many fingers fit between that gap. The guidebook is only necessary if you need to keep track…which I do!
Brooke says
Oops, I was meaning to find the size of the splint I need to get. I guess I forgot to say that part. I have a 2-3 inch difference when I stand up than when I lie down, and that makes a difference in the size.
Amy says
OH! Measure standing up. 🙂
Heidi says
I am almost done with week two of the Tuppler technique. The splint dOes not lay flat at all and always comes undone. I just ordered the other splint you talked about on a previous post. I was wondering , does it bring my muscles together like the TT splint?
Amy says
Heidi – I have to wear two splints, otherwise they would not lay flat. The other splint will hold your muscles together (I wear it when I’m washing my Tupler splints), but it’s not quite as tight as the two Tupler splints. Is it possible you needed two?
Maria says
Hi Amy, I havn’t seen a Dr about it, but I am pretty sure I have some degree of DR, as my tummy also looks continually pregnant 😉 I also look HUGE by 10weeks along already. I have been meaning to “get back in shape” for the last 3 pregnancies, but I always end up being too lazy to actually get anything done. So, I am now beginning to prepare for a possible pregancy some time soon (just got my period back…) and I really really want to straighten myself up at least a little, precisely because I keep thinking that it can’t be good for my tummy to have all this strain on it again and again without me ever “caring for it”. Now I am wondering, can you do these exercices if you’re 1st or 2d trimester pregnant? or is that unsafe in any way? thanks and sorry if you posted about this elsewhere. Greetings and merry christmas to you 🙂
Amy says
Maria,
Hello! Yes, the exercises can be done while pregnant, but you will not be able to close the gap while pregnant, just keep it from splitting further. My doctor suggested I wear the pregnancy splint I mention in my Pregnancy Support post and then remember to hold your muscles in (something I am not good at when pregnant). Do what you can now with the anticipation that during the next pregnancy you will simply maintain what you’ve managed to do. I think you will see a huge improvement!
Maria says
Thanks for the info. I’m going to look more into all this and hopefully get started real soon 🙂
mommymichael says
OH my gosh! I didn’t know there was a name for it. Losing weight has helped with my protruding belly. Lost the fat and now have saggy belly skin from the 9lb baby! Even with the 6lb baby, my belly stuck WAY out front. With my 2nd baby, I became pregnant just 7.5mo after the first! I was showing by 13 weeks! With my third I felt that same buring in my muscles, for me it was right at the top near my sternum. I felt like I was on fire if I tried to get out of bed a certain way.
I can (and have) pushed my fingers into my belly near my belly button and felt my pulse from my superior vena cava. I have done a lot of ab exercises, crunches and sit ups of various kinds but noticed no difference. I just didn’t think there was any way to bring the muscles back together.
I’m going to look more into this! I have never heard of it!
Tammie says
Amazing
You are helping me so much right now. I’ve been suffering for 4 years