This week something amazing happened!
Now brace yourself (or splint yourself!) because what I am about say is probably going to make you laugh, but…
I actually DO have a belly button!
For YEARS (and I am not exaggerating here), my belly button has either been pushed out from pregnancy or pushed out from my diastasis. In fact, not too long ago I jokingly told my children I didn’t have one!
But I do now!
That’s right! My connective tissue is strong enough now that my organs are not pushing on my belly as much and my belly button is actually visible. Not that my little ole belly button is something I plan on showing off, but it is one more proof that the Tupler Technique is working!
And here are the pictures…
The total inches off my waist from Day 1 to Day 14 is 4 inches!
If you have any questions, feel free to ask and also check out my Diastasis Recti from a Mom’s Perspective page. Next week I’ll try to answer some of your questions with Julie’s help.
If you are looking for the products you need to follow along with me, click on the banner below:
Disclosure: I received some of Julie’s products and services for free; however, I do not benefit in any way from the sales of these products. You get my honest opinion and honest results.
Linda Williams says
WOW… fantastic! What an amazing difference. I can’t wait to join you… I’m waiting for my DVD etc. to arrive from Julie’s office, and then I’m totally IN. I’m so excited for you, your belly looks so good!
Gail says
Great results! You can even tell that your posture looks better! (I hope that doesn’t sound wrong or offensive!) I’d say what your doing is working! Very exciting! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us!
mamashortcake says
Wow, you are giving me such hope! My DR is not as large but still uncomfortable, and I also have multiple prolapses which bring their own issues. I ordered one of the packages and expect it some time next week! Can’t wait to start.
Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama says
Do you see a chiropractor? I’m guessing after a couple months on this plan that a chiropractor would really help correct your posture and fix whatever is left of the problem.
Amy says
I saw a chiro while I was pg, but now that we have moved, I haven’t found anyone here.
Jules says
Hey there:) I just love seeing your success! I’m praying for continued strength every day in completing your exercises, and may you feel refreshed and encouraged each step of the way 🙂 Thanks for posting and for inspiring others to act through your actions:)
jillian says
wow! thats such good progress. I’m so happy for you. I ordered my kit yesterday. It was pretty expensive, but it’ll be worth it if I don’t have another 18 hour labor. I was stalled at 9cm for hours. My midwife tried to help by tying a scarf aroung my belly to hold it up, but Iwas too uncomfortable to leave it on. I’m sure if it wasn’t a homebirth, a dr. would’ve given me a c section. my midwife did warn me that if I get pregnant with #8 in my current state, I could end up with another long labor or worse. My little guy is almost one now and not nursing as much, so the pressure is on. I’m looking forward to joining you soon Amy!!
Amy says
My dr had me hold my belly in place any time I contracted and I think that is the only reason I avoided a C-section this last time!
Karen says
Amy,
I want you to know how excited I am for you! To see how well this is working for you and by the pictures, you can see a WONDERFUL difference! While you are working, God’s grace is this is still just as amazing. How awesome.
Rebecca says
What wonderful progress, and congratulations on the belly button! I’m just amazed at how much of a difference you are seeing already.
Aside from having a belly button to (not) show off, are you noticing other physical changes? Do you feel more comfortable, or does all the brace wearing make it hard to tell?
Amy says
I feel stronger…for lack of a better word. I’m also realizing how long it has been since I’ve been ABLE to hold my tummy in!
Laurie says
Ok. I just finished my first week. I have to admit that wearing the splint is very annoying to me. However, I see the results from doing the exercises and wearing the splint and it is exciting enough to keep it up. 🙂 Seeing your progress is very exciting!
Amy says
Are you taking pictures! That helps A LOT! For me, the splint has become much less annoying the longer I’ve worn it. 😉
Laurie says
Thanks for the reminder! I need to take a one week picture. Everyone I see keeps asking if I have lost weight. You know my secret! 😉
Beth Covalt says
Your Tummy Chronicles has completely inspired me! After delivering seven, my last at 40, I am realizing that my belly isn’t baby fat gone amuck but diastasis. Your experience gives me hope to keep up the exercises. Thank you.
Delina McPhaull says
All I can say is WOW! I have no excuse (besides the cost of the program). I really need to do this…
Heather says
Wow. That is an impressive amount of inches….especially for not that long of time!!
briana says
Hi, I have had the book for four years and have done the exercises off and on but never used a splint. I can’t even tell how wide my separation is!
I have a question for you. Do I need the DVD or is just the book, splint, and guidebook enough? I guess I should go over to Julie’s website and ask her, lol.
I think I’m going to order the splint this week even though our budget says no. I’ve tried to help my back pain in other ways and now I think it’s time to get back to strengthening my tummy.
P.s. I have 8 children.
Amy says
Personally, I think the DVD is better b/c I am a visual person and needed to SEE exactly what Julie was talking about. I feel my exercises were more effective because of it. But, you can “get by” with just the book and you can even “get by” w/o the guidebook if you are faithful to keep track. Again, being a visual person and needing a checklist, the guidebook is really important for me!
Jessica says
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I have a question for you though, I just received my splint am having a difficult time with it. I have more of an “hourglass” shaped torso so the splint folds over when I sit. I know that the recommendation is to use two, but I didn’t even have the money to buy the first one so I really shouldn’t buy a second! Do you have any ideas of something (inexpensive) that I could do for a while until I am able to purchase a second splint?
Amy says
That’s a question for Julie. Go to her website and either call or email her and I’m sure she’d be glad to help you and give you suggestions! 🙂
Coach Sara says
you could try a compression garment under the splint. like a spanx tank top or the boy shorts that come all the way up to your ribs. i often buy them for my clients at discount stores for no more than $12. Ross, TJMaxx, Daffy’s, etc. Target, Walmart and Kmart all have affordable lines of girdle type tanks and shorts. This will keep the skin etc. in place and help the splint to sit better. I always wear one when i go to a movie or know I’ll be sitting for a while, cause I have extra chub that splooshes over the top of the splint. lol
Amy says
I often wear my splints over a cami..it really does help!
Coach Sara says
Amy, how’s your back pain? notice any improvement?
Amy says
Sara,
I’ll be honest…I didn’t have any back pain until wearing the splint at night. I’m still noticing it. Any thoughts?
Coach Sara says
well, I do know that you are conditioning a group of muscles that were VERY out of shape, so soreness is going to be a major factor. I have had clients quit because they mis-interpreted TA soreness as back pain. One good way to check in is to ask yourself if the discomfort is on both sides of the back. if so, then it is soreness. if you only feel it on one side, then cut back on your reps per day or take a day off to rest and recover. just know that your goal is to catch up with the guidebook, but it’s fine to take a little more time. When I started headlifts, I found that I had to do a week of sets of 15 in order to get strong enough to do sets of 20. that jump from 10 to 20 was just too much for me. Def. trust your body. and ask lots of questions! Julie is there for you via email and Skype, so take advantage of that opportunity. 🙂
Amy says
It seems to be rather random when I hurt versus when I do not. It is all across my lower back (a place I do not usually hurt). Thanks for the information!
Finny says
Hi,
Very interested and consoled by your tummy chronicles. After a single and then a twin pregnancy (where I was huge), I was left with a diastasis of thirteen fingers. Just as you mention, I could (and still sometimes can), see some of my internal organs quite clearly when I’m lying on my back. I’ve been shocked by the lack of knowledge and practical advice available from supposed experts such as physiotherapist, none of whom seem to have heard of the Tupler Technique. It’s frustrating and depressing.
I wondered if you noticed that your diastasis become much more obvious in the second half of your cycle? Mine does and I’m presuming that it’s because the womb is larger/heavier at that stage. I’m always so glad to then get my period as the diastasis goes from looking like a five-month pregnancy to a three-month one!
Katy Waldrop says
Wow! Congratulations! I’m pretty sure I’m gonna do this… 😀