Before I had Baby #9, my OB told me she would be splinting my abdominals right after birth. I started researching what kind of splint would be best for me to purchase to have on hand for when I came home and got back to work on my abdominal separation. After a lot of researching, I found one that I am absolutely THRILLED with and wanted to share with all of you!
Many of you know about my Diastasis Recti page here on Raising Arrows. It’s been a long and arduous journey with only nominal results – mostly because of my lack of commitment. I have a lot of kids, and it has been difficult to find the time to work on those abs in the proper way. I know…it’s an excuse. (I am trying very hard to release all my excuses, but some I still find myself holding onto.)
Because my doctor was so proactive about helping me with my separation, I felt encouraged to get back to work with a renewed energy and focus. But, I needed a splint that would be ready for me when I was ready for it.
After a lot of research and a great sale, I ended up purchasing the 3 Panel Splint from The Tummy Team a couple of weeks before I gave birth.
The reason I chose this particular splint is because I am short-waisted (as in EXTREMELY short-waisted), and what I read about it on The Tummy Team site made a lot of sense. Plus, they said it was COMFORTABLE! I am all about being comfortable!
I did not take the splint to the hospital when I had baby because I knew my doctor would be splinting me there, but you definitely could take this splint with you if you are unsure what your hospital does in regards to splinting. Splinting the hospital helped SO MUCH with my pain. I felt “together.” The splint I was given in the hospital was a DONJOY and retailed for $140. It was nearly identical in shape to the 3 Panel Splint I had purchased – but not nearly as strong!
I get asked all the time which DR splints are my favorites. The 3 Panel Splint has BY FAR become my absolute favorite!
What I like about it:
- It truly is comfortable.
- It stays put.
- It isn’t hot.
- The velcro is strong, and I feel very supported.
- It fits my body well.
- It doesn’t show under my clothing.
- It is reasonably priced.
My current plan of attack for working on my diastasis is to use the Tupler Technique. I am part of a small accountability group of friends. However, if you don’t know where to start, or need a little more help, encouragement, or one-on-one time, The Tummy Team offers classes you can take online with personalized help. Click HERE to learn more!
Please, do your own research as to which splint is right for YOU, but I can almost guarantee The Tummy Team has it!
And here are a couple of photos of me at 4 months postpartum wearing the splint under my clothing. I like to wear the splint over the various nursing camisoles I own (nursing camisoles are definitely worth the investment! CLICK HERE to see the wide selection available on Amazon. The one I am wearing in the upper photos is an Undercover Mama that hooks into your nursing bra.)
I also want to show you something encouraging…
The first photo below is me on Day 1 of starting my DR workout back in 2011. The second photo is me a few weeks ago. Both are without a splint.
MUCH better
(and MUCH BETTER posture too!)
THIS IS ENCOURAGING!!!
I’m also hoping to start writing more Fit Mom of Many posts, so be looking for my diastasis updates, as well as my fitness and weight loss updates! You might even catch me on Instagram or Facebook or Twitter walking, exercising, or (*gasp*) running! #fitmama #fitmomofmany
You can check out my Fit Mom of Many page by clicking the graphic below:
I am so excited at the prospects of what I hope to accomplish this go-round! I hope you will join me!
Suanna says
Amy, Thanks for sharing an update. I used a 3 panel binder after my last pregnancy it really seemed to help. Looking forward to more updates.
Jillian says
Ugh! A few weeks back I ordered the new Tupler splint and it cost twice as much! Ladies, this really is a great deal. I ended up not using it because my morning sickness was really bad, but my midwife is really wanting me to start the exercises again since she can see that my belly is already tipping forward. I should show you a picture. I look like I’m way further along. ;{ I look forward to your updates though as they really are encouraging.
Amy says
You won’t see real great results during pregnancy – more maintenance than anything, but it is worth it! to get a jump start!
Dovey says
Can you turn me on to your small online accountability group. My diastasis is just as bad as yours was in 2011. I started noticing mine in early 2011 with an umbilical hernia, but it took me another year to actually get a diagnosis. I’m also struggling with excuse making. We have 7 children. I’m tired. I keep getting sick, etc. But…I need some accountability to work on my diastasis. Thanks in advance.
Amy says
Hi Dovey! It’s not actually my group…sorry. Perhaps you could find some others here who would be interested in forming a group!
Jessica says
This just makes me laugh because I feel like I’m always telling you – Hey, me too! And my splint is expected to arrive in the mail today LOL! I started with the Tummy Team just this week 🙂 And I do owe it all to you, as I’d never heard of Diastasis Recti before your site. We’re getting to the point of we could be expecting a new baby in the womb any time now and I’m still not feeling totally healed up from our last baby born in October, so I figured it was time to take the plunge. Thanks for the encouragement!
Brooke says
I did Tummy Team. Loved it! It was a great program!
Heather @To Sow a Seed says
I just delivered my ninth child (2nd c-section) Fri., and am well aware that my diastastis situation after this 10 lb., 9 oz. Chunker is just going to be worse. Checking out The Tummy Team…
Mrs L says
Oooh…this post makes me squirm. I’ve never exercised or worked on my diastasis- but I am 4 months out from baby #4 and….well- things are bad in the belly department. (And back pain).
I have to admit last time you were regularly posting Fit Mom of Many posts- I was skipping them!! I really have turned a blind eye to my health.
I might commit this to prayer- as I pray for you and your goals!
Amy says
For YEARS I turned a blind eye toward my own health. I realized that I was not caring for this temple of the Lord, I was not honoring him with my body, I was not in the shape I needed to be in to do His work here on earth. It totally changed how I saw diet and exercise.
Joy says
So glad you found out about The Tummy Team! I did their online program and loved it. And I really liked their 3-panel splint so much more than the Tupler ones I had previously tried. My diastasis is getting closer to being closed–so exciting!
Amy says
That’s great to hear!
Lori says
I was just wondering how DR is diagnosed. I have looked 6M pregnant since my second was born almost 4 years ago. I always figured it was a weight issue, but even my back has a pregnancy curve. Does the brace help with posture as well, I feel incredibly weak in the abdominal area. Any advice would be welcomed!
Amy says
If you go to my Diastasis page, you’ll see a video that tells you how to diagnose it. You should be able to tell for yourself if this is your problem after watching the video.
Shannon says
I’m so glad you posted this! I have dealt with DR for years and I’m short-waisted as well, so this is very helpful.
Dove says
I have the splint from the Tupler Technique but haven’t really used it. I found it so confusing to put on and very uncomfortable,. I have about 5 different belly binders and they are all so uncomfortable! I have to do something about my DR though, my back hurts and I’m not even pregnant right now. Is this splint much better than the tupler one? I hate to waste more money. Thank you!!
Amy says
I also have the Tupler splint (the newer black one – I think it is the newest design) and I agree – it IS hard to figure out. I have found this 3 Panel one to be MUCH better than the others I have tried to date and super simple to use. The only thing I would caution is that you will want to wear it OVER a camisole or t-shirt and not up against your skin because in between the panels could pinch your skin.
sabrina says
I know this post is almost a year old, but I just want to say thank you. I’ve been thinking about #5 for a while now (my baby turned one in January and I had a 5 finger width diastasis at 3 months post partum). I was thinking I’d like a splint of sorts for after that (if I do get pregnant again). I still have issues with my separation (it is down to 2-3 width and 1/2 inch depth, though, which is good).
I remember after having my baby, I couldn’t actually get out of bed for lack of core. I rolled onto my back during the night, and our toddler cried, and I couldn’t get up. I had to nudge my husband awake and ask him to go to her while I attempted to roll onto my side. And I literally had to grab the bed and use my arms because there was NOTHING in my core to help me. I couldn’t believe it. I have a ‘water weight’ binder of sorts… it is a single panel with Velcro, and is not comfortable as it constantly moves up the waist and I have to pull it down or whatever. I do not like it. It’s ok for sleeping though. But it is very visible under clothes.
I used your blog when I was first researching diastasis, and your posts helped me see that I would be ok (I panicked at first). Thank you again.