diastasis/separated stomach muscles, what should do I do? any experiences?

[Gemzooks]

I just got diagnosed with diastasis after birth of DC2 5 months ago.. saw a consultant general surgeon last week who said 'wait till she's 1, do lots of exercise and then think about having an operation) (operation being sewing the stomach muscles together and having a tummy tuck at the same time).

Has anyone had this? I don't think exercise is helping; I've done loads and have lost all pre-preg weight but my stomach is bulging and makes me look about 6 months preg!

[cheerfulvicky]

Hiya gemzooks.
Do you know how big the gap is? And have you heard of the tupler technique? I had a small gap, about 2 fingers. I tried to do the exercises to close it but kept forgetting Apparently it can take a few months to have any effect, but it really does help. Have a google.
Sorry I can't be more help, but I do know how distressing it can be. There are quite a few threads on here in the archives that I found helpful (search for diastasis recti or separated abdomen), and I'm sure others will be along shortly to share their experiences!

[marjean]

I have this. Ask (demand) to be referred to a physio. Don't try and do exercises without advice as there are many things you can do to make it worse. I think that before trying any exercises, surgery seems rather severe. HTH

[brightredballoon]

My MW said I had this when I went for my booking in apt with my second child. I was referred to a Physio as I also had a sore back which they thought was related. During pregnancy I had to pull my tummy button in towards my back and avoid some sitting up from lying down actions etc. After having my son the gap was 4 fingers wide but the physio then advised me to do the tummy button thing and add in the plank and a cat raise (think its a yoga move). Anyway 3 months later I had 1 finger gap which has remained since then but I don#t have the bulging belly anymore so I am not bothered.
I think the specific exercises can help but like a previous poster has said I wasnt to do sit ups until the gap had narrowed

[Gemzooks]

thanks, all! I'm in the Netherlands where they are rather relaxed about this kind of thing to say the least. the plus side is you decide in labour whether to give birth at home or in the hospital etc. the consultant said 'oh, get some physio and do lots of sport', then have the op when the baby is 1.'

I can't really tell about the gap because when I tense it it feels like only 1-2 fingers lower down but there's a massive gaping hole in the middle, hence the GP thinking it was a hernia. I've ordered the tupler book and am doing holding it in exercises, cat stretch etc, tbh I do find light crunches help it somehow as well. There is NO WAY I could do a full sit up though!

are there specialised physios for this? I'm not sure a standard physio would know about it?

[KatysOCMama]

A structured Pilates core exercise program is one of the best ways to bring the separated muscles back together. All exercises must be done with the muscles sucked in, and if you can accompany them with a Kegel as well, that will work to pull all those inner muscles back together eventually. Here is an article I found helpful: www.examiner.com/x-22832-Orange-County-Early-Childhood-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m9d5-Healthy-m om-happy-child-Where-did-my-flat-stomach-go-Diagnosis-diastasis

Good luck!