Stomach muscles split; does this happen to everyone and whsn will I stop still looking pregnant??!

[emeraldgirl1]

C section last week and though it goes without saying I am in love with my new baby I am not in love with my stomach which still looks about 8m pregnant. I know I am being silly and there are bigger things to worry about and be grateful for!! But it is getting me down already :( especially as I have serious body image issues.

Though I knew the c section would wreak havoc I am more concerned about the muscles that I think 'split' during pregnancy, the higher up stomach muscles. I was once told that you could avoid these muscles splitting in prsgnancy with exercise etc but am I wrong? I exercised very carefully, Pilates etc so if I have done something silly and made it worse I will be so frustrated with myself!

I am trying to do good posture now to help get things working again but it is so hard with a newborn who wants to cuddle at funny angles in bed! I kept ending up accidentally 'doming' my tummy as I try to move her around when she is lying on me. I am getting worked up because I know this will only make it worse!! Trying to do the gentle tummy exercises they showed me at hospital but surprise surprise I have almost no time to do them!

Can anyone offer advice or even just reassurance? I don't want to look like posh spice in three days tins but I do want to know I can get my tummy flat(ish) again one day :(

Could be wrong but think I saw this on Embarrassing Bodies, the woman ended up having surgery to correct it. Hopefully you won't have too of course! Hope it gets better before too long.

Google diastasis recti, it sounds like what you have. Ask your midwife to refer you to an obstetric physio (you can self refer before 6 weeks I think). She'll give you modified sit ups to do so you don't widen the gap by doing normal ones. There's a group online called mutu (google again) that is helpful, although the exercise vid bit costs you shouldn't need to purchase anything if you get a good physio when referred.
I have this exact problem, my baby also born by (planned) CS is now 13 months and my belly has gone down a lot, however I've not been great with my exercise (excuses I know but I have a 3 year old too and I'm exhausted!).
I do think if you were really committed and did the right modified crunches daily you'd see a real difference by 6 months.
Try googling tupler technique also (I didn't try it but it has lots of positive feedback.)
Good luck, you're not alone, even if it feels like it.
Oh also try mutu mamas Facebook group for support, it's a closes group but send a request and they'll let you join.