Apron/diastatis recti post babies/weight loss

[IncognitoGut]

This is mortifying as I hate my stomach so much after c sections and other surgery in that area and never having had a hint of a flat stomach being an apple shape, but does this look like diastatis recti to anyone in the know? I can just about live with the apron but it’s also the sticky out bit at the top, this was this morning pre coffee or anything to eat. Perhaps rubbish posture? I do plan on toning up a bit but I’ve lost a significant amount of weight and walk a fair bit and this is the only area of my body I’m self conscious of. My youngest is 1. I have a BMI of around 20/21 and my waist to height ratio is healthy. Thank you (please don’t be unkind about my body as I don’t think I can hack it!).

Have you heard of the Mutu system? I tried it for a year, it did make some improvements though I didn't do so well from it as others I know. Its basically re-teaching you how to walk and hold yourself to focus on strengthening the correct muscles and a program of daily exercise. They are Pilates type exercises that focus on the internal muscles and target diastasis. I think it was about £100 subscription for a year.

There are other similar programs around, from my research all are Pilates based micro exercises that focus on strengthening your core.

Thank you @Hoolahoophop that sounds interesting, I have actually ordered a Pilates dvd as getting to classes a bit tricky. I guess before I throw a lot of money at it, it would be good to know what the current situation is. I've googled photos but they always seem to show quite muscular and very slim ladies so it's hard to compare. I also googled posture and how to stand and sit properly but I'm still clueless front on I look petite then I turn to the side! I don't want to lose any more weight really either as I risk being a bit too skinny elsewhere (a problem I've never had before and I feel fraudulent saying it).

Have you checked to see the extent of your DR? It's a good starting place.

Separated stomach muscles
It's common for the 2 muscles that run down the middle of your stomach to separate during pregnancy. This is called diastasis recti, or divarication.
The amount of separation can vary. It happens because your growing womb (uterus) pushes the muscles apart, making them longer and weaker.
The separation between your stomach muscles will usually go back to normal by the time your baby is 8 weeks old.
After you have had your baby, you can check the size of the separation with this simple technique:

1. Lie on your back with your legs bent and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Raise your shoulders off the floor slightly and look down at your tummy.
3. Using the tips of your fingers, feel between the edges of the muscles, above and below your belly button. See how many fingers you can fit into the gap between your muscles.

Do this regularly to check that the gap is gradually getting smaller. If the gap is still obvious 8 weeks after the birth, contact the GP as you may be at risk of back problems. Some women also have abdominal pain or discomfort. The GP can refer you to a physiotherapist, who will give you some specific exercises to do. Regular pelvic floor and deep stomach muscle exercises can help to reduce the size of the separation between your stomach muscles. It's also important to stand up tall and be aware of your posture. From the NHS website

Hi Op, I have exactly the same lower abdomen as you, after 2 EMCS and am very self-conscious too.

I wish I had some solutions, but unfortunately I don't. I just try to cover mine up as much as possible.

Sorry that is not helpful, but just wanted to send a bit of solidarity.

Thank you @Hoolahoophop I really appreciate that. Will try later and see what I can feel! I do feel a lump on my c section line, think that's scar tissue. I can feel an awful lot more now I'm smaller and haven't tried the muscle thing for months so hopefully I'll be able to gauge.

Also thank you @ChilledProsecco for your post with solidarity, it's so minor in the grand scheme of things apart from those times when it's not.

First of all, well done for losing the weight.
Without seeing the front and feeling the muscles, I'm not sure it's diastatis recti, as it could just be loose skin. I suggest you get it checked first (either following instructions above or go to a physio).
If it's not DR, the only way to get rid of the loose skin is surgery. I have loose skin there too and sometimes it's just one of those things...

Thank you @safetyzone! I might see if I can get it looked at via my work health plan thingy, may as well investigate it and actually use it if I can.