I had a diastasis recti after my first. I actually saw a physiotherapist who gave me some exercises to do to try and strengthen and repair my core. Definite improvement over time, but never back to pre-baby.

I have this - 6 finger width opening. Do you know how many finger widths your opening is? If it's less than 2, I think the general consensus is don't worry about it.

I have a book called "Lose your mummy tummy" which has exercises to address this problem. And if you google "diastasis recti" you will find others. They kind of worked for me, but it's really easy for everything to open back up. You are supposed to avoid doing most traditional core exercises (crunches, pilates hundreds, yoga boat pose, basically anything that causes you to jacknife) for the rest of your life. Also re-learn how to get out of bed, blow your nose, basically everything that uses your core muscles, to avoid jacknife movements. It is also recommended that you wear a splint to help pull things together.

I worked at it for a while and made some improvements, but everything has since opened back up. I find it difficult to permanently avoid all the changes that they recommend. I have actually resigned myself to a tummy tuck to repair everything once we are sure we are done baby-wise.

I would love to hear from others who have had success with this. It sucks to be told that you are the cutest pregnant lady ever when you are 18 months post-partum!

Hi all,

I asked this exact question in the SAHM message board and someone posted a link to this thread. I have a 5 year old and nearly 3 year old and have just been put on the waiting list for surgery to fix my Diastasis Recti . Had an ultrasound to confirm it as exercise was not fixing it at all.

I was told not to do anything that puts too much strain on my abs as it an cause hernias etc so I have been doing leg and arm weights at a high repetition but lighter weight, and lots of cardio. I'm wanting to loose 20kgs before my op. Guessing it will be in a few months but I haven't heard from the hospital yet.

Would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this operation or has had success fixing their diastasis recti 1 year or so after babies.

Thanks,
Rochelle

wow, this is my first time hearing about this condition. I have 2 kids, a 3 yr old and a 10 month old. I have done the self test and its actually not too bad. Im on my second round of turbo fire and not new to exercise. I guess this is why i always have pain in my lower back? im not too sure though. Would like to know more info from people!