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Even after two pregnancies, my cousin Divya (name changed) didn’t put on a lot of weight and promptly returned to her old body mass. But although her thighs, lower bottom, and arms were features that went back to being the way they used to be, she had a bloated tummy.
It seemed like a prominent concern among new mothers, but Divya also complained about how she felt like her organs were being torn open from the center of her body. More like it was baffling for her to try and get through this.
After consulting with a doctor, we found out that Divya had Diastasis recti (DR), better-known as abdominal separation. During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles get separated, and most women have DR when their uterus is in the growth stage of pregnancy! It may result in the abdomen stretching more and can push out the muscles (1).
In most pregnancies, the DR gets better after delivery. And while the abdominal muscles can’t close back up COMPLETELY (not even in women with an affinity towards having six-pack abs) — quite a few women still have a space left. Medical practitioners determine the separation index with their fingers. Moms with a space expanding between two to four fingers in width may feel like sitting ducks much after their little one has started to crawl. And what’s disheartening is that losing weight has nothing to do with this space. Moms having DRs feel bloated nonetheless (2).
But no worries!
It so happens that there are a few ways to help your muscles to recover. Here are a few mindful activities to feel better if you have Diastasis recti.
1. Follow An Exercise Routine To Heal From DR
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New mothers don’t often get the time to do any corrective rehabilitation and core strengthening exercises. Once your doctor gives you a positive signal to hit the gym, pick up a few exercises that won’t exert you too much (check with your instructor for the same). Flex like you always wanted to and do it with some mom-swag by your side.
2. Eat Super-Foods That Digests Quickly
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Your postnatal diet can be an underlying factor in the ways your body progresses and goes back to being steady as it used to be! Connect with your gynecologist to map out a diet that’s rich in fiber and is best suited for your digestive system. Consume all the required nutrients to build a healthy digestive system altogether, and don’t let constipation take a toll on your body.
3. Consider Getting The Tummy Tucked
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Not all women think of getting their tummy tucked, but only because every mother has a different body type and journey altogether. So if you feel like you need to go ahead with it, check with your OB-GYN for the same, research good surgeons, and leap forward.
4. Focus On Your Mental Health
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Yes, there are certain things you can do to enhance your physical health via exercises or get a tummy tuck to have a flatter belly, but don’t leave your mental health hanging by a thread! Some new mothers tend to suffer from postpartum depression, which can run long term if you don’t look after yourself. So before anxiety takes over your mind thoroughly, make sure you seek help from professionals and get to the crux of the matter (3).
5. Check For Postpartum Umbilical Hernia
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Hold up! Do not panic this instant. You may be having a post-pregnancy tummy, which is taking time to recover due to abdominal separation. But since the symptoms are relatively similar to that of Hernia, look up the Symptoms for Postpartum Umbilical Hernia to be on the safer side and get yourself tested. If it is what it is, then you can get help at the earliest and recover. Become a proactive mom who is prepared for all the unexpected oddballs’ life has to offer, and you can come out of it stronger!
You know how the saying goes, “There’s beauty in the madness of becoming a parent!”
Before you head on a new path to recovery from a post-baby belly and mental wellness, see to it that you get approval from a medical professional. Eventually, your body is going to pick up the pace, your metabolism will be better, and your mom-bod will be healthier.
