At my six-week postpartum check-up following the birth of my first child, my midwife gave my pelvic floor and abdominal area a thorough examination, declaring everything to be in great shape. Despite my belly appearing quite saggy, she reassured me that I had “abs of steel” underneath, sending me off with a smile.
However, after the arrival of my second child, I was faced with a completely different scenario. I was diagnosed with diastasis recti, a condition characterized by a separation in the abdominal wall that measured nearly three fingers wide. To add to my woes, I was also dealing with a rectocele, which is when the rectum protrudes into the vaginal wall, creating, let’s say, an uncomfortably close relationship between the two. While there is still a wall separating them, it can lead to significant discomfort during constipation or similar issues. To put it plainly, it was not fun.
Despite my midwife’s suggestions of Kegels and Pilates, I didn’t prioritize them. As a busy mom of two young boys, my exercise routine consisted mainly of chasing them around and bending down to tend to their needs—neither of which felt like a workout. Plus, I didn’t feel that my conditions were severely impacting my daily life at the time.
Fast forward five years, and I started to experience debilitating back pain—a common consequence of diastasis recti—along with escalating symptoms from my rectocele. I won’t get into the gory details, but let’s just say that menstrual cramps, bloating, and constipation became increasingly uncomfortable, making intimacy less enjoyable, which was a serious concern.
With my 40th birthday approaching and both kids finally in school, I decided it was time to take charge of my health. I had recently written about my rectocele for a parenting blog, and readers suggested trying the Restore Your Core program. I had been researching various pelvic floor rehabilitation programs and was initially overwhelmed by the options available. But when I joined the Restore Your Core (RYC) Facebook group led by its founder, Lisa James—an expert in Pilates and yoga—I was struck by the supportive environment that welcomed women sharing similar struggles.
Upon reviewing the program, I felt a bit intimidated by its four levels and 13-week duration. However, I soon learned that committing to just 3-4 thirty-minute sessions per week was manageable. The prospect of having guidance and encouragement throughout the journey was exactly what I needed.
Before diving into the exercises, I spent a week familiarizing myself with pelvic floor issues and proper alignment. Lisa emphasizes that while Kegels can benefit some women, they are not part of this program, as many with pelvic floor issues may have overly tight muscles that need to be released. The focus here is on strengthening the core and learning to engage it reflexively during daily activities, rather than solely aiming for a flat stomach.
As I began the video sessions, I was pleasantly surprised by how gentle and introductory the exercises were. Lisa provides clear instructions, making it easy to follow along regardless of your learning style.
At first, I thought the exercises were quite simple, but I quickly realized that I was gradually engaging my core during everyday tasks—reaching for items in the pantry or bending to pick up my kids’ toys. It was remarkable to see how these small adjustments could make a significant difference in my life as a mom.
Regarding my diastasis recti and rectocele, it took several weeks before I noticed improvements. Patience was key. Now that I’m nearing the end of the program, I checked my diastasis—it has reduced to about half a finger width, and the strength in my abdominal muscles has noticeably increased. As for my rectocele, it has improved by about 75%, which feels absolutely amazing.
Let me stress that dedication is crucial for success with any program like this. While this particular program may not be the one for everyone, I want to assure anyone struggling with diastasis recti or pelvic floor issues that there is hope. Many women in the RYC community have found relief for a variety of pelvic health concerns, including uterine and bladder prolapses, back pain, and incontinence.
Looking back, my only regret is not starting this journey sooner. Why did I wait until my body was sending me clear signals that something was wrong? Life and motherhood can be overwhelming, but we all deserve to feel our best. If you’re facing similar challenges, now is the perfect time to begin your healing journey. You can absolutely do it!
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Summary:
I successfully navigated my diastasis recti and pelvic floor issues through the Restore Your Core program, which focuses on core strength and proper pelvic alignment. By committing to the program, I experienced significant improvements in both conditions, illustrating the importance of prioritizing one’s health and well-being.
Keyphrase: diastasis recti recovery
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