At my six-week postpartum check-up after my first child, my midwife gave my pelvic floor and abdomen a thorough examination and declared everything in top shape. Despite the appearance of my belly hanging low, she assured me that I had “strong abs” beneath the surface. I left feeling reassured.
However, things took a turn after the birth of my second child. I was diagnosed with diastasis recti, a separation of the abdominal muscles measuring nearly three fingers wide. To complicate matters, I also learned about a condition called a rectocele. This occurs when the rectum bulges into the vaginal wall, creating a rather uncomfortable sensation, especially during constipation. Let’s just say, it wasn’t pleasant.
Despite my midwife’s recommendations for Kegels and Pilates, I didn’t take action at the time. With two young boys to care for, my physical activity mainly consisted of chasing after them and performing daily tasks. Since neither issue was causing me significant discomfort, I postponed addressing them.
Fast forward five years, and I began experiencing severe back pain and escalating symptoms related to my rectocele. The discomfort during menstrual cycles and instances of bloating became almost unbearable, affecting my overall quality of life and even my intimate relationships. As my 40th birthday approached and both kids were in school, I realized it was time for a change. I deserved to feel better.
After sharing my experiences with a rectocele on a parenting blog, several readers recommended the Restore Your Core program. Intrigued, I explored various options for addressing pelvic floor issues but found myself drawn to the supportive community surrounding Restore Your Core, led by Lauren Taylor, an experienced Pilates and yoga instructor.
Upon joining the program’s Facebook group, I was struck by the enthusiasm and camaraderie among participants. Lauren was actively involved, answering questions and providing encouragement, which was exactly the kind of support I needed as I committed to this journey.
Initially, the program’s structure felt daunting, spanning 13 weeks and comprising four levels. However, I learned that it required just 3-4 weekly sessions of 30 minutes each, accompanied by ample guidance throughout the process. Before diving into the exercises, I dedicated a week to understanding pelvic floor issues, proper alignment, and how to connect with my body.
Interestingly, Lauren emphasizes that while Kegels can be beneficial, they aren’t included in the program due to the fact that some women may have overly tight pelvic floors and need to focus on relaxation instead. The program’s main goal is to strengthen the core and pelvic area and to incorporate this awareness into everyday movements.
What resonated with me was that achieving a flat stomach wasn’t the goal; rather, the focus was on cultivating a healthy, functional core. The initial videos were gentle, guiding me through the process of identifying and engaging the necessary muscles. Each exercise was led by Lauren herself, with clear instructions that were easy to follow.
At first, I found the exercises deceptively simple. However, I soon discovered that I was gradually integrating core engagement into my daily activities, whether reaching for items on a high shelf or picking up toys from the floor. This newfound awareness transformed how I moved throughout the day.
As for my diastasis recti and rectocele, I had to exercise patience. Now, nearing the end of the program, my diastasis has reduced to roughly half a finger’s width, and the muscles feel significantly tighter. Remarkably, my rectocele symptoms have improved by about 75%, which is incredibly uplifting.
It’s crucial to note that dedication is essential for success in any program. While Restore Your Core may not be the perfect fit for everyone, there is hope for those grappling with diastasis recti and pelvic floor issues. Many participants have found relief from various conditions, including bladder prolapses and back pain.
Reflecting on my journey, my only regret is that I didn’t start sooner. Life has a way of pushing us to prioritize our responsibilities over our well-being. If you’re facing similar challenges, now is the time to take that first step toward healing. You deserve to feel better.
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Summary
This article recounts my personal journey of addressing diastasis recti and pelvic floor issues following childbirth. After initially neglecting these concerns, I sought help through the Restore Your Core program and discovered the importance of pelvic health. With dedication and support from an encouraging community, I experienced significant improvements in my condition, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing self-care.