The Postpartum Tummy

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Columbia SC Moms Blog is honored to partner with Mom+me Strong to bring our readers the following post.

The Postpartum Tummy - Columbia SC Moms Blog - Heal & SealI’ve always been very fit. Prior to becoming pregnant I was a national level fitness competitor, personal trainer and nutritionist. It took my husband and me two years to get pregnant and then we had a miscarriage. One cycle later, we got pregnant again and decided I would minimally exercise through the pregnancy. I gained 47lbs and after delivery, didn’t recognize the body in the mirror so like most crazy women, I hit the gym … hard.

Something Wasn’t Right

I knew my body very well and something wasn’t right. I literally could not hold a plank longer than 10 seconds and felt a sharp, shooting pain in my lower abs. At first I figured I just needed time to strengthen my stretched abs but it never seemed to get better. I also had a pooch in my lower tummy that never existed before regardless of losing 10lbs more than the 47 I gained and eating very healthy.

The Diagnosis – Diastasis Recti

Sure enough, I got tested by my health practitioner and discovered I had Diastasis Recti, a separation of the ab muscles that can happen during pregnancy.

I didn’t really understand what it was or how the pelvic floor worked, so I scoured the internet searching for a program, something that got to the true cause of the separation and offer a real solution. I wanted to know WHY my abs separated and HOW the core functions as a whole. You see, while mom tummy or abdominal separation is what we see as Diastasis Recti, it’s really just a symptom of a deeper cause.

Diastasis Recti is measured by degree of separation of the topical abs, the rectus abdominus. These topical abs run the length of your core from rib cage to pelvis and are connected to an inner muscle called the transverse abdominus. This muscle runs rib cage to pelvis and wraps around your torso like a corset. It is the largest muscle of the core and responsible for structural integrity of your core. You see, all of our muscles are connected and act as a pulley system. What this means is, as this innermost muscle becomes weak, it sags, as it sags, so do the topical abs … add a pregnancy to that and you have internal forces stretching an already weak core and BOOM, Diastasis Recti. The pelvic floor is also connected to this pulley system of muscles in the core which is why symptoms of the two typically go hand in hand.

Addressing the REAL Problem to Achieve Lasting Results

I could not find a single program that actually targeted this muscle, strengthened it and gave the participant a tangible road map to physical wellness. So I created Heal & Seal. Heal & Seal is a 3-phase program that isolates the transverse abdominus, strengthens the entire core and increases health of the pelvic floor.

How Heal & Seal Works

In Phase I, you learn to isolate that structural muscle through verbalization techniques and we begin to address postural abnormalities through prescribed movements.

Phase II strengthens supportive muscles of the core with similar techniques, furthers postural improvement and begins to address alignment abnormalities with prescribed stretches and movements.

Phase III combines all of I & II where we apply the techniques to functional movements to ensure the transverse and core can function as a whole and is strong enough to support the body when moving so you can resume or begin an exercise routine without fear of causing further separation but continuing to Heal & Seal.

Real Life Results That Stick

Within a few weeks my separation was sealing and my pelvic floor was stronger. I was tighter, had better orgasms, my core was stronger and could see my abs again. The results of this program are incredible and have helped women who are 8 weeks postpartum with no symptoms to women in their 50’s with uterine prolapse.

Find the cause, address it and the body begins to resume normal function.

At first I wasn’t sure how far Heal & Seal could help women but as more and more moms started their Heal & Seal journey, the more radical the results became. Not only is their Diastasis and pelvic floors Healing & Sealing but the visual results mimic that of a tummy tuck. Just take a look at the photos below! Belly buttons are raising, skin is tightening and not a single mom made any nutrition or exercise changes.

Diastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogDiastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogThese changes happen across the board, even in a mom who tried both the Tuppler Technique and the Mutu System. Both systems attempt to heal Diastasis, one through the use of corsets and the other through simple exercises focusing on the core as a whole. Neither actually isolate that structural muscle.

Diastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogDiastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogOne mom was contemplating back surgery for her scoliosis pain but after Phase I of Heal & Seal, her back no longer locks up. One mom came to me the day before meeting with a surgeon to repair a prolapsed uterus but she decided to try Heal & Seal first and just two weeks into Phase I, she’s experiencing a lifting of her uterus.

Diastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms Blog

Diastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogSymptoms Commonly Helped Through Seal & Heal

Now most women don’t have scoliosis or a prolapse but below is a list of symptoms commonly helped through Heal & Seal you should be on the lookout for. These symptoms are associated with Diastasis Recti or a weak pelvic floor.

  • Abdominal Separation
  • Uterine or Pelvic Floor Prolapse
  • Incontinence (urination when cough or sneeze) or uncontrollable bladder 
  • Saggy Skin or Floppy Tummy
  • Abdominal/Umbilical Hernias
  • Postural Abnormalities (Lordosis, Kyphosis)
  • Digestive Discomfort
  • Pain associated with Endometriosis
  • Back/Hip Pain
  • Weak Core
  • Instability
  • Alignment Abnormalities 

While many of these symptoms are common, they certainly are not normal. Symptoms are a way your body warns you something isn’t right and if left untreated, can progress to something worse. If left untreated, they can and will lead to more serious symptoms down the road . . . maybe not until you are 40 or 50, but neglecting any symptoms inevitably leads to another, more complicated symptom. Several women in their 50s and 60s have started Heal & Seal because of a prolapse wishing they would have addressed their symptoms back when it was the laughable piddle when they sneezed.

Client Testimonials

Diastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogDiastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogDiastasis Recti | Postpartum Tummy | Heal & Seal | Mommy Strong | Columbia SC Moms BlogHow to Get Involved in Heal & Seal

While many moms choose Heal & Seal for serious symptoms, even more participate in the program to prevent Diastasis or simply to strengthen their bodies. If you aren’t sure if you have Diastasis or if Heal & Seal is appropriate for you, schedule a consultation. Consults are 30 minutes and cost $35. (Type MOMBLOG in the discount code box for half off, making your consult $15.)

Spaces for Heal & Seal are limited and fill quickly. For more information email me, Ashley Kates, at [email protected]. I can’t wait to hear from you and help you on your journey of Healing & Sealing!

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