Tummy Trouble

I have diastasis recti (abdominal separation). Most women after child birth and some newborns have this and it's not really an issue because there is connective tissue in between the abdominal muscles. I was born with it, and also a hernia in that connective tissue.

Because of it, I've never really had strong abs, my back always made up for it. I didn't know that I had this sort of defect until I was much older. I always had discomfort, but didn't think much of it. I got the hole in my belly fixed about 11 years go. The failure rate is about 50%, and much higher if you have children. (Things the surgeon did not tell me, even after I asked.)

While I was pregnant with my youngest, the hernia repair called it quits. I remember feeling a lot of pain in my tummy and then I felt a pop. A smooth part of my round belly was now raised. I shrugged it off, until I gave birth and my back got injured. My whole source of stability was weakened and for over a month, I could barely lift my legs. I stumbled all the time. My balance was off. The doctor gave me a cane. The only time I felt some stability was when I bound my tummy.


I thought about getting it fixed, but the failure rate is extremely high for me now. The surgeon suggested repairing the diastasis recti, but that's a 3 month recovery period, and with three kids, that seems like torture. I asked for physical therapy. It's helping some. I'm noticing improvements, I also still wrap my mid section. I started swimming. I need to get strong again because my kids need me to play!