The post-pregnancy belly, often referred to as the “mummy tummy,” is a common experience for many women. For some, this extra belly fat can be more than just an aesthetic concern; it can be a source of discomfort. This condition, known as diastasis recti, occurs when the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy. The silver lining? There are effective ways to address it, and with a dedicated routine, you could see results in just a few weeks.
A collaboration between fitness expert Mia Thompson and Dr. Sarah Collins, an OB-GYN at Eastside Medical Center, has led to the development of a program designed to help mothers recover from diastasis recti. This approach is called “The EMbody Program by Every Mother,” and it promises exciting outcomes for new moms.
In a recent class attended by journalist Jamie Lee, Thompson demonstrated the simple yet effective exercises intended to help women close the gap in their abdominal muscles. “You could realistically expect to see a reduction of two inches off your waist in just three weeks,” Thompson claims. Yes, please!
Thompson and Dr. Collins have conducted research indicating that their program is highly effective. “We found that all women who participated achieved complete resolution of their diastasis recti,” Thompson explains. Dr. Collins emphasizes that this is a widespread issue among postpartum women, which can lead to back pain due to weakened core muscles.
During pregnancy, the abdominal muscles can separate around the belly button. While some women may find that this gap closes naturally after childbirth, others may not be so lucky. When it remains, it can create a bulge in the abdominal area, contributing to the “mommy pooch.” Dr. Lisa Green, an OB-GYN at the University of Texas, warns that not all solutions found online are safe or effective. “Some methods can actually be harmful,” she cautions.
What Can You Do?
So, what can you do? While there are expensive courses available, Dr. Raul Martin, an OB-GYN at the University of Missouri, suggests prevention through abdominal exercises during pregnancy itself. “There’s a general understanding that exercise is beneficial,” Dr. Collins notes, “but it hasn’t been thoroughly tested.” That’s where Thompson and her team come in. In a study involving 63 women who practiced the EMbody program for just 10 minutes a day, all participants experienced a complete resolution of their diastasis recti within 12 weeks.
During the class, Lee followed Thompson’s guidance. “The exercise is a subtle yet powerful movement,” Thompson explains. The women sit cross-legged, placing their hands on their bellies while taking deep breaths. “Let your belly expand fully,” Thompson instructs. As they exhale, they draw in their abdominal muscles toward their spines. “Now hold this position,” she advises, encouraging tiny breaths that further engage the core.
After several weeks of practicing these exercises, Thompson measures participants’ progress. The results are impressive—many women have lost inches around their waists, with some closing their abdominal separation entirely. While Lee hasn’t closed her gap yet, she has lost an inch from her waist and reported a significant reduction in back pain.
For mothers grappling with the dual challenges of annoyance and discomfort, this program offers promising results. It’s important to remember that there’s no reason to feel ashamed of a post-pregnancy belly; however, no one should have to endure ongoing discomfort either. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen postpartum.
Additional Resources
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In summary, diastasis recti is a common postpartum issue that can lead to discomfort, but with the right exercises, improvement is possible. The EMbody program provides an accessible path for mothers to regain strength and confidence in their bodies after childbirth.