In the six weeks following the birth of my first child, my midwife conducted a thorough examination of my pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. Despite my belly’s appearance, which I jokingly described as hanging down to my knees, she assured me that I had “strong abs” underneath. With that reassurance, I left feeling optimistic.
However, the arrival of my second child brought a different reality. I was diagnosed with diastasis recti—an abdominal wall separation that measured nearly three fingers wide—and an unfamiliar condition known as a rectocele. This condition involves the rectum protruding into the vaginal wall, creating discomfort and pressure, especially during moments of constipation. It was a somewhat unpleasant surprise.
Despite my midwife’s suggestions for Kegels and Pilates, I didn’t prioritize them amid the chaos of parenting two young boys. My primary exercise consisted of chasing them around and bending over for diaper changes, and at the time, neither issue felt overwhelmingly troublesome.
Fast forward five years. I began experiencing debilitating back pain, a common symptom of diastasis recti, and my rectocele symptoms flared up. Menstrual cramps and bloating intensified the discomfort, and intimate moments became less enjoyable—definitely not ideal.
As my 40th birthday approached, with both children finally settled into school, I made a pivotal decision: I needed to take control of my health. After sharing my rectocele experience in an article, several readers suggested the Restore Your Core program. After researching various pelvic floor rehabilitation options, I felt drawn to this one, particularly after observing the vibrant support community led by Lauren Carter, the program’s creator.
The camaraderie among women in the Restore Your Core Facebook group was palpable. Lauren was actively engaging with participants, answering their questions and fostering a nurturing environment—something I desperately needed to commit to a healing journey.
Initially, the program’s four levels and 13-week duration felt overwhelming, but I discovered the commitment required was manageable: just 3-4 sessions of 30 minutes each week. Knowing I would receive guidance and encouragement along the way made the prospect less daunting.
Before diving into the exercises, I spent a week learning about pelvic floor health and proper alignment. Lauren emphasizes that while Kegels can benefit some women, they are not central to this program, as some women may have a pelvic floor that is too tight and requires relaxation. The primary goal is to strengthen the core and pelvic area while learning to engage these muscles reflexively in daily activities.
I appreciated the program’s focus on developing a healthy, functional core rather than merely achieving a flat belly. The gentle introductory videos guided me through identifying and engaging the necessary muscles. Even as a visual learner, I found the instructions clear and accessible.
At first, the exercises seemed simple, but I began noticing changes in my daily movements. Reaching for items on high shelves or bending to pick up toys became opportunities to engage my core. Over weeks, I found myself naturally integrating these techniques into my routines as a busy mom.
Regarding my diastasis recti and rectocele, change didn’t happen overnight. Patience was essential. Now nearing the end of the program, my diastasis has significantly improved—it’s down to about half a finger width, and my core feels stronger. Additionally, my rectocele symptoms have improved by approximately 75%, which is a remarkable turnaround.
To truly benefit from programs like this, dedication is key. While this specific program might not resonate with everyone, the takeaway is that there is hope for those dealing with diastasis recti and pelvic floor challenges. Many women in the Restore Your Core community have found relief from a variety of issues, including bladder prolapses, back pain, and more.
Looking back, I regret not seeking help sooner. Life and motherhood can easily distract us from prioritizing our health, but everyone deserves to feel their best. If you’re navigating similar issues, now is the perfect time to embark on your healing journey. You won’t regret it.
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Summary
This article recounts a woman’s journey to address diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction after the births of her children. After initially ignoring her symptoms, she sought help through the Restore Your Core program, which focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor and core muscles. With dedication and the support of a nurturing community, she experienced significant improvements in her condition.
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