QuestionQUESTION: I am in a similar intuition as a previous poster. I am nearly three months postpartum with a severe case of abdominal separation (4 finger width). I purchased the video and have been doing gentle moves for the past two weeks. I would like to know when should I move to bounce back fast exercises? I also have a distinct bulge above my belly button that is continuously there; I look 4 months pregnant...to the point my belly button still pokes out. I plan to begin cardio exercises next week to lose some of the weight, but want to know if there is hope in losing the bulge. Do I just need to work on belly scooping for a while, and what is belly lacing? The fit band rolls up into a thin cord when I try to band my abs for the exercises. I just need to know that i can do this without surgery. Thanks!
ANSWER: Has your OBGYN checked you for umbilical/ventral hernia?
Does the distinct bulge above your bb, fall down into your abdominal cavity when you lie down?
Does it "pop out" when you do a crunch type of move?
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QUESTION: Yes, I have been checked for a hernia. When I "sit up" I get a elongated bulge down the middle as that that indicative of diastasis recti. However, when I stand I still have a firm belly bulge like the poster Shannon in 2008. My OB says it is the pressure of the space between and possibly my intestines that fluctuates in the space. It gets mushy when I lie flat, but is hard when I stand. Ive purchased your book and video and have been doing the Gentle Moves portion for two weeks. I don't know when to go to the Bounce Back Fast! As I'm not an exercising type of person. I've had a squishy belly for most of my adult life but this is different; I cannot button my pants at the waist because it protrudes out so much. I guess I'm wondering also if your program will help lose or flatten it.
AnswerThe squishiness of your abdomen is due to postpartum abdominal laxity. Right now your muscles are both weak and too long. All postpartum women have this to some degree.
Do as much strength training for you Transverse Abdominis as you can fit in, with the side-lying Belly Lacing exercise, or the standing variation shown on page: http://befitmom.com/abdominal_separation.html. Since you have diastasis, add on splinting of your mid line as shown in the 4th and 5th videos demos.
You need to get really good at the Belly Lacing exercise, and the Belly Scooping exercise before progressing to the next workout, as these two form the technical foundation for the rest of the program.
Very, very few women are back into their regular pants at three months pp. If you're sick of wearing maternity pants, buy a few pairs that fit your body as it is now. You'll look better and feel better. Try not to worry about size, it really is just a number. And remember, your "mommy body" is a transitional phase.
My program will definitely firm and flatten your abdomen.
