Dear Pelvic Floor Therapist,
I’m writing to you out of concern. I had my beautiful baby six months ago via C-section, and while I adore being a mother. I’m struggling with something I never anticipated: my stomach. It just… feels different. It’s not just about how it looks, it feels weak and unsupported. I’m eating healthy to fuel my body and getting exercise when I can. However, this persistent feeling of weakness in my core has not improved. I even tried a waist trainer, hoping for some support, but it felt so uncomfortable. I worry something is wrong, especially because I had a C-section.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Mama
Dear Concerned Mama,
Thank you for sharing your concerns. Many women experience similar postpartum issues, especially after a C-section, and it is important to address them. A C-section is major abdominal surgery that impacts your core muscles. Based on your description, you may be experiencing Diastasis Recti. As your uterus expands during pregnancy, it stretches the connective tissue that joins your abdominal muscles. A C-section incision can further compromise this area. A significant gap can lead to feelings of weakness and instability in your core, impacting your ability to perform everyday tasks and potentially contributing to back pain and/or pelvic floor dysfunction.
While some women find support garments, like waist trainers, helpful, it is important to use them correctly and stop use if they cause discomfort or increased pelvic pressure. Improper use of waist trainers can worsen Diastasis Recti by adding more pressure to an already weakened core and potentially affecting the pelvic floor. If you feel any downward pressure or discomfort, discontinue their use.
The good news is that pelvic floor physical therapy can often effectively treat this condition, even after a C-section. It’s important to start slowly with therapeutic exercises and stretches that do not strain the incision site. We can assess the extent of your separation and create a personalized program to strengthen your core, address any pelvic floor issues and help manage scar tissue. Specific exercises can help close the gap, restore abdominal muscle function and help with recovery.
Reclaiming your core strength is key for overall health and well-being. With the right support, you can regain stability, reduce discomfort and improve your quality of life. Relief is out there; you are not alone.
Sincerely,
Annie Neisen DPT, PT, WCS
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Resources:
https://every-mother.com/empower/c-section-recovery-diastasis-recti
