GET STARTED
GET STARTED
GET STARTED

Diastasis Rectus Abdominis: Filling the Gap Part 1

DIASTASIS RECTUS ABDOMINIS: FILLING THE GAP

Part 1 What and Why of Diastasis Recti

As I search the Internet and question colleagues, hungry for more information, what I actually learn is that we have a problem. The problem is the large gap; both figuratively and literally speaking. The gap in our postpartum healthcare is directly related to the gap in your abdomen.

It is beyond frustrating to see the misinformation marketed to new moms: “lose that mommy pouch” or “get your belly bikini ready” and “simple steps to a six pack.” (Unfortunately, “move well and quit screwing shit up” doesn’t sell as well.)


What is even more frustrating is many of the trusted resources, even the “experts” in the field, are still missing the boat. The consequences remain: misinformation and what I consider an epidemic of dysfunction.


I am sure by now you have heard the term Diastasis Recti or Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA). For the sake of this post series I am going to refer to women. Just don’t forget, men have a core (and pelvic floor) too.


In my time as a chiropractor, doula, BIRTHFIT affiliate, coach, and mother of four I see firsthand the many issues that lead to and come from core dysfunction. It is time we start looking at the system as a whole and healing it that way. I am thankful for having studied Janda, Lewitt, and Kolar’s work. Their work has paved the way for an in depth understanding of how our bodies were born to move.

Within these innate movement patterns lies our answer.

I hope to help you understand this as simply as it actually is. Think about this for a minute: when is the last time you witnessed a baby doing a sit-up? How about “zipping” in his or her transversus abdominis? Nope. Me either. Want another fun fact? Babies are BORN with diastasis. Yes, that’s right. YOU were born with a diastasis and immature movement patterns. Guess what else? Babies heal that diastasis on their own through functional movement patterns. By four and a half months the diastasis should approximate or come together. This is also around the time that baby starts to roll to both sides. Not a coincidence.

No one teaches baby to roll or sit up on his or her own or crawl or squat or walk. We should not be putting them in these positions before this occurs naturally (Stop Interfering with Your Child’s Development). All of these movements are formed as neurological stimulation occurs in the environment. That simply means that baby’s brain is intrigued and wants to learn more about surroundings, hence baby is motivated to movies the most instinctive, natural way. Again, movement is life.


Why then, are we still attempting to look for treatment of DRA and core dysfunction by singling out muscle groups? We are not made to function that way, so hoping to return to full function by rehabbing or training that way is setting ourselves up for failure in the form of continuous injuries or dysfunction.


DRA does not have to occur. It is a separation in the rectus abdominus muscle due to immature movement patterns. Basically, this happens when movement reverts back to that of a newborn infant and can happen for a number of reasons. The simplicity of this concept is actually great news. If we return to what our bodies were born to do, we fix the problem at its roots and avoid simply making the surface look better.


The Functional Progression that I pieced together is not new. It is simply taking the work that I have studied into a fluid movement pattern that is more functional than a Turkish Get-up. The progression addresses the entire core and allows for resistance or weight to be added as normal movement patterns are solidified.


Dysfunction of the core and pelvic floor is much more than DRA and is so common that even upon questioning patients, it is often not mentioned. As founder of BIRTHFIT, Lindsey Mathews states, common does not always mean normal. Peeing in your pants when you are 50 (or younger) because you are “getting older and have had children” is NOT a rite of passage. Yes, it is common. No, it is not normal. And until we start filling our gaps, women will continue to suffer from these issues.


Stay tuned for Part 2!
-Dr. Erica Boland, DC
@EMomDC
BIRTHFITWisconsin


More on our site:

http://www.birthfit.com/2016/06/07/diastasis-rectus-abdominis-filling-gap-part-2/

http://www.birthfit.com/2016/06/20/diastasis-rectus-abdominis-filling-gap-part-3/

http://www.birthfit.com/2016/06/20/diastasis-rectus-abdominis-filling-gap-part-3/

http://www.birthfit.com/2016/05/16/diastasis-recti-abdominis/

http://www.birthfit.com/2014/04/18/the-who-and-why-behind-diastasis-recti/

Get Started

Effective programs for both MIND ⊕ BODY

This is a general strength and conditioning program for women in all seasons and cycles of life. You receive four workouts each week with options for those with limited equipment and variations on movements.

Start moving and training with your cycle ❤︎

Slow is Fast when you heal your core and pelvic floor from the inside out by starting with breath work, natural movement patterns, and continue to progressively build upon a solid foundation. The number one referral for doctors and midwives.

Are you open to conception? Join us in B! Community training. A general strength and conditioning for women that train while honoring their menstrual cycle. Everyone is in a different part of their journey, we support you where you are.

Do Pregnancy Different, when you connect with your body daily through a safe, effective prenatal training program for all levels and all fitness backgrounds that includes core and pelvic floor prehab, mobility, strength, and conditioning.

0 Comments
Add Comment

BIRTHFIT Consultation

with Coach Leah

Are you ready to explore your fears, desires, and values around birth? Inside this consult, you will discover new avenues to cultivate during your pregnancy or immediate postpartum period. Our team will offer specific strategies to enhance each of your four pillars as well as some intangible guidance. After your call, you will receive an outline of what was discussed so that you may start practicing and be in action around your desires and values.

Join the B! Newsletter

Never miss offers, news or tips that we ONLY share via Email!

Required field!
Required field!

Stay connected @birthfit

Become a part of our movement #birthfit #B!community

WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY:
It is our goal to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to benefit from the goods and services offered through the Website. If you are having trouble accessing the website or using any of its features, please email us at EMAIL for assistance. We will be happy to provide you with the information or transaction you seek through an alternate communication method.
© COPYRIGHT 2021-2023 BIRTHFIT. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Your cart is empty Continue
Shopping Cart
Subtotal:
Discount 
Discount 
View Details
- +
Sold Out