147: Understanding Diastasis Recti: Fear, Function, and Healing

In this episode of The MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina, a perinatal fitness trainer and birth doula, and Hayley Kava, our in-house pelvic floor PT, dive deep into the topic of diastasis recti. They explore the common fears and misconceptions associated with diastasis recti during and after pregnancy. The conversation covers the natural occurrence of abdominal muscle separation, the importance of breathing mechanics, and functional exercises for postpartum recovery. Hayley also emphasizes the collaborative care model and addresses questions about exercise safety with diastasis. This episode aims to empower listeners by debunking myths and providing practical advice for navigating diastasis recti confidently.Coning Workout: https://youtu.be/Nz2craPkea8Healing DRA Workout: https://youtu.be/DVzD6-kLUAA Check out Hayley’s pay-what-you-can pelvic balance series!: https://www.hayleykavapt.com/PelvicbalanceseriesFor more workouts, check out our collection of fitness programs: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/00:00 Introduction to The MamasteFit Podcast00:14 Understanding Diastasis Recti00:49 Meet the Hosts and Guest01:44 Collaborative Care at Mama Safe Fit02:03 Breaking Down Diastasis Recti02:39 Normal vs. Abnormal Diastasis03:04 Exercises and Approaches to Diastasis03:19 What is Diastasis Recti?05:04 Diastasis in Pregnancy and Postpartum06:14 Coning and Its Implications11:34 Postpartum Healing and Diastasis12:28 Factors Affecting Diastasis Healing14:07 Body Image and Diastasis16:41 Diastasis and Prolapse19:43 Approaches to Diastasis Rehab26:26 Rib Flare and Exercise Misconceptions26:58 Personal Experience with Rib Flare28:33 Postpartum Breathing Techniques29:50 Thoracic Mobility and Core Connection31:02 Integrating Core Exercises Postpartum32:28 Advancing Postpartum Exercises34:43 Overcoming Fear in Postpartum Fitness41:32 Understanding Diastasis Recti44:46 Final Thoughts and Resources————Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH📧 Download our free birth prep circuit guide with six exercises to prepare your body for birth: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit/Prepare for your birth with MamasteFit:💻 Online Childbirth Education Courses🏋🏻‍♀️ Online Prenatal Fitness Programming🧘‍♀️ Prepare Your Pelvic Floor for Birth CourseExplore our prep for birth courses: https://mamastefit.com/prenatal-support3rd Trimester Specific Prep Courses: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/third-trimester/-------Freebies to Support Your Postpartum:📩 Join our free early postpartum recovery course: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/early-postpartum-recovery/—-Recover after birth and return to fitness with MamasteFit: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/postpartum/💻 Postpartum Education Courses🏋🏻‍♀️ Postpartum Fitness Programs——Follow Us on IG at https://instagram.com/mamastefit