Why Your Core Needs Time After Birth

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Now, needless to say, postpartum recovery is a whole journey.  There’s always the chance for depression (which has far more to do with hormones and the fact that there’s a giant lifestyle change). But of course, there’s the body too, just think about it for a moment here; the body literally just brought a human into the world, and then it’s like, oh, cool, now stand up, pick up the baby, and maybe try to feel like yourself again too. 

Meanwhile, TikTok, YouTube, well, the internet as a whole is out here acting like everyone gets their abs back in two weeks, and it’s like, yeah, that’s cool, but also not real for most people. Actually, that’s impressive if anyone looks like they did before pre-pregnancy in such a short amount of time (if ever again). Your core is absolutely amazing, other mothers' core is, but for whatever reason here, it doesn’t really get the appreciation it needs, and a lot of people try to push and rush for the recovery too (which is also a problem because the body needs to take time). 

Diastasis Recti is Way More Normal than People Think

Sure, this does sound a bit scary, doesn’t it? But it’s really just the ab muscles separating during pregnancy to make room. They stretched a lot, and basically, they’ll come back together when they’re ready. For some people, it’s barely noticeable. For others, there’s that bit of doming when sitting up. And sometimes it’s a bigger gap that takes time and a little patience. Now, it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. It doesn’t mean someone didn’t “bounce back.” It’s literally just the body doing what it needed to do, and now healing from that. The process is slower than social media makes it seem, and that’s alright.

But sometimes gaps still hang around and linger, not just the ab muscles, but just the ab and tummy area in general. While it’s recommended (once you’re cleared) to start exercising, some moms will even look into getting a tummy tuck. Granted, this is only recommended after you’ve finished having all the kids you want to have. 

Definitely Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy

But what does your core even have to do with this? Well, a lot more than you think. As silly as all of this might even sound, the abs and pelvic floor are a fairly decent team. A lot of people don’t realize they can get support for that weak or shaky feeling until they finally go to therapy and feel so much more stable.

It might feel awkward at first, sure, but honestly, the relief is so worth it. Besides, feeling more confident just coughing or carrying the baby is a big win. Well, just being able to do anything you used to do without any tension or accidents, that’s basically the goal here (again, it's more than looks). 

Rebuilding Strength isn’t Intense 

Well, at least it doesn’t need to be intense, emphasis on that actually. Sure, there’s plenty of those “mommy bootcamps,” but don’t fall into that. Again, you gave birth; it just takes time. But yes, you can exercise, ideally, don’t go hard at it while your body heals. Just avoid the planks and crunches for now, and instead, maybe consider smaller, more delicate movements. Just don’t rush into anything, because that doesn’t help.