Wednesday, April 29, 2020

The Best Diastasis Recti Exercise Programs That Will Help You Heal Now – MUTU vs Every Mother vs Bloom Method

Hi! are you looking for a Diastasis Recti Exercise Program that will help you heal at home? Welcome to my review of the top three programs out there. After I had my second baby Hazel, my core was in unbelievably bad shape. I had a 4 finger separation between my abdominals and a pelvic floor prolapse.

While I was jumping through hoops to get my insurance to cover seeing a physical therapist, I began searching for way to heal at home. I ended up trying several programs and found one that worked!

After that, I tried a dozen more to make sure I could recommend the absolute best diastasis recti exercise programs out there. These are the programs that will help you heal your ab separation

What Is Diastasis Recti And Is A Diastasis Recti Exercise Program Right For Me?

Before we dive into specific programs, I want to share a bit about what diastasis recti really is, that way you know if a diastasis recti exercise program will really benefit you. Diastasis recti is the separation of your abs. It often happens during pregnancy and can result in some pretty annoying problems. If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, if your low back aches and your shoulders are rounded, if you look pregnant and it’s been a while since you had your baby… you probably have diastasis recti. Check out this article about diastasis recti symptoms every mom needs to know to see if your symptoms line up.

Can I fix My Diastasis Recti At Home?

Yes, most women can fix their diastasis recti at home. Two of the diastasis recti exercise programs I recommend below have been medically tested and have found that over 90% of women have success in healing their ab separation at home. If you try a program and it doesn’t work for you, you can always speak with a physical therapist that specializes in postpartum or women’s health.

Can You Fix Diastasis Recti During Pregnancy?

You may not be able to completely heal diastasis recti while you are still pregnant. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a huge amount of relief from your symptoms. Learning how to move functionally and how to properly engage your core will cascade through every aspect of your life. You will move differently when you bend to pick something up, when you step out of the shower and when you pick up your toddlers. Diastasis Recti Exercise Programs can often help you relieve lower back pain and prevent leaking.

Can You Fix Diastasis Recti Years Later?

Yes! You can fix Diastasis Recti even years later. I spoke with a physical therapist who has had 50-year-old women heal their diastasis recti. It is never too late to learn to move functionally and heal your body. If you’ve had a c-section or just still look pregnant after having a baby, check out this article on what you can do to heal your c-section pooch.

DIstasis Recti Exercise Program Comparosion

In this video, I take you through the platforms of the three diastasis recti exercise programs that are the best on the market in 2020. I have personally tested each of these programs and am happy to share each one with you. This video will help you find the best program for your stage of recovery, your available time, your favorite workout style and of course your budget. Enjoy!

The Best Diastasis Recti Exercise Programs On The Market In 2020

Best All Around Diastasis Recti Exercise Program MUTU System

I will admit, that I am a little biased towards the MUTU system because it is the system that I used when my Diastasis and prolapse was causing significant discomfort in my daily life. Acording the website in their clinical trials

  • 94% of women with Diastasis Recti reported an improvement after using MUTU
  • 92% of women who experienced bladder symptoms including urinary leakage saw and improvement after using MUTU
  • 89% of women who experienced pain or discomfort during or after intercourse reported an improvement after doing MUTU

I believe these results because it was my lived experience. My quality diastasis improved, my embarrassing leaking went away and even sex got better.

Here are the pros of MUTU as a diastasis recti exercise program:

Pros

  • There is a clear path through the workouts
  • There is a ton of support through email and text
  • MUTU has the clearest instructions on how to properly do movements
  • Clear and consistent Reminders of what to look out for when you might be pushing yourself too far
  • When you buy it, you own it for life
  • Each workout has a pdf so you can do it without the video

Cons

  • Not as much variety as some of the other programs
  • 12 weeks is a long time to stay focused on one program
  • Video is a little dark

What you need: I recommend purchasing the exercise kit with the MUTU system. This is a set of exercise bands, small ball and resistance strap that you will use during the program. If you have these at home already, you are all set!

Cost: $147 total

Best Subscription Diastasis Recti Exercise Program Every Mother

Every Mother is a subscription-based diastasis recti exercise program. It has separate workouts for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. There are several different courses/paths you can take depending on your current needs. The classes are challenging but not too hard. The program starts at the beginning and offers you a clear path towards healing. You need to have a yoga mat, light exercise weights, and resistance bands.

Pros

  • Several paths to choose from
  • Affordable
  • Clear queuing and instructions
  • Light and bright interface and videos

Cons

  • Monthly or quarterly subscription, when you are done you don’t own the videos
  • Information overload, it may be hard to stay on one path fro mstart to finish and actually complete your goal

What You Need: For the Every Mother Program you will need a yoga mat, resistance bands and a few light weights. You can grab those on amazon if you don’t have them already.

Cost: $44.85/3 month membership $119.40 for yearly membership

The Most Challenging Diastasis Recti Exercise Program: Bloom Method

Bloom studio offers online pre and postpartum fitness classes for moms that are pregnant or in the post partum period. The user interface is gorgeous. The classes are good. The options are almost limitless. These are by far the classes that will get you the sweatiest and make you work the hardest.

Pros

  • Tons of different styles and types of classes from HIT classes to yoga to anything in-between
  • Focus on core health and pelvic floor strength through each class
  • Beautiful interface
  • Most of the teachers are either pregnant or have little babies at home as well
  • Most challenging classes, they are really good for someone who really wants to work

Cons

  • You need more equipment (sometimes they use weights or kettle balls or bands, sometimes they don’t)
  • Information overload
  • They do a good job reminding you to be aware of your core, but they could be clearer in what this actually means
  • I personally think they start to advanced for someone who has an advanced diastasis recti problem or prolapse. But if you aren’t starting out in pain you should be alright.

What You Need: You need a yoga mat, small weights, small kettle ball (depending on the workout) and a fun water bottle never hurt anybody!

Cost: $29/month or $240 for the year

Diastasis Recti Exercise Program Conclusion

There is no one program that is right for everybody. If you are like me and benefit from having a very set path to follow and want to own your program for years to come then choose MUTU system. If you want a variety of well-made classes with a variety of paths to take, choose Every Mother. I would also choose Every Mother for pregnancy workouts. If you really want to stretch yourself and like more intense workouts then Bloom is the studio for you! I hope this helps you choose your diastasis recti exercise program. I’d love to hear which one you picked and how it worked out for you!

The post The Best Diastasis Recti Exercise Programs That Will Help You Heal Now – MUTU vs Every Mother vs Bloom Method appeared first on She Births Bravely.



source https://shebirthsbravely.com/diastasis-recti-exercise-program/

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

The Untapped Strategy You Need To Stop Your C-Section Scar From Itching Today

Today, I am here to answer one essential question that almost all c-section moms have, and nobody is talking about. Why is my c-section scar itching and how can I stop it?

I remember going home from my c-section still feeling a little bit dazed and amazed that I was expected to watch over myself and a newborn. I remember thinking wait, you all think I can do this? But how?

I had so many questions, but not really the words or knowledge to actually formulate them into the questions that would get my needs answered. So, thus me, my husband, my baby, and our 2 pages of info sheets about what to watch out for when we got home, left the hospital and returned home.

Since my coveted info sheet had nothing about c-section scars itching on it, I grit my teeth and bared it for nearly a year before I learned there is actually something quite simple you can do about this problem.

This is the one thing you should have been told about, but weren’t, that will help you stop that itching scar once and for all.

Why Is My C-Section Scar Itching?

It is perfectly normal for your c-section scar to itch both when it is healing and years later. Here is what you need to know about why your c-section scar is itching and what you can do about it.

Your C-Section Scar Itches In The Beginning Because It Is Part Of The Healing Process

Deep wounds like c-section scars can actually take years to fully heal. Even though you will be back to your normal life in about 6 weeks, your incision site will continue to change over the next couple of years.

A strong itching sensation in the early days is a part of the wound healing process. Your scar itself, or the place the scar will be, does not have any nerve endings. However, there is a lot going on around the nerves that surround the areas above and below your scar area. This is the action that is causing itchiness.

Do you have more questions about what c-section recovery is like? Find answers to your most important questions today.

An Almost Too Detailed Description Of Why Your Scar Itches In The Early Days

Stay with me for just a minute. The would healing progress takes place in 3 stages. The first stage is inflammation, where your body is immediately working to clot and constrict blood flow in the veins where you are bleeding. This is where you build an initial scaffolding for your overall healing. This is about the first 3 days of your healing.

The second stage is called proliferation. This phase starts approximately 3 to 10 days after injury and takes days or weeks to complete. In this phase, a new vascular network is formed which provides nutrient delivery, gas, and metabolite exchange to the tissues in the area. This is also when collagen binds your skin together and forms a scar that won’t reopen.

The last stage is called remodeling. It starts around day 21 and can last for up to a year. This is when stronger collagen is laid around the wound site and you regain much of your strength and flexibility in the area.

C-section scar itching comes from sensations your nerve endings are picking up during this process. In the beginning, it is simply a side effect of your body healing.

Your C-Section Scar Itches Later On Because Of Scar Tissue And Adhesions

You would think that once your wound is healed it is healed. Yay! Your neve ending can get a break and stop itching. But, that’s not what happens.

The collagen that forms scar tissues is not as flexible or as strong the tissue that was there before. As you go about life, this new tissue will have to be stretched and strengthened. You will find that this will cause itchiness as well.

The stretching and movement of the scar tissues next to normal tissue will also cause an itching sensation. This is why you might feel that your c-section scar itches even years after your belly birth.

Increasing the mobility of your scar tissue is also an important step to reducing a c-section pooch or overhand as well.

Is My C-Section Scar Infected If It Is Itchy?

If your only symptom is itchiness at your scar site, your scar is not likely infected. Signs of infection are severe abdominal pain, increased redness at the incision site, swelling, pus or discharge or a fever. If you have these symptoms call your doctor.

How Can You Stop Your C-Section Scar From Itching?

C-Section Scar Treatment In The First Six Weeks

C-section scar treatment is quite simple. In the early days, you want to rest, go for short walks , and eat very healthy food. Vitamin C, in particular, is important for wound healing.

You want to give time for your body to close the wound and make the scar tissue that will keep your incision firmly closed for the rest of your life.

During this time, you can place a salve or essential oil blend on your scar. You want to be gentle, not working the skin too much.

Earth Mama Organics makes a wonderful c-section cream that you can begin to put on your scar just a few days after your surgery. This should keep it from drying out too much and aid with initial healing. Of course, talk to your doctor before you apply anything.

Many moms struggle with reconnecting to this area of their body. A very gentle touch with a salve is a great way to reunite and show love to your birth wounds in the first six weeks.


REDUCE C-SECTION SCAR ITCHINESS

My favorite tool to help reduce c-section scar itchiness in the early days is an organic balm such as this one by Earth Mama Organics.

Earth Mama Organics - Organic Skin & Scar Balm

C-Section Scar Treatment After Six Weeks

After your steri-strips have fallen off or the glue used to hold your incision sites have dissolved, you can begin a c-section scar massage. The goal of a c-section scar massage is to help the body continue to normalize the scar tissue by building more capillaries and movement to the area. Scar tissue can extend deep into your skin.

Multiple studies have shown that scars treated with gentle massage heal better, are less itchy, and have less pain.

Many moms are surprised by how ungentle a c-section scar massage can be. You do not want to do anything that hurs or causes pain. However, you do want to tug and move your tissue around at all different layers. See below for videos on exactly he o to do this safely.

Why Does Massage Help Relieve C-Section Scar Itchiness?

When you massage your scar, you are helping the body normalize the scar area. The collagen the body creates to hold everything back together has a different structure than your normal tissues. When you massage the scar, you help reorganize the collagen scar tissue into a similar pattern as normal tissue. This helps the scar move a stretch more like the skin around it.

Massage also reduces adheasions. Adhesions are where the scar tissue has attached onto other closeby instructions such as yoru bladder or your uterus. If left alone, this can lead to reduced blood flow, nerve irritation, and pain.

In other words, if you want your scar tissue to return to normal, not just on the top of your skin, but in the underlying layers of your body as well. You need to do a regular scar massage. This will reduce itchiness, nerve irritation, and pain.

How To Do A C-Section Massage To Reduce Itchiness

There are a few different techniques you can do tfor an effective c-sections massage. They are:

  1. Make small circle movements above and below the scar along the length of your scar. First, do this lightly touching your skin. Then go over a couple more times adding pressure each time.
  2. Place one finger down on your scar. Place your second finger above it and while gently pressing, move your finger upwards about an inch. Do the same moving downwards. Do this along the whole length of your scar.
  3. Place two fingers above your scar and gently move them side to side in a small backend forth motion as if you were tickling the area. Lift, move fingers, and repeat. This is almost like a tickling motion.
  4. Pinch and roll the skin between your fingers.

Experts Sho You How to Do A C-Section Massage

Lynn Shulte is a Physical Therapist and the creator of the Institute for Birth Healing. In this video, she goes over how to massage your c-section scar. She also reviews how this will help not only with scar itchiness but to help heal other common complaints after a c-section such as having to go to the bathroom more often, low back pain, and painful intercourse.

Dr. Nuchelle Gurule is a Chiropractor and advocate for women’s health. You can find her @gaiahealth on Instagram. In this video, she goes over how to massage your c-section scar to reduce itchiness by increasing the mobility o the scar tissue.

What If You Feel Like The Adhesions Are Too Deep For You To Relieve On Your Own

If you are massaging your scar regularly and you feel that you are not making progress relieving itchiness or pain, there is help available. Maya Abdominal Massage is a specific form of massage that can help your body break up deep adhesions and scar tissues. If you are a Seattle mom, we have several great practitioners in the area. If you live elsewhere google Maya Abdominal Massage to find someone near you.

“There’s No Way I’m Touching My Scar Like That!”

I hear you, sometimes reconnecting with this area of your body means you have to reconnect with the emotions that go along with it. It is okay to start by talking with a therapist. You may also just begin with putting cream or oil on your abdomen, then scar, and then work your way up from there. Start where you are and just practice developing a mindset of exploration. You will be surprised how much opens up to you as you explore a little here and explore a little there.

TL/DR of C-Section Scar Itching Problems

To summarize what you should do about your c-section scar itching is simply to take care of your scar through

  1. A healthy diet full of whole food vitamin c while you are healing.
  2. Using a slave or balm over your scar during the first 6 weeks.
  3. Increasing the intensity and adding a c-section massage after 6 weeks or when your doctor says your wound is healed.

Let me know if this article was helpful and if you have tried massage to reduce your c-section scar itchiness.

The post The Untapped Strategy You Need To Stop Your C-Section Scar From Itching Today appeared first on She Births Bravely.



source https://shebirthsbravely.com/c-section-scar-itching/

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Am I Crazy For Breastfeeding After A C-Section And Loving It?

Breastfeeding after a c-section is a bit like you just got in a car crash, and now you’re going to climb a mountain. You have no time after your surgery to recover before you start a new journey that will challenge you in ways you didn’t expect. For some, it may be easy. But for many of us, it will be challenging. There will be obstacles in your way, and you will have to learn, grow, and change to be successful.

And yet, even with all the challenges, I absolutely loved breastfeeding after my c-section. Here’s why.

Breastfeeding after my c-section wasn’t just a dreamy time of laying around with my baby watching Netflix. For me, it also included a breast infection so bad there was milk dripping out of the side of my boob, 3 painful round of mastitis, undiagnosed tongue ties, and a lot of tears.

It also meant slowing down, learning how to ask for help, learning to find joy in resting, and having to focus only on my family.

A deep love was born through these trials. As was a whole lot of confidence in myself and my community. Breastfeeding after a c-section is not the only right way to feed your baby. But it can be rewarding in many meaningful ways even if it is harder than climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.

I made this guide because if you want to breastfeed after your c-section, I want you to know that you are not alone in your trials. It is okay to change your mind. And there is more support around you than you have ever dreamed of. If you want to do this, you can totally do this!

The Best Advice About Breastfeeding After A C-Section

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I participate in the Amazon associates program as well as others.

Before I get into answering many of the top questions about breastfeeding after a c-section, I want to share with you one of the best resources out there when it comes to being successful breastfeeding. That is education. Breastfeeding has a learning curve for everyone everywhere.

Milkology is a 90-minute class taught by a Lactation specialist about breastfeeding. You will learn how to get a good latch, how to make sure your baby is getting enough milk, and how to properly store pumped milk. If you haven’t take a breastfeeding class yet, I highly recommend it. You will learn so much and reduce your learning curve significantly. The best thing is that the class costs less than $20. And if you’re still in the hospital after your belly birth, you will have plenty of time to watch it.

Your Guide To Successfully Breastfeeding After A C-Section

Why Is Breastfeeding Harder After A C-Section? 

Breastfeeding is harder after a c-section because you just underwent one of the most intense abdominal surgeries out there. Have you ever started a race 50 ft behind the start line? This is what it can feel like when you are first trying to breastfeed after your surgery. This is especially true if you first underwent a long difficult labor and then had a c-section after you already drained all your energy and emotional reserves.

After your c-section, picking your baby up and putting your baby down will actually feel like work. You might even need to press the call button and have your nurse help you get your baby out of the bassinet the first day.

Because you had extra fluids during surgery, it may take longer for your milk to come in. It is also possible that your baby was born with extra fluid in their system as well. We’re you puffy and swollen from the fluids? Your baby probably was too. Which means, when they lose this extra fluid weight, it may seem like they are losing more weight than is healthy, when in fact they are just fine. So it is important to learn how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk.

It is also possible that your baby will be extra groggy or sleepy after a c-section. This means you may have to keep them awake or undress them to wake them up so they pay attention to your breast and eat.

All of this can sound overwhelming, but, I want to assure you, your body has been preparing to feed your baby for 9 months. It didn’t suddenly forget that there is a baby that it grew and supported that needs to eat. Your milk will come in, even if it takes a tad bit longer. And your colostrum can support your baby quite well those first few days.

Find out what else you can do to support your c-section recovery here.

When Will Your Milk Come In After A C-Section?

It’s common for it to take a little bit longer for your milk to come in after a c-section. But, you can expect your milk to come in the first week. Usually, it will take between 2 to 6 days for your milk to come in. You will be able to tell when your milk comes in because your breasts will feel full, swollen, tender, and may even begin to feel hard or engorged. You will notice a shift from your breasts producing thick golden-colored colostrum to a more liquid white milk. Your milk coming in means that you have shifted from producing colostrum to milk.

What is Colostrum And When Do You Make It?

Just because your milk hasn’t ‘come in’ doesn’t mean that you aren’t producing anything for your baby. Before your milk comes in, you will create colostrum, which is a thick golden color and full of nutrients.

Colostrum is the first form of milk your body produces. Your mammary glads make it in late pregnancy and the first few days after giving birth. It is often golden or yellow colored, but some women do produce white colostrum. Colostrum is full of nutrients such as protein, salts, fats, and vitamins. It also has high levels of antibodies that help keep your baby healthy.

Your body will only produce a few teaspoons of colostrum a day. But keep in mind that at birth, your baby’s stomach is only the size of a small shooter marble. It will grow every day, as will the amount of milk you produce if you are nursing frequently.

Tips For Your First Latch When You Are Breastfeeding After A C-Section

When you are ready to try nursing, recruit help. Your doula or nurse is more than happy to help you. Occasionally, moms will nurse when they are still in the Operating Room before they transfer back to their recovery room. But, most often, I have seen that women move back to their recovery room pretty quickly and nurse there.

Once you are together in your recovery room, ask your nurse to help you get skin to skin with your baby. Your baby does expect to feel your skin and it can be comforting for you as well. In fact, if you are experiencing any shakes or feeling loopy from your medications, having your baby against your skin can be very comforting and help your symptoms subside as well.

I do want to point out that you may need your nurse or partner to be the one actually holding and stabilizing the baby on your chest. That is totally normal and just fine. Enjoy this time and don’t feel like you need to rush anything.

When you see baby rooting, go ahead and feed them! Or if it has been a while and you are ready and baby seems sleepy or groggy, you can try to wake him up a little bit. Your nurse can help him latch. If you’re still shaky, your nurse can hold your baby at your breast. If you’re not shaky, you can do it by yourself. Most moms like to begin breastfeeding within the first hour after birth.

The Importance Of Skin To Skin When Breastfeeding

Skin to skin has many benefits for both you and your baby. Many moms notice that it is easier to latch their babies if they are held skin to skin. Skin contact also calms a baby who is upset. If your baby is crying a lot after delivery? Try skin to skin.

Holding your baby skin to skin also helps your body know to produce milk and helps your milk come in appropriately.

Want to find out some even cooler benefits? When you hold your baby skin to skin it releases hormones that reduce stress. This can stabilize your baby’s temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood sugar. It is so good for your baby.

The Academy of Pediatrics recommends Skin-to-Skin be given as long as possible and as frequently as possible during the postpartum period, which is typically defined as the first 3 months of life.

What does it look like when your baby is skin to skin with you? Your baby is placed directly on your chest so you are belly to belly. You can put a diaper on them if you want. Then the two of you are covered with a blanket to keep snuggly warm. Often this happens right after birth, but it has benefits for months and months. If you can’t do it in the OR, do it in your recovery room when you are reunited. Assuming your baby is with you and not in the NICU for any reason.

What Does A Good Latch Look LIke?

One of the easiest ways to understand wht a proper latch looks like and how to get it is to see it. Because of that, I have asked permission to share this video with you.

You will begin by placing your baby’s nose to your nipple. When your baby opens his mouth wide, he takes your breast like a sandwich, getting not just the nipple but some of your areola as well.

It should not hurt to breastfeed. If you have any pain, unlatch and try again.

I always recommend that you should ask every nurse or midwife that comes into your room to check out your latch and give you ideas. That way, you have a wide selection of ideas that you can choose from. You can hold onto the tips that make sense and work for you and leave the other ones behind.

Breastfeeding Positions For C-Section Moms

After your first latch, you may or may not need help with your subsequent feedings. You want to aim to have your baby on your breast about every 2 hours until your milk comes in and then at least every 3 hours after that. I recommend reading the book The Womanly Art Of Breastfeeding created by the La Leche League to get a good idea of how frequently you should be nursing your babies, or just take that breastfeeding course I told you about!

These positions are typically more comfortable for breastfeeding after a c-section because your baby’s weight is supported and you won’t have to use your abdominals to support them. It will take some time to heal your abdominals and learn to move totally functionally again.

The Football Hold For More Control

The football hold is great for breastfeeding after a c-section because your baby’s weight is not resting in front of you but along your side. I do find this is a little less snuggly and cozy than when you hold baby across your front. That said, it gives you more control and can help you get a better latch.

Baby Totally Supported By A Nursing Pillow Or Pillows

Notice that this is not just a regular boppy pillow but a best latch boppy pillow. The difference is that this has a little extra cushion that holds more of your baby’s weight and tilts your baby towards you. It is extremely comfortable to rest like this and your biggest challenge will be to not fall asleep on the job when your baby does. You can get a similar effect by adding an extra cushion underneath your boppy.

Curious about what else should be in your c-section recovery kit?

Side-Lying Position For The Win

Side lying breastfeeding can take a little practice to get good at. However, once you figure it out, it is so easy it quickly becomes a favorite for many moms. This position allows you to get more rest and to totally relax while you are nursing your little one.

Do You Have More Questions About How Often To Nurse and How Much Milk Your baby Needs?

If you are reading this article and thinking to yourself, wow, I really have a lot more questions, fear not. Breastfeeding knowledge is not out of your each. Check out the Milkolgy class that will go over all the fundamentals you need to get off to the right start.

Breastfeeding After A C-Section When You Return Home

When you return home, you will want to make sure that you continue to eat well and rest well. It will be a while before you are up and moving at your regular pace and that is okay. You can nurse in bed, you can nurse in your favorite chair you can nurse reading a book you can nurse with Netflix. Nursing will be a big part of your life. One mom calculated out how much time she spent breastfeeding in the first year and this is what she found:

“So, I did the math— I’ve been breastfeeding Lilly for 1 year which means (conservatively) I have fed her from my body 5,475 times, which means (conservatively) I’ve have spent 1,825 hours holding her to my breast, which also means (conservatively) my body has produced 342 gallons of milk.”

Breastfeeding after a c-section truly is a commitment and an adventure. It may start out hard, but it will definitely pay you back a million times in sweet smiles and cuddles and a bond so deep you won’t believe it.

And if it’s not for you, that is okay too.

The post Am I Crazy For Breastfeeding After A C-Section And Loving It? appeared first on She Births Bravely.



source https://shebirthsbravely.com/breastfeeding-after-a-c-section/