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practical help and encouragement for homemakers
by Joy Kincaid 6 Comments
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Megan says
I am wondering how you have been able to integrate what you've learned since finishing the program. I am just completing week 8 and discovered that I must have measured wrong to begin with because my gap is wider than I measured at the beginning.(*gasp*) Thankfully, Kelly was reassuring on the private FB forum — it freaked me out and sent me to bed in tears. :/ Anyway, I am wondering how you have managed and/or progressed since completing your 8 weeks. 🙂
Joy Kincaid says
Hi Megan,
Oh, I'm so sorry about experiencing the wider measurement–I know how devastating that can be. 🙁
I still haven't completely closed my gap yet, and I think it's at least partly due to some seriously stressful life situations going on lately (causing me to forget to sit properly or forgetting to do the exercises, and I've also done some heaving lifting I probably shouldn't have done). I love that Kelly gives us a lifetime approach. Learning to sit, stand, and move differently will all take time. I think in general a diastasis takes *time* to completely heal.
I remember reading about another mother's experience on the private FB forum, where she said things had gone downhill since she stopped wearing her splint. And Kelly encouraged her to just keep going, don't give up, and stop checking her DR for about 6 months–just be faithful to do the exercises and work on proper alignment and posture as much as possible.
I bought a small hand weight that I keep by my bathroom sink. When I'm brushing my teeth, I do the calf stretches. Then I follow that with a few of the other stretches. I try to remember to do the transverse exercises in the shower. Or in the car while I'm driving. I also joined Fit2B, and my goal is to do Kelly's total body workout at least a few times a week. I'm also still sleeping in my splint and wearing it during workouts and heavy housecleaning.
I haven't done any of this perfectly, and I still haven't completely closed my gap (I'm still at 2.5 at the widest point). But Kelly says it took her a lot longer than 8 weeks to totally heal. The 8-week program gives you the tools and encouragement you need to know how to heal. But in reality it usually takes longer than 8 weeks. And also, I think it's so important to remember that everyone's body and situation is different. Some may heal faster than others, and some may take longer. I find encouragement in remembering that!
Also, it may be helpful to schedule a Skype session. Sometimes Kelly is able to make personal recommendations that can make a world of difference!
Hope that helps! I know the road to healing diastasis can be an emotional one! {{Hugs!}}
Megan says
Thanks for sharing. Yes it is certainly an emotional thing! I am sorry life stress has gotten in the way of being mindful of your posture and exercises. How is your splint holding up? Mine is getting stretched out and I do still wear it at least part of the day in addition to exercising. I would love a skype session but we can't swing it right now. I remain hopeful that healing will occur over time, and it certainly helps to know other women are walking through this as well.
Joy Kincaid says
You're welcome, Megan! I have been considering another splint. Mine is getting a bit stretched out, too. But, it still seems to work so far, so I haven't decided it's time yet to order a new one. 🙂 It has really encouraged me just knowing that I'm not the only one working on healing this–years ago, I never met another woman who even knew what I was talking about!
Carrie McCoy says
I need this info badly and I am saving it. I developed this after having twins. I am pregnant again now with a single baby. But after this, I am hoping to try something like this so I will be saving this info. Thanks!
Joy Kincaid says
I'm so glad this was helpful to you, Carrie! I am so thankful for Kelly's program–I tried a couple others before hers, but The Tummy Team is the first program I was successful with.
The Tummy Team also has a prenatal program that can help protect and strengthen your core during pregnancy and also help prepare your body for birth. And their splints (for pre and postnatal use) are my favorite!
Blessings! ♥Joy