8 mo. PP...What to do about Umbilical Hernia? (+diastasis recti)

[GuavaGirl]

Has anyone out there had to deal with an umbilical hernia postpartum?
I asked my doctor about it and she seemed to think that everything will be just hunky dory if wait until after I'm done having kids, to get it repaired. She's a very new doctor, so I don't know how much I trust that...and lately I've been exercising more and it's getting more sensitive. I also have a 3 finger diastasis recti. (abdominal separation)

I'm going to get a second opinion, but I'm just wondering if any of you have BTDT or have any information on the topic.

Thanks.

[kltroy]

The diastasis can be helped with proper exercises - with a 3-finger separation, you may want to get a referral for a physical therapist who specializes in women's health issues. I saw one for some pelvic floor issues after my 2nd child, and she helped me with all sorts of other core/strength issues that were associated with pregnancy and postpartum. Worth her weight in gold, really.

As for the hernia, what is the chance that it will self-correct if your diastasis is corrected? What are the symptoms? Risks to correcting versus not? At the end of the day, you'll just need to get as much information about this as you can and make an informed choice.

[Gena 22]

The only thing that helped my bulging post-twins belly was sitting on a balance ball. I replaced my office chair at work with a ball and the belly disappeared.

Not the solution to everything, and you may need surgery for the hernia, but for $25 from Target, it's worth a try! If not for the office, then for watching TV, or anytime you can.

[wombatclay]

The Tupler Technique is an exercise program specifically designed to treat diastasis. There are threads here at mdc, a website with info and the (free) BAKS basics, and a book with the complete program and general lifestyle info (like using baby carriers or lifting older kiddos without straining the diastasis).

I'm a fan in part because the BAKS basics are "do anywhere" (kind of like kegels), they work, and it's a safe exercise for prolapsed mamas.