Challenging long-held beliefs about diastasis recti, this episode dives deep into groundbreaking research that's transforming how we understand abdominal separation during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

As a pelvic floor physical therapist and researcher, I've watched the online conversation around diastasis recti create unnecessary fear and restriction for active mothers. The truth? Most of what you've heard about "coning," "safe exercises," and postpartum recovery timelines isn't supported by current evidence. A shocking 60% of social media content about diastasis recti contains incorrect information according to new research by Dr. Sylvia Gaglio and colleagues.

Contrary to popular advice, the evidence doesn't support that coning causes harm or worsens abdominal separation. What's more surprising: exercises that move through range of motion (like sit-ups) may be more effective for reducing inter-recti distance than static holds like planks or bird dogs. This challenges the conventional approach of keeping postpartum women in neutral positions for extended periods.

The parallels between how we underdose exercise for seniors and postpartum women are striking. Out of fear of causing harm, we may be holding new mothers back from building the strength and resilience they truly need for the physical demands of parenthood. The goal isn't to eliminate all strain on your abdominal wall—it's to build a core strong enough to handle the inevitable strains of daily life and movement.

Whether you're currently pregnant, navigating postpartum recovery, or working with prenatal clients, this episode offers evidence-based perspectives to help you approach core training with confidence rather than fear. Subscribe to the Barbell Mamas podcast for more myth-busting conversations at the intersection of motherhood, strength, and movement.

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