I’m someone who loves to workout.

Actually – I more than love to workout – it’s part of what makes me, well… me.

After having Victoria, I realized that regardless of how much I ran/walked/swam, I had a mom pooch. This pouch on my frame makes me look about 2-3 months pregnant. As a matter of fact, this summer at the beach, a woman thought I was pregnant! I guess when you see a woman with 5 little kids it’s not like it’s out of the realm of possibility, but it embarrassed me.

I’m SUPER excited to share with you some news that I’ve been working on behind the scenes over here at MomGenerations.com (which I’ll be sharing soon!). Throughout this cool behind-the-scenes project, I found out some pretty interesting news about myself. Well… actually about my pooch.

I have Diastasis Recti.

There is actually a name for what I have, not just… mom pooch!

What is Diastasis Recti exactly?

“Diastasis Recti” means your belly sticks out because the space between your left and right belly muscles has widened. You might call it a “pooch.” It’s very common among pregnant women. About two-thirds of pregnant women have it. Having more than one child makes this condition more likely, especially if they’re close in age. You’re also more likely to get it if you’re over 35 when pregnant, or if you’re having a heavy baby or twins, triplets, or more. Pregnancy puts so much pressure on the belly that sometimes the muscles in front can’t keep their shape. “Diastasis” means separation. “Recti” refers to your ab muscles called the “rectus abdominis.” When the ab muscles move aside like this, the uterus, bowels, and other organs have only a thin band of connective tissue in front to hold them in place.

Finally I have an answer.

Apparently 5 kids and over 35 will do that to you!

I’m curious to know. Anyone else have this? I hear that there are exercises that can be done, as well as surgery to correct the area.

Please send any info my way!