After baby #1 I had a bad case of diastasis recti (abdominal separation – mommy tummy). Now after baby #2 I have a severe case of diastasis recti. My physiotherapists suggested this product, by Bellies Inc, to help in correcting the issue. Ideally, this is something that you would want to purchase before you deliver and wear/use the first 8 weeks post-partum. I started wearing it 10 weeks post-partum, have used it now for a full 8 weeks. With the complete system you get an Ab wrap, 2 tanks, a garment bag, and an exercise program that works on pelvic floor. You are spending around $200, which includes shipping. I have seen results, it does help me feel secure and in less pain throughout the day. You are expected to wear this all day long, including when you sleep. I only take it off to shower.
My overall thoughts. 1) The tanks are designed for nursing. I am unfortunately unable to breast-feed, I would have liked to purchase a non-nursing tank. It is annoying to have straps that go off to the side and an open chest since I have no need for that.
2) I feel that the velcro seams at the back are not sturdy enough. I have emailed the owners of Bellies Inc and they say that they are working on fixing this issue.
3) The tanks are dry-fit, but it is still very hot wearing it (especially when running after a 3 year old outside in the summer!) and it doesn't help with the sliding of the wrap. I have it on the tightest position and the bands overlap and I still have constant shifting. A cotton blend tank helps with this, which I often do wear underneath instead of the tanks provided. However, the owners told me that the tank is ideally designed for the first 8 weeks of healing and heat aids in that.
4) I love the videos and find the exercises really helpful. It's nice to finally see an exercise video that is not gimmicky and to have exercises that are very doable and do not take that long. I do them with my 3 year old and often right beside my 4 month old;).
Is it worth purchasing, definitely! I am months away from being “healed” but I do honestly believe that this is aiding in my recovery. I will be wearing it longer than the 8 weeks recommended (not to sure how much longer- my physiotherapists will let me know). It is not comfortable at all, and I have not gotten used to it. It is really annoying and hot to wear. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to not have surgery to correct this.