Testimonials
- PHYSICIANS
- OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
- FITNESS PROFESSIONALS
- ORGANIZATIONS
- CLIENTS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH JULIE
- LETTERS TO JULIE
- LOSE YOUR MUMMY TUMMY BOOK REVIEWS ON AMAZON
"Julie Tupler is an expert on treating diastasis recti"
Dr.Oz (Oprah & Friends)
“Julie Tupler is a gifted teacher and healer - training with her has been empowering, both personally and professionally. As a naturopathic physician I have long been familiar with the issue of diastasis recti, but have never had a good solution to offer my patients. After completing Julie’s professional training course and working with her technique, I am thoroughly convinced that treating mummy tummy works. A cornerstone of my medical practice is helping patients to support their body’s self-healing abilities. Medical research confirms that the Tupler Technique does just this – the methodology leverages the physiology of your abdomen to decrease the separation of rectus abdominis muscle. On a personal note, I am so happy to have found Diastasis Rehab. Like many mothers, soon after pregnancy I set out on a mission to regain my former body. No matter my effort, however, my stomach just never seemed the same. Now with the tools and the Tupler Technique I have learned from Julie, my effort is finally paying off. I am now on my way to reshaping my tummy. “ Deb Bossio, ND www.drdebbossio.com
“As an obstetrician/gynecologist and being pregnant for the first time, I joined Julie Tupler's Maternal Fitness class. Julie is a wonderful instructor, she is very patient, encouraging and has perfected her technique. The exercises were relatively easy to learn and they strengthened the abdominal muscles so well that each effort was maximized. I used the Tupler Technique during my labor and the results were remarkable. I pushed for only 23 minutes! I would highly recommend any woman who is facing one of the most natural, wonderful and most challenging experiences of her life to learn the Julie Tupler technique.” Teresa Lazar, MD (OB/GYN)
"The Tupler Technique, a special abdominal exercise, is great for maintaining the results of stomach surgery - one of the most common procedures, along with breast surgery, performed after a woman has a baby. It helps to strengthen the side abdominal muscles so they don't spread back out ." Dr. Sharon Giese, Plastic Surgeon New Beauty Magazine Issue 4, Fall/Winter 2008"
I have been working with Julie Tupler over the past twelve years. I enthusiastically refer my pregnant patients to her Maternal Fitness® Program. In my experience, her clients are well prepared mentally and physically for labor. Her regimen of abdominal exercises makes for more efficient pushing, and for a more rapid postpartum recovery." Gae Rodke , MD (NY OB/GYN)
"I am an obstetrician-gynecologist in private practice for over twelve years. As a proponent of minimal intervention with the natural process of labor, I have found Ms. Tupler’s Maternal Fitness® program to be of great benefit to many of my patients. I have received quite favorable feedback from my obstetrical patients with regard not only to her teaching ability but to her personality and enthusiasm as well."Kirk C. Young, M.D. (NY OB/GYN)
“I am writing in behalf of a colleague and friend, Ms Julie Tupler. I have known Ms Tupler for many years and have referred patients to her and her company, Maternal Fitness. I have received only excellent feedback both anecdotally, and of course, by witnessing firsthand, how well my patients respond in labor to her exercise and conditioning techniques. She and her staff have a great method of communicating to their clients so that the women they train feel in control of their bodies, both during and after delivery. She as helped to make a difficult and often frightening experience for many, not only manageable, but enjoyable. I can say this with absolute assurance, since I was one of her clients. Her coaching in abdominal wall strengthening and control played a large role in my wonderful delivery of Zoe Eleni. For all these reasons, I recommend her and her associates at Maternal Fitness wholeheartedly as a part of an excellent ante partum and postpartum education experience.” Ellen Manos, M.D. (NY OB/GYN)
“As I look back on my pregnancy and delivery, I have to say that I am glad you introduced me to your program firsthand. I found several benefits to it:
First, as my sessions usually were on Friday afternoons, I would arrive exhausted after the week’s work, but always leave feeling relaxed and invigorated. Second, I did not experience any back pain during the entire pregnancy, something I had worried about because of my history of a herniated disc a few years ago. I also found the one-page BAKS Basics sheet very helpful, and together with simple aids like the dyna bands it was easy to do most of the exercises at home. Your explanations of the rationale for the exercises reflect an understanding of physiology which helps one to do the exercises correctly.
Finally, as I walked around at home in early labor your CD helped me to relax. Although to my disappointment I needed Pitocin and an epidural, once I got to the hospital, when I got to the second stage, I knew exactly what to do. Whereas I had taken three and a half hours to push out my daughter (who weighed 7 pounds), this time I only needed 40 minutes (and my son weighed about the same). He had a tight nuchal cord and had to be helped out with one pull of the vacuum, and came out with a perfect Apgar score. So it was critical that the second stage was short, otherwise he would have been in worse shape or I would have ended up with a cesarean!
So thank you again very much for helping me through this pregnancy and delivery and always with such good spirit! I shall certainly recommend your classes.” Jaana Rehnstrom, MD (NY OB/GYN)
“Prior to becoming pregnant, I was quite active, engaging in running, swimming, rollerblading, skiing, and other sports on a regular basis. Because of my “high risk” status as a DES daughter, my obstetrician advised me to limit my activity to easy walking and light swimming from the outset of my pregnancy. Subsequently, at approximately 11 weeks gestation, I began having problems associated with cervical incompetence and uterine irritability, both complication of DES exposure. At that time, I underwent cervical suturing and was placed on complete bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy.
One of my major concerns about bed rest for such an extended period of time was the prospect of becoming severely physically de-conditioned and debilitated. After only a couple of weeks, I was noticing a significant decrease in muscle mass. Because of my tenuous obstetric condition, I did not feel completely comfortable in devising my own exercises. Thus, I contacted Julie Tupler after reading her brochure in my doctor’s office.
She immediately gained my respect when she insisted on reviewing and demonstrating her exercise routine with my obstetrician prior to setting up an appointment with me. This made me feel secure about the safety of the program she taught me. Further, she obtained a comprehensive medical, exercise, and nutritional history. After her initial evaluation, she began teaching me various exercises and stretches. For each exercise, she explained the physiologic rational and benefit. I realized that she had spent much time and effort researching and designing her program. When working with me, she was sensitive to my limitation while creatively modifying exercises to accommodate my bed rest position. I was surprised and pleased at how much of a “work-out” I was able to experience in bed…
Julie has helped me to feel much less discouraged and frustrated about the physical limitation of prolonged bed rest. I feel confident that I am maintaining some muscle tone and strength, and that my postpartum recovery will be quicker and easier because of her program. In short, Julie Tupler’s Maternal Fitness program has helped me cope with my difficult situation physically and emotionally, and I would recommend her program to other women confined to bed rest.” Alison C. Phillips, MD
"An innovative and dynamic program that could be enjoyed by both pregnant and non-pregnant women alike." Raul Artal, M.D (Professor and Chairman, College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SUNY Health & Science Center)
“As a qualified doctor (in a very different field!), it was a huge relief to finally come across an account of how exercising transverses helps a diastasis that makes sense in terms of my understanding the anatomy of the abdomen.
Finally, and most importantly, it works! Even starting two and a half years post-natally, the upper part of my diastasis closed within weeks of starting the program, and my abdominal muscles are generally much stronger and better toned. I would highly recommend this program to any post-natal mum. Sally Wicks (doctor from the UK)
OTHER MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
“The information in Tupler's Mummy Tummy program is the missing link in postpartum care. I applaud Tupler's attempt to spread the word to women that they need to take care of their abdominals during the child bearing years. As a women's health physical therapist, I treat many women who have separated their abdominal muscles during pregnancy. I use Tupler's exercises with my patients and have had dramatic results. Patients who were told that they needed surgery were able to get their abdominals back in shape through exercise. Her emphasis on training the core and modifying abdominal exercises during pregnancy and postpartum is not only biomechanically sound advice but also whips women back into shape quickly and safely! I recommend this program to every mom out there.”
Debra Goodman (Physical Therapist, Cohoes, NY)
“I am a certified nurse midwife with three small children at home and presently give childbirth education classes from my home in Suffern, NY. I am a certified hypno-birthing instructor and doula, as well. Besides having used the Coming Contractions tape for my own three pregnancies, I have used it extensively as a doula -- everyone loves it!! Now that I teach childbirth education, I encourage my participants to get a hold of the tape or CD. I am writing because I would like to buy the tape or CD in a larger amount to perhaps get a better price and provide it as part of my childbirth education package for every woman attending my classes. Thank you Ms. Tupler for your excellent contribution to women's well-being and fitness!”
Thank you very much,
Jennifer Udoff
I found the Tupler Technique very useful not only as a mother but as a Lactation Consusltant. I used these techniques during pregnancy and my midwife was impressed at my 6 week check up as my muscles were intact! When my third child was just over a year I began having back pain and realized I had let my awareness go - a few weeks later with a focus on Tupler Technique my back feels great and my stomach is flatter! Diastasis is gone. Once you incorporate the work into your daily life it does become second nature - jackknifing just feels wrong! I am also able to assist the mothers I work with in incorporating these techniques into their daily routines and I get positive feedback. Leigh Anne O'Connor - Private Practice Lactation Consultant & mom of 3
"Julie Tupler, RN was a key note presenter at Baby Boot Camp's annual Franchise Owner Conference. Julie is a natural and dynamic presenter full of valuable information to share. Baby Boot Camp franchise owners and instructors receive training in the Tupler Technique through Julie's DVD "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" and incorporate these techniques into their prenatal and postpartum Baby Boot Camp classes. Julie's in-person training is exceptional and I highly recommend it to all Baby Boot Camp instructors and any fitness professionals working with this population." -Kristen Horler, CEO & Founder of Baby Boot Camp www.babybootcamp.com
“My background is exercise physiology and my practice is now Pilates training with a concentration in prenatal and postnatal clients. Therefore, I have made it my responsibility to read marketed materials on prenatal and postnatal fitness. I have found Julie Tupler’s book the best resource on the market. It is reassuring to find material which presents substantial fitness exercises without gimmicks and propaganda. Far too many people are publishing and marketing exercises without any substantial background in physiology. I wish more Pilates instructors were familiar with the physiology of the abdominal region relative to prenatal and postnatal movement. I think this would present faster and immediate results and would also prevent more injuries. Julie Tupler is a registered nurse whom has worked with Columbia University testing her exercises on prenatal and postnatal participants. From my own experience I can say that the exercises presented in "Lose your Mummy Tummy" not only helped me get back into my swim suit 8 weeks postpartum but also helped my diastasis to close. The exercises and information also helped to save my lower back and knees during the strain of motherhood. My clients have also had a positive experience with the Julie Tupler’s information. When working with prenatal and postnatal clients I recommend they purchase the Lose your Mummy Tummy DVD/book as well as the Diastasis Rehab Splint. The results are immediately noticeable. I am satisfied with the abdominal circumference and they are satisfied with the comments they are receiving from friends, family, acquaintances and even strangers. I have met Julie Tupler in person. She is passionate about her work and wants the best for her audience. Thank you Julie for your work! Anne Martens (Hoboken, NJ) www.bellabellies.com
I am a personal trainer for senior adults. One of my clients recently shared with me her story of how she discovered this wonderful book, which she describes as her exercise "bible." Before I met her, she had had a big, protruding belly for a very long time, coupled with low back pain. She finally went to her doctor who diagnosed her with Diastasis Recti and strongly recommended she read this book. He said it was written by a nurse who specializes in treating this condition. He told her that he recommends the book to all his patients with Diastasis Recti because it really helps! That was all she needed to hear. She ran out and got the book, did the exercises, got the splint, etc., and today she has a flat stomach, no more back pain, and best of all, she no longer has a Diastasis Recti! As part of her program with me, we continue to do the exercises together. I am so impressed with her results that I too recommend this book whenever any of my clients has this condition. There are also a variety of exercises in the book which are very suitable for seniors who do NOT have this condition. By the way, I contacted the author by email, and she was incredibly knowledgeable and willing to answer all my questions. THIS BOOK IS FOR WOMEN OF ALL AGES, not just women who have recently had babies. Get these book ladies; you will definitely not be disappointed. Julie Tupler ROCKS!!!!! Sharon Rosman, Fitness Instructor, Chicago, IL.
“My diastasis was four fingers wide from top to bottom, but I am a size four with a belly that made it hard to choose clothing. If it fit me every where else, my belly was hanging over, or worse, popping the button off! Last October, I was at my wit's end. I decided to try Pilates, which helped a lot. My posture improved, and even my belly somewhat went down, but the underlying problem of the pooch caused my abdominal separation was still not addressed. I believe I was reinforcing the diastasis in my efforts to flatten my belly. I began to do the program religiously just about a month ago, and I saw drastic improvement within a week! Within three weeks, I lost FOUR inches in my waist, and in another week, I lost one more. I am now more hourglass shaped-like I was pre-babies-a 27 inch waist!! Thank God I found this before I got a tummy-tuck. I highly recommend this program to any one with a mummy tummy or anyone who works in fitness or postpartum wellness or rehab. This is a very common condition, and this information needs to be available to everybody! The book is information packed, so I think the DVD may be a better choice for moms who are very busy and want to start right away. The book is good, but may take more time to assimilate and apply. I say get both. The computer graphics on the DVD really help us understand what's going on inside and seeing Tupler speak is very motivational, thus reinforcing learning the program--seeing, hearing and reading--and PRACTICING it. Julie Tupler told me there was reason to hope--and she was right!”
Christina Pajer
Spare Time, Inc.
Yoga and Aqua Aerobics Instructor &
STOTT Pilates teacher-in-training
ORGANIZATIONS
”Julie Tupler, makes an excellent point when she says "Childbirth Education comes at the end of pregnancy and only prepares your mind". The Maternal Fitness® Program is a revolutionary program that empowers women from early on, to take control over their bodies and take an active role in their pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Julie's diverse education and background make her perfectly qualified to offer this program. Julie Tupler has pioneered the revolutionary "Tupler Technique Abdominal Exercises" that are based on sound anatomical and exercise principles. These exercises are proven by research from Columbia University Department of Physical Therapy (March 2001) to make the diastasis recti smaller during and after pregnancy. Julie has a wonderful way of explaining her program clearly, in an easy to follow step-by-step manner. In both the Maternal Fitness® Book and Maternal Fitness® DVD, Julie is a pro at demonstrating ergonomically correct positions, and teaches us how to perform transitional movements in safe manner. We learn how to incorporate her unique techniques into out everyday activities, which is what stands out to me as an occupational therapist. To learn more about this incredible program please visit the Maternal Fitness® Website. “
Success Through Play
Dear Julie,
Please accept the March of Dimes thanks for participating in the Babies and You Video
Series. This project is very important to the March of Dimes because it will allow us to provide important preconception and prenatal health information to individuals in all areas of the country. The videos will be distributed to worksites, community –based organizations and health care providers through our local chapters.
Thanks again for your support of our efforts.
Susan Clifford, Manager, Worksite Programs
March of Dimes
CLIENTS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH JULIE
Dear Julie
“Just a note to thank you for preparing me both physically and mentally for the “marathon of labor” as you call it. I started late in my pregnancy but the “Tupler Technique” abdominal exercises I learned for pushing and to prevent back problems really worked in labor. I don’t think Flynn could have been brought into the world with twenty minutes of pushing without them. Understanding how to push with a strengthened transverse muscle while relaxing the pelvic floor muscles gave me that mind body connection so necessary in pushing. I feel my recovery was also faster thanks to your program. I have referred and will continue to refer women to the maternal Fitness Program. Elle Macpherson (actress, model, mom)
“I started working with Julie Tupler and Maternal Fitness in my fifth month of pregnancy. I found that I was developing debilitating biomechanical problems: I couldn’t walk without pain, my sciatic nerve was killing me, I had trouble carrying anything that weighed more than five pounds.
Furthermore, after 20 years of serious running and participation in many sports, the lack of exercise was also making me depressed. When I told my doctors about these problems, they shrugged their shoulders. I thought it would be easy for me to find an appropriate exercise program, but there really weren’t many options out there. I finally learned of Maternal Fitness from a massage therapist who specializes in pregnant women.
I began seeing Julie once a week for almost 5 months. It was a relief to get an all-body workout, to strengthen the muscles that were particularly stressed by my changing body. Julie tailored the workout to my strengths and weaknesses. At the end of every session, she would do 15 minutes of massage and relaxation. I soon found that my biomechanics were back to normal and that I could walk and go about my business without pain.
We also worked on preparing the muscles that would be most important during the actual childbirth. I worked with Julie on my transverse muscles and practiced breathing properly. When I did go into labor, the work paid off. At just over an hour, my doctor assumed that I must be too tired to continue doing three sets of ten pushes at a time. When she asked if I wanted to go down to two sets, I told her that I’d prefer t move up to four! The baby was born soon after. My doctor was impressed by how strong I was. I think the Maternal Fitness Program is an excellent combination of exercise, education and relaxation. Taking part in the program was one of the best decisions I made. I attribute my good recovery from childbirth to the fact that I maintained optimal fitness during my pregnancy. Ellie McGrath (marathon runner)
Julie,
Great news! You would not believe it but the surgeon has determined there is no longer any medical reason for surgery! I was scheduled to go under the knife three days ago and the dr., who hasn't seen me since Dec, couldn't believe the changes. There is still a small hernia, visible to the naked eye, but we can't make it pop in or out the way a hernia should so the dr. thinks it's not worth undergoing surgery at this point. I'm not sure I communicated this before, but when I saw him in Dec. he recommended a repair including 5" of mesh! Now the area surrounding the defect is so tight that if we did surgery, we would need a teeny circle of mesh, less than an inch.
Thanks so much for teaching me how to tighten my transverse. Your exercises have changed everything. As I mentioned before, I've lost 1 1/2 inches off my waist, I've noticeably toned my abs and I don't have to have a surgery that was supposed to lay me up for 2 weeks and prevent me from lifting my son of 6! I'm eternally grateful and a total convert to the cult of Julie. Can I write you a letter of endorsement?
Best wishes,
Kimberley Cowell Meyers, Washington, DC
“When my third child turned 1.5, I had gotten used to people asking me if I was pregnant, even when I wasn't. So once again, I had to field questions as to "how many months are you?" or "boy or girl?" What was worse is that my belly just seemed to get bigger and bigger after each pregnancy. My "pooch" was relentless! It would pop out after eating immediately and no amount of sit ups, Pilates, or any physical activity could change it. I couldn't wear tank tops or anything snug because it just magnified my belly, especially because I am petite. I resigned to the fact that I would have to eventually get a tummy tuck. When I discovered how expensive and painful the procedure would be, I decided I would do one last round of research to figure out why I couldn't lose my mummy tummy. I came across Julie's "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" DVD - I thought, "Okay, just one more DVD to add to my dusty collection..." I had very little faith, but I had never come across information on what a diastasis was and was intrigued by the possibility that what I had was a medical condition that could be fixed without surgery. I followed the DVD exercises with the splint religiously for 6 weeks and was astounded by the results. It truly seemed like magic in 15 minutes per day!!! I was so impressed, and so was my husband, friends and family, that I spread the word to every woman who was pre and post-natal that I knew! I couldn't believe that with such simple techniques, I could get my belly back to how it looked pre-pregnancy. It was truly amazing. I was so inspired that I contacted Julie directly from California asking how I could promote the Program to other women and asked her if there was any way I could become trained in the Tupler Technique. A year later, I am starting my own business and website for the Program and enjoying every minute of it! Thank you Julie for bringing such a necessary and timely product to women that is beneficial on every front.”
Kirah Caminos, Oakland, CA
“As a researcher, I searched all over the world for exercises to heal a diastasis and to prevent it from getting worse during subsequent pregnancies. I found the Tupler Technique exercises remarkably and uniquely effective on several fronts: First, they have helped me heal a 6 cm diastasis twice, after my second and third pregnancies. Second, and perhaps even more impressive, not only do the exercises minimize damage during pregnancy, but by continuing to do the transverse abdominal exercises throughout the third pregnancy, I found that a few days after giving birth I actually had greater abdominal strength than before the pregnancy, presumably because I had been doing the same exercises with the increasing resistance of a growing baby. This made the recovery time much shorter as well.
A little more about my background, I started working with Julie one year after my second child was born. I had read her book and plateaued on the progress I was making on my own. I became a skeptic, though, probably because I wasn't convinced by the title "How to Lose Your Mummy Tummy", but after one session and a few weeks of doing the splinted abdominal exercise more effectively, I was a convert. There was clear aesthetic improvement (flattening of the tummy and even going from an "outie" to an "innie") after just 2 weeks of exercising about 20 minutes daily plus wearing the splint whenever awake. More importantly, there was approximately 1 cm of healing a 6 cm diastasis in the first month. ; Over the course of the next year, wearing the splint, following her advice, and doing the splinted transverse exercises when I could, I reduced my diastasis to about 3 cm before conceiving my third child. I even held it at 3 cm until the last month of pregnancy (I also benefited from no back pain during this pregnancy) but a third 9 pound child pressing on the diastasis eventually brought it back to 6 cm again. Most recently, on my baby's 8 month birthday Julie measured the diastasis at 2 cm at the top, which is the smallest it's ever been, and I know I'll be able to bring the rest down. At this point, my primary care physician also had difficulty detecting it, whereas just three years ago I was a candidate for surgery, something I'd much rather avoid. What I like best, besides the great satisfaction of healing myself, is that I can incorporate the splinted isometric exercise into my daily walk to work or while sitting in a meeting (I keep a stretchy scarf nearby) so that it doesn't take any more time out of my busy schedule than I can afford.
On a lighter note, Julie's recommendations do bring "sucking it in" to a higher level, teaching moms that it's not only vanity but our core-strength muscles that benefit from holding in your stomach during any movement or work. Initially it may seem unwelcome or silly to receive advice on your stance when performing mundane tasks, from getting up to sneezing, but there are many daily opportunities to reverse the slow progress of muscle healing, and, as most parents already know, too many opportunities to hurt your back. After my experience I conclude that just as any good gynecologist or childbirth educator encourages Kegel exercises (invented 60 years ago, surprisingly by a man) every pregnant, postpartum, or aging woman should learn to exercise the transverse abdominal muscle, and the sooner you start the sooner you'll reap the benefits, like faster labor (pushing), faster recovery, greater abdominal strength and appearance, a stronger core, and a healthier back.
Laura Landweber, Ph.D.
Scientist, Professor of Biology at Princeton University, and mother of 3
“Thank you Julie! It has been one year since the birth of my second child and I will now be able to wear a bathing suit...a bikini..this summer. After I gave birth to my first child, I thought there was no hope of getting rid of my post-baby pouch. I tried Pilates and situps which did not help (and now I know it only made my diastasis worse). I gave away all my post baby clothes since I figured that I would never fit back into them. Thankfully, I read an article about the Tupler technique prior to the birth of my second child. A week after my daughter was born, I started my exercise program using Julie's techniques. My diastasis was a 5! You need to be disciplined- wear the splint and work up to 1,000 stomach squeezes each day-but the results are worth it. If I rebel and do not do my exercises, I immediately feel my stomach starting to distend. I am so happy to have my pre-baby figure back. I did not think it was possible without surgery. Julie's book and DVD should be handed out during all childbirth seminars. I highly recommend watching the DVD and if possible attending one of her seminars.” Leslie, NYC
Success With Tupler Technique For Pushing In Labor
“I have experienced Maternal Fitness both professionally and personally and find it to be an impressive and important service.
As a journalist, I interviewed Julie Tupler about her Maternal Fitness Program and featured her information on the Health and pregnancy page of Glamour Magazine. I also plan to cover other aspects of her program in future issues. As a mother to be, Julie coached me through my second pregnancy. I felt great---very strong and energetic—until the day I delivered. My obstetrician, the labor nurse as well as a medical student who observed my labor were very impressed with my labor and delivery. As the medical student remarked, “I’ve never seen a more controlled labor.” And, it’s true. Julie had prepared me both physically and psychologically for labor. Julie’s expertise as a nurse is solid and she gives women what they really need –information. And with health care reform in the wings, nurses like Julie are going to become crucial to the distribution of health care. I would recommend her Maternal Fitness program to any woman who is interested in fully participating in her own labor and delivery.” Stephanie YoungDear Julie
Thank you so much for the wonderful classes! I had a great, drug-free labor and delivery. Before the birth my doctor kept telling me ‘anything could happen” and that all the preparation in the world would not necessarily make much of a difference. Little did he know I had an amazing and powerful birth experience and I owe it to you. The transverse work kept me strong and comfortable during the pregnancy, and made pushing more productive. During the pushing phase both my doctor and nurse told me to bear down—which I did for a few pushes. However, it seemed more “natural” to do the exhalation pushing. I was able to squat for the delivery …and it made a big difference. At first I was laying back and the baby kept hovering between +1and -1. Once I started squatting the baby made significant progress in the birth canal and was born shortly after. I pushed for 45 minutes and felt great. Within a few hours after the birth I was working the transverse and doing Kegels. Everyone was amazed at how quickly I got back in shape. I was back in my jeans about three weeks after the birth. I am telling all my friends about you.
Thank you and keep up the good work! Marianna Kulak, NYC
“I just wanted to thank you for creating this program. I had a baby 3 weeks ago and it went really well because of my great transverse muscles! Last spring I took your 1 day continuing education class for professionals (which I greatly enjoyed) and last summer became pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy I continued to teach aerobics (modified) and used the Tupler Technique exercises daily (even taught them to my students, even though we weren’t doing prenatal aerobics). I worked out up until the baby was born, and even though the birth didn’t go as planned, I was able to push out my 10 pound baby boy in 12 minutes! The doc was saying “hold your breath” and I was too busy exhaling to tell her NO WAY (she stopped telling me to hold my breath when she saw how effective my pushes were.) She had settled in for a long night of labor, but the baby popped out after just a few rounds of pushes. Despite the epidural, I was still able to use the techniques I had practiced and didn’t spend hours pushing. Maternal Fitness was very helpful. Thank you so much..” Jackie Weisberger
Dear Julie
I want to thank you for your support in teaching your program of exercise and good health…both mentally and physically. I was nervous about labor and delivery since I’ve never experienced either before and heard only “horror” stories of others who had babies. I’m happy to say that because of what I learned about what my body was capable of and what to expect during delivery—I breezed right through it!! I had an easy labor, knew how to breathe correctly, and used the muscles needed for a very easy birth!! I had no cuts, tears, aches or soreness afterwards. I was able to start exercising again (slowly) after 4 weeks. My doctor has said it was one of the easiest deliveries for him and fully supports your program. The day after delivery, the nurses were all in my room at some point and I told them all about you and your program. I left the hospital with well-toned, strong abdominals. The nurses were all impressed. I have mentioned your program to others and will continue to give your book to those friends who are expecting. I will continue with your post-partum classes and will forever remain aware of my transverse!! As well as keeping them “out-the back” when exercising, picking up baby or other objects, sitting up from a lying position , etc. If there’s anything I can do to help you promote your work let me know. By the way, my husband’s a big fan…especially for a very short 4 push delivery! Thanks so much. Sharon Strompf
“I selected the Maternal Fitness Program based on the individual approach and the accommodation to my time schedule. The program has far exceeded my expectations, for example:
I used to have lower back problems and be at my chiropractor once a month; since doing transverse abdominal and upper-back exercises my posture has improved so much that I can’t even remember the last time I visited my chiropractor. This is, by the way, one of the reasons I am still continuing with the program after I delivered my baby.
Pushing the baby out was very difficult given the fact that she was in the “nose-up” position. I also needed to do it fast because her heart rate dropped at each contraction. The doctor was ready to use forceps but wanted to wait since I had no epidural. The doctor told me “push as hard as you can.” And I said “fine, if I can do it my way.” My way is really the Julie Tupler way: push with the transverse and don’t stop for a breath, keep on breathing. The baby was out in two contractions!
Another important point is that the program focuses on all muscles (arms, upper body, legs , abdominals) which keeps the whole body strong and in balance.
I would recommend the program to anybody. I feel great and I would contribute most of it to the Maternal Fitness Program.” Caroline Van Scheltinga“It is with the greatest of pleasure and enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Julie Tupler. I gained thirty five pounds during my pregnancy. Nevertheless, the day after I delivered my son, my stomach had totally sprung back into shape and was TOTALY flat. Frankly, I’m convinced that my stomach was not only flat, but in many ways firmer than before I got pregnant.
Although I was concerned about losing my figure when I got pregnant, my appearance was not foremost in my mind when I contacted Julie. I had heard that exercising during pregnancy helped make your pregnancy and delivery easier. For this reason, I hunted all over New York for a prenatal exercise program. After attending several different classes, and meeting one on one with all the prenatal gurus, I was extremely discouraged. From the little reading I had done on exercise during pregnancy, I could see that not one of these programs offered an exercise regime that was safe for my baby and myself. Then along came Julie. Julie was a lifesaver for me because not only did she give me a strenuous workout, but all her exercises were safety conscious. It should go without saying that a pre-natal trainer would have safety on their mind, but having met with many of them, I can tell you that Julie is unique in this aspect. As far as the results of Julie’s program, I was extremely pleased. I experienced no backaches, or other aches and pains during my pregnancy. I had a very quick and easy labor and delivery. Most surprising of all, I was definitely in the best shape of my life when I delivered my son. Every inch of my body, except for my stomach, was the firmest it has even been. Quite an accomplishment that Julie got me into this shape while I was pregnant and the exercises we could do were limited! And as I said earlier in this note, Julie made my stomach incredibly strong. I’m convinced; that this stomach strength is what aided my delivery and made my stomach so incredibly tight the day after delivering! I could go on forever singing Julie’s praises. I would highly recommend her as a pre-natal trainer.
Cynthia RemecDear Julie
Now that things are settling down with our new addition, I wanted to take a moment to thank you. Without your expertise, help, encouragement, and support (not to mention Kegels and transverses), my birth experience would have been a Cesarean horror instead of a joy. And the fact that I was up walking around one hour later is testament to your skill. If you even need a reference or recommendation, please let me know. Diane Cohen
Hi There- I took your class in the Union Square studio in March and April. 12 days ago, I had a baby girl. I want to thank you so much for enlightening me with the Tupler Technique. When it comes time to push, my doctor told me to take a deep breath and hold it for a count of ten. Though I had already discussed with her my desire to use your technique, I think she had more faith in the Valsalva maneuver. (I was later told that most women, when they exhale on the push, usually lose all the steam that helps to make the "push" effective.) To make a long story short, I appeased the Doctor with one push using "her" method just to see what it felt like. But when I felt my head about to explode and felt I wasn't making any progress, I exhaled and insisted I continue with "my" method- the method I've been practicing since I first took your class. As it was second nature after all the practice, four contractions later, my baby was born. Both the nurse and doctor said the Tupler Technique for pushing was one of the most effective they had seen. The nurse even came to my room the next morning to ask me more questions about your class and to write down the name of your book and website.
Thanks to what I learned in your class, my birth experience was amazing. I truly felt my abdominal muscles doing all the work they were supposed to do, and I wasn't out of breath or in any discomfort at all.
Interestingly enough, my birth was filmed for a Baby Story on the Learning Channel and will be aired in September. You'll be able to see your Techniques put to good use. Even the doctors said, thanks to the way I pushed, it was truly a birth that was "made for TV!"
Thanks to you again. I have been telling everyone about your class- and now that I gave birth, I am praising Maternal Fitness even more. It was a phenomenal experience!!
Tanks very much! Please feel free to use me as a reference or testimonial anytime.
Sincerely,Stephanie and Gary Karp
LETTERS TO JULIE ABOUT BOOK AND PROGRAM
Hi Julie,
I just want to thank you for giving my body back to me! I have four children and have had a diastasis since my first child's birth. (He is 10.) I measured a 4 finger,5 finger, and 4 finger in all three positions that you measure. I had given up trying to get rid of my mummy tummy that looked as if I was 4 months pregnant all the time. I am barely an A cup, when I'm not nursing, so my stomach really stuck out, was an eyesore to me and was what people's eyes went to when they first saw me. I have asked for 10 years what I could do about it. Yoga instructors, doctors, anybody who would listen to my problem were asked and everyone said that there was nothing I could do about it. I recently went for a surgical consult, which I am totally against, but was so desperate to have my stomach back that I was willing to explore any option. After the consult I decided to look one more time on the internet- I had just been listening to the "professionals"- so this final time I found your information. I ordered your DVD, splint and band. I have been doing the exercises for several weeks now and can already tell a difference. I should have taken before and after pictures for you. If your technique will work on me, it will work on anyone! My babies were all big, healthy, delivered naturally with the fourth being 11 pounds. Thank you for giving me hope and something to do to improve my diastasis!!
Gratefully,
Cynthia
Dear Julie
This is the email I have sent out to everyone I know: “I will start by just writing my own story. After I had my boys, spending 4 years straight pregnant or nursing, I lost all the weight, and then some, but I noticed that my back never had its full strength, and in fact it felt to me as if “my top half was not connected to my bottom half”. I actually said these words to many friends, health practitioners and alternative health practitioners. You see my back was so far “out” many times in those years that I was in fact bedridden. When Eli was about 2 I started changing how I said what I felt by saying, “I think my stomach muscles are separated”. Well, even though I did say this to most of the women in my life, it wasn’t until this Friday-that I learned the name of this condition. I have a Diastasis…and thanks to a woman who I admire greatly for her strength and fitness level, who also has this condition, I finally went to my Dr to ask about it. Since Friday I have researched 3 hours on the internet and so has Jer, and now I feel compelled to write this email to all of you.
You see, even though I am surrounded by health practitioners, athletes and women, not one piece of advice that I have received has been as informative as this website that I will refer you to. www.maternalfitness.com It seems this condition is very common, but only newly “diagnosed” and the medical and health community are sorely lacking in their education levels in regards to this.
You might say-I don’t have this, I don’t need to know about it and not want to continue reading. Well, you do need to read about it, even if you are among the fortunate 66% of women that live life without having this condition. But it is 100% probable that you are in contact with one of the 33% of women that do have this condition or that you will become one or the other in the future due to a pregnancy, or major surgery, so please read on.
I have gathered that Diastasis happens from the stretch of the womb, but can also occur from C-section or other abdominal surgery. It is vital you read this part: It seems as if it can be avoided as a permanent condition if you MAKE SURE YOU RECOVER PROPERLY from any of these 3 life events. DO NOT DO CRUNCHES.
In the 40s and 50s women were held for 10 days in hospital after their births and not allowed to move from their beds at all for 5 of those first 10 days. They were wrapped in a girdle or corset type thing and had the baby brought to them by nurses. Please try to see the wisdom of this. Those of you that have had children can probably remember that weird feeling of having your uterus kind of hanging out over your pelvis…your organs need to find their proper homes and shrink or expand back to their proper size after babies. And your SKIN…it also needs to be contained in those first few days/weeks after baby comes.
If you are a woman that has this condition, please STOP doing crunches, or any ab exercises with your body curled forward and your head off the floor—you are making it worse. Please refer to the website above, as the woman on this website seems to be the only person who is recommending exercises that actually improve this condition. And, when you do your own research, follow your own intuition and listen to your body. Also, it is true that this condition can lead to severe and life long lower back pain and backs going “out” as well as can lead to bad posture and problems with organs kind of spilling forward through this gap, also a notable lack of upper body strength. Besides this woman’s splint and exercise regime-(of which I have not tried, but am ordering today) the only way to actually correct this condition is a major surgery that can have extreme side effects.
If you are not a mom yet, but might want to be one: also check out this whole scenario, and PLEASE I beg you, be careful to let your tummy knit back after baby. I do not want any one I know to have to experience the back pain that I have experienced in the past 7 years due to this condition. And after you do all that work to have your baby—don’t you want to have the strength to pick them up?
If you are in a position of advice giver, or authority, health practitioner/ personal trainer and especially midwife or baby-doctor and women ask your advice and look up to you for help, please make it a priority to learn about this and make sure that whatever educational background you’ve had, if they didn’t teach you about this—make sure they teach up and coming people in your field about it.
Lastly, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: IF you know someone or are someone who is pregnant right now, INFORM THEM. They, especially if this is their first babe, are in a situation where with a little knowledge, they can go back to their full, strong, vibrant health that they enjoyed before baby. And please pregnant mommas, inform your health practitioners, yoga instructors, whomever you look to for advice, so that when they talk with another pregnant women, they can in turn pass on this knowledge.
We need to revolutionize our self-care after babies. We need to be advocates for our health. Please join me in this.” Maria Mealia-Budd
LOSE YOUR MUMMY TUMMY BOOK REVIEWS FROM AMAZON
“I was 6 months post partum and diagnosed with diastatis recti. I looked to my OB for a referral to resolve it. I was hoping for a physical therapy type referral, instead she recommended me to a plastic surgeon. I found this book. It is the only book out there that focuses on this issue. After incorporating the exercises from the book into my regular workout routine, and eliminating those exercises the book advised not to do, I discovered results in about 3 weeks. I also purchased the splint which I think works as well when used in conjunction with the exercises recommended in the book.” L. Kass Arizona
I still looked 5 months pregnant months after giving birth to my 2nd child even though I had lost all the weight. My doctor told me that I had a severe diastasis (5 fingers wide!) and that surgery was the way to fix it. As a last resort, I bought this book, ordered a splint from the Maternal Fitness website and began doing the exercises. After 3 months, my waistline has returned - people are constantly amazed that I have a 7 month old baby and look so fit. This is especially satisfying to hear considering that my abdominal muscles seemed beyond repair. I can't recommend these exercises highly enough to any woman who's given birth. I am thrilled with the results and, as skeptical as I was, I have to admit that these exercises are kind of revolutionary. I'll never do a crunch again. Kathryn K Hanson (NYC)
“I bought this great book as soon as I saw it. I never knew that there was hope for the flab on my tummy after having three kids. I always thought the only way to correct it was by surgery. But now I have this book!
It tells detailed instructions on how to do each exercise and what muscle group it works. The part I liked was how it told me why the exercises I was doing made my stomach worse instead of better.
I talked to my friend, a certified personal trainer, and she said everything in the book is sound advice, no gimmicks. I've just really started all the exercises, and I can do most of them while I'm taking care of my kids (ages 3, 1 1/2, and 2 months) According to the author, it's for pregnant women and women who had surgery on their stomachs (c-section, hysterectomy, etc.) and even my mom.
I wasn't even going to really try to lose all my baby weight, but now since I feel I can work on my stomach without making it worse, I have hope.” J.Loock , Paramus, NJ
After my second C-Section I developed a diastasis but after the third C-Section it was very noticeable and all the running and aerobics I did didn't help me to develop my 6-pack abs again. I went to 2 doctors and they never once discussed exercises that may help or to stop the "crunches" I was doing which was making the stomach bulge worse. Both doctors suggested a "tummy tuck" which wasn't an option for me as I like to work out and they didn't recommend working out with that surgery - or picking up the baby for a time afterwards. In desperation I surfed the internet for any information and ran across Julie Tupler's book and suggestions so I bought it.
In the year that I re-vamped my workout, the bulge is disappearing and muscle definition is reappearing! I recommend this book to anyone who has this problem. Age and time aren't a factor as to when you can start this program as I didn't start doing these exercises until my last child was 4 and I'm an "older" mother of 45! A. Huth-Fretz, Tiffin, Ohio
“I am a mom with two small children. After my second pregnancy I developed a "mummy tummy" and lower back pain. People continued to ask if I was pregnant. My Obstetrician said my protruding belly was a diastasis recti and suggested surgery to bring the muscle together. My gynecologist told me to do sit-ups. I tried - sit-ups didn't help and I did not want surgery!
After reading "Lose Your Mummy Tummy" by Julie Tupler, I went to the author's website and also purchased the DVD because I personally learn better if I "see" what I am supposed to do.
The exercise program involves breathing techniques and an awareness of moving belly muscles. I was getting bored with the program and wondered if I was doing these simple exercises correctly, so I contacted the author. Ms Tupler answered my questions and told me that the book was based on recent research from Columbia University Dept of Physical Therapy and that this exercise program made the diastasis smaller during and after pregnancy. She gave me the encouragement that this program does work.
Ms Tupler told me that she was personally training a 50 year old pregnant woman who had a three finger diastasis and low back pain. In eight weeks the woman closed her diastasis (while her belly was growing with twins) and her back pain disappeared. I figured if a 50 year old pregnant woman could do it, so could I!
In a few weeks of following the exercise program described in the book, I was able to accomplish more than I ever expected from an exercise program. I discovered that it really wasn't difficult to incorporate the breathing techniques into my everyday life. Most important to me, I didn't have to have surgery to tighten my tummy.”
Elizabeth Fontaine, Tampa Florida
“This book has been an absolute lifesaver for me. I didn't realize I was doing exercises wrong for my tummy and actually causing my tummy bulge to bulge out even more. I also didn't know that doing simple things like getting out of bed incorrectly, or getting up and down from the floor incorrectly, was causing the diastasis to actually get bigger. Thanks to Julie Tupler, I now do tummy exercises correctly, get in and out of bed correctly and get up and down off the floor correctly. Those things are probably no big deal to some people, but it really is priceless to me. Thank you Julie for being such a blessing to me!”
Monica Freeman, Little Rock, AR
“I had 3 kids in under 2 years and my muscles were at least 3 fingers separated. I highly recommend this book - it has a really light workout program that’s easy for postpartum and it really helps you work your transverse muscles. It’s really a rehabilitative exercise program and very therapeutic. She really does know her stuff. It’s a great present to any mother, and even just someone who has very weak stomach muscles. I highly recommend it.” Brenna E. Arthur, Anchorage, AK.
“I noticed a slight tightening of my "Mummy Tummy" within a FEW DAYS. I highly recommend this book. I haven't ordered the splint yet, I just use a scarf when doing the floor exercises. It is a little time consuming at first but I think it is worth it. My stomach is looking flatter than it was before I got pregnant!” MA. Smallwood, Brockton, MA
“This book is a great aid to losing the "mommy pouch". Details the physical changes of your muscles during pregnancy and shows you a great technique of how to get them back in order. A must for new moms and also good for mothers still trying to tighten up their mummy tummy years down the road.” A Lulek
“I'm always surprised at the number of women I talk to that have no idea what a diastasis is, and can't believe this isn't talked about more in pre- and post-natal visits. I knew nothing about this until doing an internet search after my first daughter was born, and I was determined to get my six-pack abs back. If you're serious about losing your mummy tummy, this book is worth the investment. I also own the DVD and the splint, which I wear religiously (even as I type!). The exercises Julie Tupler prescribes really work. They did with my first daughter, and I can't believe how quickly my stomach is flattening with my 2nd. Doing these exercises takes time as another reviewer mentioned, but you can knock them out while nursing or driving your car - no problem. This book, DVD and splint make a nice package for any woman that has just had a baby and is anxious to get her body back.” C.P. Solvang, Seattle, WA
“Let me start off by saying, this has to be the best tummy workout book on the market. In the past I have purchased so many books in hopes to get rid of the Kanga Pouch (flabby tummy) after my first child. Did not succeed....there was no connection, no results and boy did I try hard to get in shape. Those books were put away and sold on Ebay. Then after my second child, those thoughts of "oh gosh....have to start losing and pouch problems again, only this time it worsened - I was even more flabby" but HOW TO DO IT" was the question, did I mention I had fear again on looking for a book that would help. Well I came across this book by referral and I immediately rushed to purchase it as my source saw Ms. Tupler on TV and said it was the most incredible workout and interview she has ever heard and seen. My source I had to believe, it was my mom :-) and she knew the struggle I was going through. My purchase was made, received it....then the excitement started. I could not put the book down. It’s reader friendly, easy to do, FUN, and not to mention easy to follow instructions and photo's doing the exercises. You can't go wrong with this book. This is definitely a book that will not collect dust on the shelf..... mine is actually proudly displayed as a coffee table book for all to see.
Anybody who has seen the book on the table always asks about it and they see the results it has given me, accompanied with a big SMILE. Fabulous investment. I truly wish this book was out while I was pregnant with both children, it would have prepared me to keep in shape and help at delivery time. OB/GYN's should keep this book in their offices for purchase also. Kudos to Ms. Tupler....a Terrific Trim Tummy Teacher. Check out her website and seminars in your town. You will not be disappointed only happy, proud of the results and best of all a great feeling of well being. Wishing everybody success and happiness.” JoJo
“I am the mother of five children, three of whom were delivered vaginally and two via c-section. To say that a "mummy tummy" can be a source of frustration and discouragement to mothers is a gross understatement! I read with interest about the author, Julie Tupler R.N., and her exercises in a magazine perhaps ten years ago and was very excited to learn about her book when it was published. I immediately purchased LOSE YOUR MUMMY TUMMY to help me lose my own twenty-year-old "mummy tummy" and will be sure that each of my four daughters has her own copy when she is expecting. I am currently and actively following Julie Tupler's program as described in the book. LOSE YOUR MUMMY TUMMY contains loads of helpful information I wish had been available to me when I was pregnant. The book includes exercises that women can begin doing as early as a few days post-partum, as well as crucial information for those mothers who are coping with c-sections and episiotomies. There are two gentle, effective workouts and thoughtful advice and techniques regarding different aspects of the many daily physical challenges new mothers face, such as nursing, lifting/holding their babies, and using childcare equipment without injury. The exercises are illustrated with step-by-step photographs and are suitable for women of any age who want to get rid of their post-pregnancy-paunches, regardless of how long ago their babies were born. The overall tone of the book is encouraging and positive, with an emphasis on respectful self-care and effective recovery after childbirth. I lent my copy of LOSE YOUR MUMMY TUMMY to a personal trainer at our health club and, having read it cover-to-cover, she enthusiastically endorsed it, saying the anatomical information and exercises in the book were "right on." The book is useful and helpful to mothers of all ages who are anxious to restore their pre-pregnancy figures and I heartily recommend it!”
Elizabeth Beery Noble, Minneapolis, MN