Recovering from diastasis recti doesn’t require a gym membership or fancy equipment—just the right postpartum diastasis recti exercises at home and consistency. Whether you’re weeks or months postpartum, these gentle routines will teach you how to close the gap, strengthen your core, and support your daily activities—all without leaving your living room.
Why Home Exercises Work
You don’t need fancy machines—just proper technique. Home exercises let you focus on gentle core‑closing movements, such as diaphragmatic breathing and pelvic tilts, that protect the connective tissue and gradually rebuild strength. Learn more about your healing timeline in How Long Does Postpartum Diastasis Recti Take to Heal.
Phase 1: Core Activation
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Lie on your back, inhale into ribs, exhale drawing navel to spine. 5 minutes daily.
- Transverse Draws: Seated or supine, exhale pulling belly inward. Hold 5–10 seconds. 8–10 reps.
- Pelvic Tilts: Exhale to flatten lower back into mat. Hold 3 seconds, 12 reps.
Phase 2: Controlled Movements
- Heel Slides: Supine tabletop, slide one heel out on exhale, return on inhale. 10 reps each side.
- Toe Taps: Lower one toe at a time with core engaged. 8–10 reps per side.
- Supported Bridge: Lift hips while maintaining navel‑to‑spine. Hold 5 seconds, 10 reps.
Sample Daily Routine
Integrate these moves into a quick circuit you can do every day:
- Diaphragmatic Breathing (3 min)
- Transverse Draws (10 reps)
- Heel Slides (10 reps each)
- Pelvic Tilts (12 reps)
- Supported Bridge (8 reps)
For safe progressions, see our Safe Postpartum Ab Workouts for Diastasis Recti guide.
Measuring Your Progress
Check your gap every 2–4 weeks using the fingertip-width test at your belly button. Photograph your midline bulge for visual tracking. For detailed measurement methods, read Postpartum Core Rehabilitation Plan for Diastasis.
Pair with Nutrition & Support
Fuel tissue repair with collagen‑rich foods and lean protein. Consider supportive splints—learn more about the Best Splints for Postpartum Diastasis Recti Support to maintain alignment during exercise.
Explore More Articles
- How Long Does Postpartum Diastasis Recti Take to Heal
- Best Splints for Postpartum Diastasis Recti Support
- Postpartum Core Rehabilitation Plan for Diastasis
- Safe Postpartum Ab Workouts for Diastasis Recti
