{"id":4053,"date":"2023-04-11T13:43:26","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T13:43:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mutusystem.com\/en-us\/?p=4053"},"modified":"2023-12-31T09:58:54","modified_gmt":"2023-12-31T09:58:54","slug":"how-breastfeeding-positions-and-postpartum-nutrition-can-help-you-heal-diastasis-recti","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mutusystem.com\/en-us\/diastasis-recti\/how-breastfeeding-positions-and-postpartum-nutrition-can-help-you-heal-diastasis-recti\/","title":{"rendered":"How Breastfeeding Positions and Postpartum Nutrition Can Help You Heal Diastasis Recti"},"content":{"rendered":"

In our latest article, we\u2019re going to talk about two topics we get asked about regularly by new moms. Firstly, breastfeeding and diastasis recti. And secondly, the effect of postpartum nutrition on diastasis recti.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot out there on the internet about what to do or not do when you have diastasis recti<\/a> or pelvic floor dysfunction<\/a>. Typically, it\u2019s about exercise, like doing core workouts or if pilates is okay when you have diastasis. Those things are important to understanding your options around restoring core health after birth, but they\u2019re not the only ways to heal.<\/p>\n

Alignment \u2014 or posture \u2014 is often overlooked when talking about diastasis recti. It\u2019s so important, though! That also means considering alignment while feeding your newborn.<\/p>\n

Postpartum nutrition is another topic left out of many conversations around diastasis recti. How you nourish yourself is important for any recovery process. It\u2019s also incredibly important to think about in postpartum and beyond.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s dive into these two topics.<\/p>\n

Breastfeeding and Diastasis Recti: How do Breastfeeding Positions Help or Worsen Diastasis Recti?<\/h2>\n

Our apologies in advance for throwing another position to think about during breastfeeding, but how you position yourself can be just as important as how you position your baby during feeds.<\/p>\n

For many reasons, infant feeding positions which have you rounding your shoulders and leaning over baby are going to put extra strain on your body. This is true for your core, pelvic floor muscles and abdominal muscles too. Having a squashed tummy and strained back is the opposite of what you want when trying to heal diastasis recti. Not to mention it\u2019s not that great for your wrists or baby\u2019s latch either.<\/p>\n

Instead, try positioning your body so that you\u2019re reclining at a 45\u00b0 angle (if seated). You shouldn\u2019t feel a tug on your back muscles. The bonus to this position, besides just being better for your core, is that baby can bob around on your chest and get a more \u201cnatural\u201d latch and you\u2019ll likely need fewer pillows and props, making it easier to feed anywhere and in a shorter period of time. An all-around win!<\/p>\n

For anyone bottle feeding who has diastasis recti, you can take a look at how you\u2019re positioned during feeds, too. Try not to hunch your shoulders way over while feeding. Instead, you may want to find a place to feed where you can sit up very straight and prop baby up higher. This can make it easier on your core, while making it easier to practice the preferred \u201cpaced feeding\u201d method of bottle feeding, too.<\/p>\n

The Role of Proper Nutrition in Postpartum Recovery and Healing Diastasis Recti<\/h2>\n

Postpartum nutrition is important for everyone, regardless of having diastasis recti. However, though diastasis isn\u2019t an injury, it still will take some extra work for your body to heal from. When your body is asked to do more for itself, it\u2019s essential to fuel it well.<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t mean you have to go out and buy a ton of supplements or superfoods, either. You can find the right building blocks for healing diastasis recti in many common foods.<\/p>\n

Here are a few important nutrients for postpartum health and where to find them:<\/p>\n