108: Understanding & Healing Diastasis with Hayley Kava, Pelvic Floor PT

In this episode of the MamasteFit podcast, Gina and Roxanne is once again joined by pelvic floor physical therapist Hayley Kava to discuss diastasis recti (DRA) during pregnancy and postpartum. They explain what diastasis is, how it occurs as a natural adaptation during pregnancy, and various approaches to minimize its severity and support healing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding body positioning, breathing patterns, and asymmetry, as well as the necessity of loading and challenging tissues in the postpartum recovery process. The episode also addresses common misconceptions and harmful marketing practices targeting postpartum women. Throughout, the hosts and guest provide practical tips for both pregnancy and postpartum stages to help women feel confident and empowered in their perinatal journey.00:00 Introduction to the MamasteFit Podcast01:06 Meet Hayley Kava: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist01:32 Understanding Diastasis Recti02:15 Managing Diastasis During Pregnancy08:08 Asymmetry and Its Impact on Diastasis16:34 Postpartum Healing Strategies17:48 The Role of Positioning and Pressure Management22:22 Practical Tips for Postpartum Recovery28:21 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions30:08 Self-Assessment Techniques for Diastasis37:11 The Importance of Loading and Functional Movement39:40 Final Thoughts and Resources——————————Get Your Copy of Training for Two on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VOTdwH📧 Download our free birth prep circuit guide with six exercises to prepare your body for birth: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit/Prepare for your birth with MamasteFit:💻 Online Childbirth Education Courses🏋🏻‍♀️ Online Prenatal Fitness Programming🧘‍♀️ Prepare Your Pelvic Floor for Birth CourseExplore our prep for birth courses: https://mamastefit.com/prenatal-support3rd Trimester Specific Prep Courses: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/third-trimester/-------Freebies to Support Your Postpartum:📩 Join our free early postpartum recovery course: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/early-postpartum-recovery/—-Recover after birth and return to fitness with MamasteFit: https://mamastefit.com/fitness-programs/postpartum/💻 Postpartum Education Courses🏋🏻‍♀️ Postpartum Fitness Programs——Follow Us on IG at https://instagram.com/mamastefit—— This podcast is sponsored by Needed, a nutrition company focused on optimal nourishment for your perinatal journey. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code MAMASTEPOD for 20% off your first order or three months of subscription.⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ****Freebies*****Early postpartum recovery course: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/early-postpartum-recovery-guide/ Postpartum sample: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/postpartum-fitness-guide/Prenatal Sample: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prenatal-fitness-program-guide/Pelvic Floor https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Birth Prep for Labor Guide https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-labor-guide/Birth Partner Guide https://mamastefit.com/freebies/birth-partner-guide/Birth Plan https://mamastefit.com/freebies/birth-plan-guide/