Postpartum Core Recovery: What No One Tells You (But We Will)

Kritie Alicea • May 29, 2025

You carried life, brought a baby into the world, and now… your body feels like a stranger. Your belly feels soft, your core feels weak, and maybe just maybe you’re wondering if you’ll ever feel strong again.

We see you. And we need to say this loud and clear: you are not broken.

Postpartum recovery is one of the most misunderstood and under-supported phases of motherhood. No one hands you a manual at your one (and only... don't get us started) six-week checkup about how to reconnect with your core or heal your pelvic floor. But that’s exactly what we’re here for.

At ABC Fit Collective, we’re on a mission to empower mamas through safe, expert-led fitness that honors your healing body. Our Core Restore program is the postpartum guide you didn’t know you needed—one that’s built around our signature ABC method: Alignment, Breath, and Core. This program is your foundation: a guided path to safely reconnect with your deep core muscles, restore function, and gain confidence in your body again

If you're not ready for a program, that's okay. Let’s talk about what’s really going on postpartum and how you can rebuild safely, gently, and confidently.

The Truth About Postpartum Core Recovery (That No One Told You)

Let’s explore a common scenario: A new mom gets the all-clear at her six-week checkup and decides to try a workout video she used to love. She starts with some crunches or planks; only to feel discomfort, pressure, or even leaking. She wonders, "Why does my body feel so off?"

This experience is more common than you’d think. Most new moms experience some level of core dysfunction after birth; whether that’s diastasis recti (abdominal separation), pelvic floor weakness, or just a general feeling of disconnect. And yet, there’s a huge lack of education and support around healing properly.

Restoring your core is not about bouncing back; it’s about closing the separation in your abs... wait, did we say separation? -- Yep. That's right. When you're pregnant your abdominal muscles literally separate (called Diastasis Recti) to make room for the baby, and they don't just rebound back together like a slinky after birth. You have to work to close that gap. And, if you throw yourself right back into the core exercises you did pre-pregnancy the chances of injury are high!


Here is the hard truth: rebuilding your core is a slow process that must involve proper core engagement with your breath and pelvic floor connection.

What is Diastasis Recti (and Why It Matters)?

Diastasis recti is a natural part of pregnancy, where the abdominal muscles stretch to make room for your baby. After birth, those muscles need time and proper movement to re-align.

Signs of diastasis can include:

  • A visible “doming” or bulge in the midline of your abs when you sit up (sometimes called coning and can be quite visible as early as the first trimester)
  • Low back pain or pelvic discomfort
  • Core weakness or instability

It’s not something to fear; it’s something to work with. The right movements (and avoiding the wrong ones) make all the difference.

Let’s Talk Pelvic Floor

Leaking when you sneeze? Feeling pressure down there? You’re not alone—and you’re not doomed.

Your pelvic floor is a key player in core recovery. It works in partnership with your breath and deep abdominal muscles to support your entire body.

In the Core Restore program, we integrate pelvic floor awareness into every workout. That means:

  • Breathing techniques to relieve pressure
  • Gentle engagement exercises that actually support healing
  • Real-time coaching to help you tune in (without overwhelm)

Time to Take Action:

5 Core Recovery Tips You Can Start Today

❌ Ditch the Crunches and Planks (For Now)


Crunches and planks can increase pressure on healing tissues. Start with breath-based core activations instead.

✅ Reconnect with Your Breath


Deep 360 breathing is your secret weapon. It helps engage your diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor in harmony.

✅ Focus on Alignment


Think: ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips and ribcage over your pelvis. Proper posture sets the stage for healing.

✅ Consistency Over Intensity


A few focused minutes a day go a long way. Healing isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what’s right.

✅ Get Support from Experts


Don’t go it alone. The Core Restore program was built by certified pre/postnatal pros who get it and guide you every step of the way. We have helped hundreds of moms just like you with this program. We also recommend seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist if your having ongoing urination problems. Your core and pelvic floor recovery should be taken seriously as it doesn't always rebound on it's own.

Real-Life Progress: What Healing Can Look Like

With the right guidance, many moms report big changes in just a few weeks of consistent practice. Things like feeling more stable during daily activities, less leaking, better posture, and renewed confidence in movement. These small wins add up, and they’re exactly what Core Restore is designed to support.

This journey is deeply personal, but you’re not alone. There’s a whole community of mamas navigating it with you.

The Bottom Line:

You Deserve to Feel Strong Again

Mama, this isn’t about bouncing back. It’s about moving forward with power, grace, and the support you deserve.

So if you’re ready to reconnect with your core, reclaim your strength, and feel more like you again, we’re here for it.

Join the Core Restore program in the ABC Fit Virtual Gym today—and let’s heal, move, and thrive together.  Start now >> 

You’ve got this, mama. And we’ve got you.

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