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Real world research

Traditional treatment for diastasis rectus abdominis in postpartum mothers: a phenomenological study

02 September 2024
Research
02 September 2024
Volume 32 · Issue 9

Abstract

Background/Aims

Diastasis rectus abdominis is common in postpartum mothers but few studies have examined its traditional treatments. This study's aim was to explore postpartum mothers' experiences of abdominal care and Javanese cultural care.

Methods

This phenomenological study was conducted in rural Yogyakarta, Indonesia from May to December 2022. A total of 13 purposively selected postpartum mothers were interviewed using a semi-structured in-depth guide. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

The five main themes were symptoms interfere with activities and appearance, traditional and non-traditional abdominal care, benefits of and barriers to traditional care, regular use of traditional care and the need for more effective, comfortable and practical tools.

Conclusions

Both traditional and non-traditional care for postpartum abdominal issues present challenges. There is a need for more effective, comfortable and practical treatment for the abdominal area.

Implications for practice

Further research is needed to develop tools for abdominal care for postpartum women that are effective, comfortable and practical.

Diastasis of the rectus abdominis muscle is a condition caused by the development of a gap between the rectus abdominis muscles along the linear alba, leading to abdominal wall muscle weakness (Denizoglu Kulli and Gurses, 2022). In the postpartum period, this can occur as a result of hormones and the biomechanical stretching required to adapt to the growth of the uterus and fetus during pregnancy (Hills et al, 2018; Keshwani et al, 2021). It can lead to colorectal-anal symptoms, as well as static and dynamic postural stability (Wu et al, 2021; Denizoglu Kulli and Gurses, 2022).

The time to physiological recovery for diastasis is 6–8 weeks, with a maximum distance between the rectus abdominis of 2cm needed to allow the abdominal wall muscles to support internal abdominal organs and posture, and provide intra-abdominal pressure (Keshwani et al, 2021; Denizoglu Kulli and Gurses, 2022; Skoura et al, 2024). However, not all postpartum women will completely recover, instead experiencing persistent diastasis rectus abdominis after giving birth. In Indonesia, 53% of postpartum mothers experience diastasis rectus abdominis that persists for 3–12 months postpartum (Zulfiani, 2021).

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Abdominal care
Diastasis rectus abdominis
Postpartum
Traditional treatment