Buyer's Guide
How to Choose a Diastasis Recti Recovery Program
There are a lot of postpartum programs online. Most of them are not built by a physiotherapist, and almost none of them are built for Indian mothers. Here is what to look for, and what to walk away from.
Criterion 1
Who actually built the program?
Look for
A qualified women's health or pelvic floor physiotherapist with clinical experience treating postpartum mothers. Name, photo, and credentials should be on the site.
Walk away from
Generic fitness influencers, postnatal yoga instructors without physio training, or programs where the creator is anonymous.
Criterion 2
Is it built for Indian bodies and Indian homes?
Look for
Adapted for the 40-day sava mahina period, joint-family routines, floor-based living, and equipment available cheaply in India.
Walk away from
A direct translation of a US or UK program. The exercises may be sound, but the timing, language, and assumptions about childcare and equipment will not fit.
Criterion 3
Does it progress based on severity?
Look for
An initial finger-gap self-assessment in week one, with progressions that depend on how your body is responding, not a fixed routine for everyone.
Walk away from
One-size-fits-all daily workouts that don't account for whether your gap is 1cm or 4cm.
Criterion 4
Is it C-section safe?
Look for
Explicit screening for C-section scar tissue, scar mobilisation guidance, and a delayed start to active core work until your doctor clears you at six weeks.
Walk away from
Programs that begin abdominal exercises in the first six weeks postpartum regardless of delivery type.
Criterion 5
Are the testimonials specific?
Look for
Real names or initials with location, exact starting and ending finger-gap measurement, week count, and which specific symptom improved, pooch, leaks, or back pain.
Walk away from
Vague "I feel amazing!" quotes with stock photos. They are usually fabricated.
Criterion 6
Is the time commitment realistic for a new mum?
Look for
15–20 minute daily sessions that can be split, with the option to pause for sick days or growth spurts without losing progress.
Walk away from
60-minute daily routines or rigid "don't miss a day" structures that fall apart the first time the baby is up all night.
Criterion 7
What does it cost long-term?
Look for
A one-time payment with lifetime access, so you can return to it after a second pregnancy without paying again.
Walk away from
Recurring monthly subscriptions where you lose access the moment you stop paying.
Criterion 8
Is there a real refund policy?
Look for
A clear 30-day money-back guarantee in plain language, not buried in fine print.
Walk away from
"Satisfaction guaranteed" with no actual refund process, or windows shorter than two weeks.
How Mum21 lines up against this list
Mum21 is built by Ana, a women's health physiotherapist; designed around Indian postpartum life; uses a week-one finger-gap assessment to set your starting point; is safe for C-section recovery from week six; and costs a one-time ₹7,599 with lifetime access and a 30-day money-back guarantee.