Alexes Terry

What was your motivation for starting Every Mother?

After giving birth to four wonderful children, via c-section, my abdominal area was pretty much shot. Instead of feeling like a 35 year old mom of 4, I felt like I was close to 70. After baby number three, I had successfully repaired my severe DR using Every Mother (it was the Dia Method at that time) so I knew exactly what I needed to do to repair my core, end the daily pain in my back, and get back to feeling my age. Baby #4 presented a greater challenge with the way my body healed postpartum. My DR had widened to 10 CM and I was recommended by my primary and OB-GYN to have a tummy tuck procedure. However, after numerous surgeries, I could not stand the thought of another procedure. That’s what led me back to Every Mother Reclaim. Sticking to Reclaim (and 21 Day Challenge), I have had so much success in closing my DR. During my most recent visit with my pelvic floor specialist, I was excited to hear that my DR closed from 10 CM wide and deep to 5 CM!!!  I am finally feeling my age and can enjoy having fun with my four lovelies without experiencing excruciating pain. 

What are/were your goals?

My goal is to continue repairing my DR and enjoying living life with my family without the constant pain. I am also passionate about educating other women on identifying and repairing their DR and understanding the importance of gut health to the overall functioning of the body.

What are your tips for sticking with the program?

My tips for sticking with the program are blocking off time each day to prioritize YOU. Also, having someone who can support you during this journey is important. When I started EM, both times, I shared my goals with my husband–which was more about feeling good rather than looking good. He held me accountable and reminded me of how I wanted to feel. When I did not want to get up, he would wake me up and always cheer me on with a “belly back” or “tight tighter”.

What has been your favorite Every Mother moment?

I’ve had two! After my third child, I went months with people asking me if I was pregnant again. After closing my DR then, it felt great to hear “Wow, you look great!” Now that I am doing my second round of EM, it’s not about hearing the compliments, but feeling whole and healthy again. The other day, my pelvic floor specialist said the best words I’ve heard in a long time…”You don’t need surgery” and “Whatever you’ve been doing, keep doing it.” I’ll take those words over “You look great” any day. While I am still working to close my DR, it feels good to know that I am going in the right direction. 

What advice do you give to other mothers trying to prepare for birth/resolve DR/meet new fitness goals? (please answer based on your current experience)?

This journey is not an easy one so it is important that you have a clear WHY to stick to and go after. When I started this journey, it was based on looking good and to avoid people asking me was I pregnant. However, when I was not seeing the results I wanted, in the amount of time I thought I should see them, it was easy to get discouraged and give up. When I shifted my why to overall health and wellness, feeling good was enough to get me out of bed and roll out my mat. Resolving a severe DR is a journey that requires time, patience, and commitment to your WHY. You can do it and you will do it. Believe in yourself and believe in the process. 

What charity have you chosen for donation and why?

Black Mamas Matter Alliance. I would like to donate to this charity as a way to support efforts to provide quality prenatal and postpartum care to African American women and decrease the annual deaths of African American women who die from pregnancy-related complications.