Our bodies go on an incredible journey through pregnancy, birth and beyond. The Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal assessment - a thorough head to toe check to help you recover well, move confidently, and feel like yourself again. Postnatal care should be the norm for every postpartum woman.
Postural and joint changes occur in pregnancy. For example, both the upper and lower back can get strained and weaken. The front of the hips typically tighten, with the gluts lengthening and weakening. Residual pregnancy hormones continue to increase joint laxity after birth which can cause instability and pain – for example in the pelvis, wrists and hips.
Targeted stability and strengthening exercises, postural re-education and supports where needed can make a real difference.
Tummy gapping or diastasis recti, is very common during and after pregnancy – affecting around two thirds of women in the third trimester. During your Mummy MOT, the abdomen is assessed for width, depth and tension of the midline gap. If diastasis is present, rehabilitation focuses on the deepest layer of core muscle first – the transverse abdominis – before progressing to the three outer layers.
This inside-out approach restores strength, stability and functional tone safely and effectively and is far more effective than generic core exercises which can make symptoms worse if done too soon.
Pelvic floor muscles have to work incredibly hard during pregnancy. Pelvic floor tension is just as common as weakness post birth. Symptoms can present as leaking, urgency, pelvic heaviness and pain, internal discomfort, lower back pain or pelvic organ prolapse.
We assess externally as standard, with an internal assessment if appropriate and with your full consent. Following assessment, treatment is tailored to your specific findings and includes breath work, strengthening and release exercises and mobilisations, and advice on biofeedback devices. Most women notice a significant improvement with a guided progressive programme – and many symptoms that feel permanent are very much treatable.
Depending on your type of labour, you may have scars – perineal or caesarean. Your scars will be assessed for sensitivity, tension and adhesions. Treatment includes scar massage, desensitization and mobility work to promote healing, reduce pain and restore movement around the scar tissue.
A guided return to exercise is included as part of your Mummy MOT. Rather than a generic programme, your plan is built around your assessment findings and progresses at the right pace for your body, for your recovery and to achieve your exercise goals.
The Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal assessment carried out by a certified Mummy MOT Practitioner, designed to check how well a woman’s body has recovered after giving birth – evaluating the pelvic floor, abdominal muscles, posture and overall function to identify any issues and guide a safe return to exercise.
We’ll begin by taking a detailed history of your pregnancy, birth, medical background, any symptoms, lifestyle and exercise goals.
We will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your posture and movement.
Your breathing pattern and rib movement and expansion will then be assessed.
Your abdomen will be assessed for diastasis recti, core function, and C-section scar recovery where appropriate.
Your pelvic floor will be assessed externally, with an internal assessment offered if appropriate and with your consent.
You’ll receive a personalised treatment and exercise plan tailored to your assessment and goals
You can book any time from six weeks post birth. This allows enough time for initial healing.
No, it is never too late – six months or six years later, or beyond, the Mummy MOT can be hugely beneficial for you.
Yes of course. The clinic has easy ground floor access, plenty of room for the pram and free parking right outside if needed. Don’t worry if your baby needs changing or is unsettled during the appointment, we can adapt accordingly.
Comfortable clothing is ideal, for example leggings and a T-shirt.
The Mummy MOT provides you with a thorough, specialist postnatal check and treatment plan, to enable you to recover well and feel like yourself again.
