Our Post Natal MOT is a postpartum health check designed specifically for mums to optimise recovery after childbirth. Your body undergoes significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth, and now, with a baby to care for, it’s essential to look after yourself too. Your 6 week postnatal NHS check rarely focuses on you as mum, and therefore we are trying to bridge that gap in care.
Many women experience weakness in their tummy or pelvic floor muscles and suffer from leaking, prolapses or lower back and pelvic pain post-birth. You may be symptomatic or just looking for guidance on how to restart exercise following birth. Therefore, our MOT can help start your recovery journey and give you the confidence to return back to exercise, daily activities and caring for your baby pain and symptom-free.
First Session
During your initial session, we will cover:
- Detailed History: An in-depth discussion of your pregnancy, childbirth experience, and current health.
- Posture, Lower Back, and Pelvic Assessment: Evaluate your posture and the condition of your lower back and pelvis.
- Tummy Strength and Diastasis Recti (Tummy Gap) Assessment: Assess the strength of your abdominal muscles and check for any separation.
- Pelvic Floor Function Assessment (External): Evaluate the function of your pelvic floor muscles.
- Concerns Discussion: Address any concerns about pelvic floor issues, prolapses, leaking, or pelvic girdle pain.
- Exercise Plan: Develop a safe plan to return to exercise.
- Introduction to Postnatal Exercises: Begin with exercises tailored to your postnatal needs.
Next Steps…
A safe and personalised postnatal exercise programme is typically provided during the first session. This includes advice on progression, expectations and timelines for returning to exercise, and management and prevention of potential postnatal issues. Follow-up sessions will help you continue healing, prepare for exercise, and carry out daily activities without pain or worry.
Recovery from pregnancy and childbirth varies for each woman. Remember, every pregnancy, birth, and recovery is unique – avoid comparing yourself to others.
The Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor supports your lower back and pelvis, internal pelvic organs, continence, and sexual function. Postnatal pelvic floor recovery takes time, and the return to exercise should be gradual.
1 in 3 women experience pelvic floor dysfunction. A weak pelvic floor can lead to leaking, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and back and pelvic pain. Understanding how to strengthen and recover your pelvic floor is crucial.
During our Post Natal MOT, we assess your pelvic floor and educate you on activation and strengthening techniques, as well as preparations for returning to higher intensity exercises like running.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti (also known as mummy tummy or tummy gap) is the stretching/separation of the rectus abdominal muscles in the abdomen. Most women experience some degree of separation during pregnancy, which typically normalises within the first 1-8 weeks postpartum. However, 35-39% of women may still have diastasis recti beyond this period, and some women need a little more support, but the good news is most diastasis respond really well to exercise rehabilitation.
Book Your Post Natal MOT Today!
Take the first step towards a healthy postnatal recovery. Contact us now to schedule your Post Natal MOT and ensure your body gets the care it needs.
Call us on 01200 424 507 or email us