This is the ultimate postpartum check—a full assessment of your abdominal, pelvic floor, and postural muscles.
Whether you've had a straightforward birth with no complications, a C-section, or experienced pelvic floor trauma, I'll help guide your recovery so that your pelvic floor and tummy muscles start to work in sync again. Each pregnancy, delivery, and body is different, and a blanket rule of 'do some pelvic floor exercises' doesn't prepare anyone for the physical demands of motherhood.
During the postpartum MOT, you will gain a deep understanding of your body and recovery process. This knowledge will empower you to restart exercising and confidently do the activities you love. I will devise a plan to help you achieve this and give you lots of tips on how to look after your body alongside all the physical demands of being a mum so you can feel in control of your postpartum journey.
I want you to be able to carry your toddler on your back - without concerns about prolapse, back pain and urine leakage.
What to expect at your Post Partum MOT:
The MOT is a one-hour assessment at either the Bath or Corsham Clinic. We advise you to wear comfortable, loose clothing. Your baby is most welcome at the appointment, but we do achieve more without them there!
The assessment includes:
Detailed history taking about your pregnancy and birth
Explanation regarding the assessment procedure
Postural and movement assessment
Pelvic exam (external and possibly internal vaginal exam, if you would like one)
Abdominal muscle exam
Screening for bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction
Bespoke rehabilitation programme with your goals and lifestyle factors in mind.
I recommend that you have an initial assessment at 6-8 weeks after delivery, but I also treat women who gave birth years ago that may still be having related pelvic floor / or abdominal issues.
-
Carrying out a pelvic floor examination lets me assess the pelvic floor fully and provides a lot of helpful information that we can’t get from an external pelvic floor exam.
Lying down with a towel placed over your pelvis, I will use a gloved hand to feel the internal vaginal walls. We will work together to ensure it is a comfortable exam and you are entirely in control of the situation the whole time.
I will look and feel for muscle attachments and any areas of tightness or soreness in the pelvic floor. I will also test the strength of the pelvic floor and your ability to coordinate the muscles with your breathing. I will assess for prolapse and might need to do this in various positions. Sometimes, a prolapse is hidden while lying down, but things become more apparent when standing.
To reassure my patients, I don’t care what state your lady garden is in, and you don’t need to apologise for hairy legs or chipped nail varnish!
Most patients report that the exam wasn’t as bad as they thought and are pleased they had it done. They leave with lots of valuable information specific to their body and recovery.
An examination will only be performed if necessary. It can be at your initial assessment or at a later date. You can bring a chaperone with you if you would like.
-
My approach is hugely varied, and will focus on what is troubling you and how to get you back to where you want to be. It’s likely to involve manual therapy, massage, exercises, lifestyle guidance and advice.
Everything I offer is evidence-based and customised to you to help you get back to doing the things that are important to you.
“I’m SO glad I came! I heard about your services when I was pregnant from a mum friend, and thought that I wouldn’t ever need anything like that, but it turns out I do!
I’ve learnt loads about my pelvic floor, how it works and how I can improve it, and I’ve come home feeling empowered and excited about the next stages.
Holding Albie whilst I got dressed was also super kind, thank you!”