This is the ultimate post partum 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.
I want you to be able to carry your toddler on your back - without concerns about prolapse, back pain and urine leakage.
During the post partum MOT, you will learn a lot about your body, and your recovery. I will devise a plan to help you restart exercising and doing the activities you love, as well as give you lots of tips on how to look after your body alongside all the physical demands of being a mum.
What to expect at your Post Partum MOT:
The MOT is a 1-hour assessment taking place 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 assessment procedure
Postural and movement assessment
Pelvic exam (external and possibly internal)
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.
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Carrying out a pelvic floor examination lets me assess the pelvic floor fully, and provides a lot of useful 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 make sure it is a comfortable exam, and you are in full control of the situation the whole time. I will be looking for the muscle attachments, any areas of muscle tightness, or soreness, the strength of that muscle will be tested and your ability to coordinate it with the breath.
To reassure women - I don’t care what state your lady garden is in at all, and you don’t need to apologise for hairy legs, or chipped nail varnish!
You will also leave with a much clearer understanding of how to complete your pelvic floor exercises. An examination will only be performed if it is necessary and this can be at your initial assessment or at a later date, and you can bring a chaperone with you, if you would like too.
Many patients report the exam wasn’t as bad as they thought it would be and they are pleased they had it done, as they leave with lots of valuable information that is specific to their body and recovery.
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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 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!”