What is a 'Mummy MOT' and do I really need one?

After child birth, most women will be invited to see their GP between weeks 6-8 and have 'The 6 week Check'.

This postnatal check up is there to make sure that you are feeling well within your self and you are recovery properly post birth. some times, this appointment will also be combined with your babies 6-8 week check up appointment also. Although this check up aims to evaluate whether or not you are recovery well physically and mentally, many women leave their appointment feel that they haven't had a fully detailed assessment that tells they how their body is functioning, and if there is anything that they can do to support themselves.

That is where a Mummy MOT comes in.

So.... What is a Mummy MOT?

A mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal assessment that has been designed to check how you body is recovery after pregnancy and childbirth.

The assessment looks at:

• Pelvic floor function (by a internal and external vaginal assessment)

• Diastasis recti (Abdominal separation)

• Core coordination

• Breathing mechanics

• Posture and movement patterns

• Scar healing (wither that is C-section or perineal scar)

• Strength and load tolerance during functional movement's.

  
  

The assessment aims to understand how your whole system is working together, so that together, we can develop a postpartum rehab plan that is unique to you.

Why is it important?

Pregnancy & birth change the body is significant ways.

Your abdominal wall stretches

Your pelvic floor adapts

Your posture changes

Your breathing patterns shift

For some women, these changes settle naturally, and for others, they can lead to:

• Urinary leaking or urgency

• Pelvic heaviness

• Lower back or sacroiliac joint pain

• Coccyx pain

• Persistent abdominal doming

• Neck, shoulder and upper back tension from feeding

• A feeling of instability when walking or exercising .

These symptoms are common - but they're not something you just have to 'put up with'.

What Happens During a Mummy MOT?

During you Mummy MOT appointment, we will go through:

• A detailed discussion about your pregnancy & birth

• A postural and movement assessment

• Breathing and pressure system evaluation

• Abdominal wall and diastasis recti assessment

• Pelvic floor assessment (internal examinations are always optional and consent-based)

• Scar assessment where relevant

You'll leave your appointment with:

• A clear understanding of how your body is recovering & functioning post birth

• Personalised, whole person & whole body rehabilitation advice

• Practical exercises tailored to your stage of recovery

Do I Really Need One - And When Should I Book One?

You don't need to be in pain to benefit from a mummy MOT

Many women feel 'mostly fine' after birth - but notice leaking when they jump or sneeze, notice a feeling of heaviness by the end of the day, or have persistent lower back pain, that doesn't go away no matter how much they stretch.

A Mummy MOT is helpful for:

• If you're experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms, such as leaking, urgency, heaviness & dragging

• If you have ongoing back, pelvic or coccyx pain

• If your C-section or perineal scar feels tight or uncomfortable

• Your returning to running or higher-impact training

• Something doesn't feel quite right

• Or you simply want to know how best to support your incredible postpartum body

The assessment can be done from 6 week postpartum (8 weeks if you had a C-section birth) - but it's equally as valuable months and even years after birth.

Think of it less as 'fixing a problem', and more as understanding how your body is functioning so you can rebuild safely and confidently.

The Bigger Picture

Motherhood is not about 'bouncing back'

Its about restoring strength, supporting recovery and helping your body adapt to a new phase of life.

At Tamar Valley Osteopathy, we look beyond isolated symptoms and consider how your pressure systems, load transfer and nervous system are working together after pregnancy and birth.

Because your body has done something extraordinary.

And it deserves specialist support not just once, but throughout every season of motherhood.