Statistics show that after giving birth, nearly half of all mothers leaks, over one third of women are affected by a tummy gap after giving birth and one quarter have pelvic girdle pain. Unfortunately, the postnatal rehabilitation of women, their bladders, pelvic floor and other abdominal organs is not prevalent in this country. In the UK following birth, a woman will see her GP for a check-up at 6 weeks which usually lasts 20 minutes. In France, every woman has a course of specialist women’s health physiotherapy after giving birth. It is the vision of Helen and the mummy MOT team to change the standard following childbirth in the UK.
What’s not normal after birth?
• It’s not normal to leak when you cough or run.
• It’s not normal to have pain during sex.
• It’s not normal to have a gap in your tummy muscles.
• It’s not normal to have ongoing pelvic pain or debilitating constipation.
So many of us women suffer in silence and assume it is the new state of motherhood because it is a taboo subject that is rarely talked about. Many new and established mums think that it is normal to leak a bit and often pad up, or even resign themselves to not run, dance or bounce on a trampoline again and often avoid exercising or trampolining.
What is a Mummy MOT?
A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal check for mums following delivery vaginally or by C-section. The MOT assesses how a woman’s internal organs, pelvic floor and stomach muscles are recovering after birth. And if they’re not, then an exercise and treatment program is provided and recommended to assist with post-natal recovery. It is recommended that every mum should have an initial check-up after 6 weeks, however, I also treat women who have had babies years ago that have a tummy gap or related pelvic issues.
Who needs a Mummy MOT?
All women who have given birth! Considering the changes, a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy and birth, it is very optimistic to assume that postnatally a woman’s body will miraculously return back to normal.
Childbirth can lead to incontinence of urine, a prolapse, diastasis recti (mummy tummy) pelvic pain, low back pain, common symptoms but not normal. After baby most women want to regain their figures and will naturally take up exercise, but what is the correct exercise and who is to say certain exercise won’t create or worsen symptoms you may be suffering from?
The Mummy Mot is a service suitable for all women from 6 weeks to 6 years postnatally. The assessment is a full body check, looking at posture, breathing, tummy gap and pelvic floor, all things that are affected during pregnancy and will need addressing in the postnatal period. Following the assessment, Helen will devise a bespoke post-natal recovery program plan for you taking into consideration your lifestyle and fitness goals, including specific and safe post-natal exercises to regain stability and optimum recovery.
How successful is a Mummy MOT?
The most amazing thing is that almost all of these debilitating conditions can be improved, alleviated and often remedied entirely through exercise and manual manipulation. In most cases, no drugs or surgery are required; it’s just knowledge, getting the right treatment and doing the right exercises.