happy mum holding a giggling baby

 

After pregnancy and childbirth, many mothers experience weakened abdominal and pelvic floor muscles and tummy gaps. 

Unfortunately, these changes can lead to long-term issues like pelvic pain, back pain, and bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction.

But here’s the good news…

 

You don’t have to accept these symptoms just because you’ve had a baby.

 

Yes, post-natal women’s health conditions like urinary incontinence, pelvic floor prolapse, and tummy gaps may be common, but they aren’t normal. And they can be treated.

That’s where women’s health physiotherapy and the Mummy MOT® come in.

What is a Mummy MOT®?

The Mummy MOT® is a specialised postnatal physiotherapy assessment to evaluate functional and physical changes after giving birth, regardless of delivery method (vaginal or C-section).

It provides mothers with valuable advice and treatment recommendations to get back to feeling their best.

Who will do your Mummy MOT assessment?

Your Mummy MOT will be performed by a specialist physiotherapist who’s received specific training from Maria Elliot, the creator of the Mummy MOT®.

At Vitality Physiotherapy, Tamara Figaji is the Mummy MOT® certified practitioner. 

Not only is Tamara a specialised sports medicine and women’s health physiotherapist, she is also a mum of two.

With her professional expertise and personal experience with having a baby and going through the post-natal period, she is here to help you feel empowered, at ease, and confident in your body again.

In the video below, Tamara explains the value of having a Mummy MOT and what you can expect when you see her.

 

Do you need a Mummy MOT?

A Mummy MOT® may be right for you if you’ve had a baby and you’re:

  • Concerned about a tummy gap (Diastasis recti)
  • Leaking urine or stool
  • Struggling with constipation
  • Worried about pelvic organ prolapse
  • Experiencing painful sex
  • Concerned about your C-section or episiotomy scarring

It can also help if you’re interested in getting back to exercise and fitness routines safely and want to prevent future women’s health issues relating to pregnancy and childbirth.

When can I get a Mummy MOT?

You can only have your initial Mummy MOT assessment 6 weeks after delivery, with no restrictions after that.

The Mummy MOT helps identify pregnancy and childbirth-related issues, regardless of your life stage. Whether you’re a new post-natal mom or had your baby years ago, it can be beneficial.

This assessment can also help menopausal women address long-lasting issues they may have been experiencing since their children were young.

What does a Mummy MOT assessment include?

  1. A 1-hour post-natal physiotherapy assessment
  2. A full postural screen
  3. A Pelvic floor muscle assessment (to determine your pelvic floor strength)
  4. A tummy muscle exam to check for any abdominal muscle separation
  5. A screening for any bladder, bowel or sexual dysfunction

What happens during a Mummy MOT assessment?

During your assessment, your Physiotherapist will ask about your:

  • Pregnancy
  • Labour
  • Delivery history
  • Post-birth issues, such as painful sex or urinary incontinence

They will also do a physical examination to evaluate your:

  • Core strength
  • Posture
  • Pelvic floor function
  • Abdominal muscle strength
  • Sacroiliac joint mobility

During you assessment, you’ll get a chance to discuss your specific goals with your physio. Whether that’s regaining previous fitness levels, returning to a running regime, or simply making your everyday activities easier and more comfortable.

After that, you’ll receive a tailored rehabilitation program based on your unique goals and lifestyle.

This usually includes simple home exercises, helpful tips, and practical advice to support your recovery.

What happens after your first Mummy MOT appointment?

Following your Mummy MOT post-natal assessment, you may need further treatment, depending on the severity of your symptoms and condition.

We typically find that mums often need more hands-on support to: 

  • Treat issues like pelvic pain
  • Do their pelvic floor exercises effectively
  • Engage their core properly to reduce an abdominal separation
  • Release tight scar tissue

These are tricky to get right without someone guiding you, especially in the initial phases of your recovery.

However, as soon as you’re able to manage your treatment and rehab independently at home, we will tell you.

Ready to book your Mummy MOT?

Mummy MOT cost: £120

Duration: 1 Hour

How do you book?

  1. Click the “book online” button.
  2. Select the clinic venue you’d like to visit, either Southwark, London or Esher, Surrey.
  3. Schedule your appointment with Tamara at a time that’s convenient to you.

Or call us, and we’ll schedule your appointment for you.