Postnatal Physiotherapy: Mummy MOT® or Postnatal Assessment?
If you've recently had a baby, you might be wondering whether to book a Mummy MOT® or a Postnatal Assessment and what the difference actually is.
At The Pelvic Physio Farnham, we offer specialist postnatal physiotherapy to help you understand how your body is recovering after pregnancy and birth. Whether you're experiencing symptoms, looking for reassurance or hoping to return to exercise with confidence, we're here to help.
In this blog, I'll explain the difference between a Mummy MOT® and a Postnatal Assessment, what happens during your appointment and how we can support your postnatal recovery.
What's the difference between a Mummy MOT® and a Postnatal Assessment?
The main difference is the practitioner and the specific service you book. Both appointments provide dedicated time to understand your recovery, explore any concerns and discuss what might help you move forward.
I'm Ali, an accredited Mummy MOT® practitioner. The Mummy MOT® is a specific postnatal assessment programme and a protected name. My colleague Juliet, our Associate Specialist Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, offers a comprehensive Postnatal Assessment.
During either appointment, we'll take the time to understand your pregnancy and birth experience, how you're feeling now and what you'd like help with. Depending on your needs, we may assess your abdominal muscles, pelvic floor, breathing, movement and strength.
We'll explain our findings and discuss practical next steps tailored to you, so you can feel more informed and confident about your recovery.
The appointment name reflects the practitioner and service you're booking, but both are designed to give you dedicated support during your postnatal journey.
Why book postnatal physiotherapy with The Pelvic Physio Farnham?
Pregnancy and birth bring many changes to your body. Sometimes it's difficult to know what's expected during recovery, what may improve with time and whether there are things you could do to support your body.
You might be experiencing:
Bladder leakage when coughing, sneezing or exercising
A feeling of heaviness around your pelvis
Abdominal muscle separation, also known as diastasis recti
Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
Uncertainty about returning to running, the gym or Pilates
Questions about your pelvic floor or core strength
Or perhaps you're feeling pretty good but would simply like someone to check how your body is recovering and offer some reassurance.
You don't need to have a specific problem to book a Mummy MOT® or Postnatal Assessment. It's an opportunity to focus on your own wellbeing, ask the questions you've been wondering about and understand what your body might need at this stage.
At The Pelvic Physio Farnham, we take an individual approach. Your assessment and advice will be guided by your experiences, concerns and goals rather than a generic list of exercises.
When can you have a Mummy MOT® or Postnatal Assessment?
You can book a postnatal assessment from six weeks after giving birth, whether you've had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section.
You don't need to be experiencing symptoms to benefit. You might want reassurance about your recovery, advice on returning to exercise or guidance on rebuilding your strength and confidence.
Even if it's been months or even years since you had your baby, it's not too late to seek support. You can still explore symptoms or concerns and work towards the activities that matter to you.
If you're unsure whether now is the right time for an assessment, get in touch and we'll be happy to discuss your circumstances.
What happens during a postnatal physiotherapy assessment?
We'll start by talking about your pregnancy, birth and recovery so far. We'll also discuss any symptoms you've noticed, activities you're finding difficult and what you'd most like help with.
Depending on your needs, your assessment may include looking at:
Your abdominal muscles: including abdominal separation and how your abdominal wall functions.
Your pelvic floor: including muscle strength, coordination and the ability to relax.
Your breathing and movement: to understand how your body works together during everyday activities.
Your strength and function: particularly in relation to your daily routine and exercise goals.
Birth-related scars: where relevant, including concerns following a caesarean section.
Your pelvic floor needs to do more than just squeeze. It also needs to relax and coordinate with the rest of your body. Similarly, abdominal separation isn't just about the size of the gap between the muscles; how your abdominal wall functions is important too.
We'll explain what we find and talk through what it means for you. You'll leave with practical advice and, where appropriate, exercises or strategies suited to your needs, rather than a generic list of things you should be doing.
Will I need an internal pelvic floor examination?
An internal pelvic floor examination can be an important part of a Mummy MOT® or Postnatal Assessment. It allows us to assess your pelvic floor muscles more thoroughly, including their strength, coordination and ability to relax.
This can provide valuable information to help us understand how your pelvic floor is functioning and guide our advice.
We'll always explain the procedure fully before you decide whether you'd like to go ahead. An internal examination is entirely your choice, and there is never any pressure to have one. You can change your mind or ask us to stop at any point.
If you'd like to know more about what to expect, you can also watch the video on our Mummy MOT Page on our website explaining what happens during an internal pelvic floor examination.
Can I bring my baby or someone with me?
Yes, you're welcome to bring your baby along. We know that arranging childcare isn't always easy, particularly in those early months, and we want you to be able to attend your appointment without that added worry.
If you'd feel more comfortable bringing someone with you for support, you're welcome to discuss this with us too.
What should I wear, and how should I prepare?
There's no need for lots of preparation before your postnatal physiotherapy appointment.
It can be helpful to think about any symptoms you've noticed, anything you're finding difficult and what you'd most like help with.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Depending on what we need to assess, we may ask you to adjust or remove some clothing, and we'll explain what we're doing as we go.
If you have any questions before your appointment, just get in touch.
Can I have a Mummy MOT® after a caesarean section?
Absolutely. You can have a Mummy MOT® or Postnatal Assessment after a caesarean birth.
Even if your baby wasn't born vaginally, pregnancy still brings changes to your abdominal wall, pelvic floor and wider body. We can look at how you're recovering, discuss any scar-related concerns and help you work towards your goals.
That might mean feeling more comfortable during everyday activities, rebuilding your core strength or preparing to return to running, the gym or other exercise.
We'll always consider your individual experience rather than assuming everyone needs the same approach.
What happens after my postnatal assessment?
We'll talk through our findings and agree on practical next steps based on your needs and goals.
This might include pelvic floor exercises, abdominal and whole-body strengthening, breathing and coordination work, or guidance on gradually returning to running, the gym or other activities.
Not everyone needs the same exercises. Sometimes the focus is on building strength; sometimes it's about improving coordination, learning to relax the pelvic floor or finding a more comfortable way to move.
The aim is to help you understand your body, feel confident about what to do next and have a plan that fits into your life as a new mum.
Where can I find postnatal physiotherapy near Farnham?
We’re based in Farnham, Surrey. You can find our clinic location, parking information and appointment details on our Mummy MOT® and Postnatal Assessment page by clicking the button below:
Ready to book your Mummy MOT® or Postnatal Assessment?
Whether you're looking for reassurance, experiencing symptoms or hoping to return to exercise with confidence, we're here to help.
You can book a Mummy MOT® with me, Ali, or a Postnatal Assessment with Juliet. We'll give you dedicated time to focus on your recovery, ask your questions and understand what might help you move forward.
You don't have to navigate postnatal recovery alone. We're here to listen, support you and help you feel more confident in your body.
Find out more and book your appointment below:
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