Service
Postnatal MOT – A Comprehensive Check-In for Your Recovery
Your body has adapted and changed in remarkable ways. A Postnatal MOT gives you the opportunity to pause, assess, and support your recovery properly.
Whether you’re newly post-birth or several months (or years!) down the track, this in-depth postnatal assessment goes well beyond a routine six-week GP check. Our women’s health clinicians take a whole-body approach, carefully evaluating your pelvic floor, core strength, posture, and functional movement to ensure your recovery is on track.
Postnatal MOT
What does a Postnatal MOT involve?
- A comprehensive assessment with a specialist women’s health physiotherapist
- Assessment of pelvic floor muscle function/strength and screening for abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- General movement and strength assessment
- A tailored recovery/rehabilitation plan designed with your lifestyle and goals in mind
- Practical guidance on safe return to exercise and daily tasks
- Management strategies for common postnatal concerns such as bladder leakage, discomfort, or pelvic pressure
Service
Who is the Postnatal MOT suitable for?
This service is appropriate for any woman who has given birth (both vaginally or via Caesarean section) regardless of how long ago delivery occurred. It’s especially recommended if you’re experiencing:
- Urinary leakage (when coughing, sneezing, laughing or exercising)
- A feeling of heaviness, dragging, or pressure through the pelvis
- Persistent changes in abdominal tone or shape
- Pain or discomfort with intimacy or everyday movement
Service
What services support your MOT's
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About The Assessment
We have an in-house team of Pilates, Strength and Conditioning, Running and Rehabilitation specialists, which means you can receive all the different elements of your assessment, treatment and recovery in our clinic. It also means that communication between specialists is quick, seamless and thorough.
Our service aims to not only treat but educate our patients about how to effectively manage and overcome different pelvic and women’s health conditions. We provide assessment and treatment for a range of conditions including:
- Pelvic pain
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Painful intercourse
- Incontinence
- Menopause
- Pre/Post natal preparation and recovery
Following assessment, we will discuss our findings with you, and devise a specific approach specifically to your symptoms and help you overcome on your way to full recovery.
What Is Mummy MOT?
The Mummy MOT is a specialist post-natal examination for women following vaginal or caesarean section deliveries. We discuss your post-natal symptoms or concerns, and your postnatal goals.
The assessment will look at your posture, pelvic floor muscles, Caesarean section another scar and abdominal muscles following birth.
Following the assessment, we will create a treatment programme designed to work towards your goals and address any issues you are having.
What’s included in a Mummy MOT®?
- In-depth postnatal assessment with a specialist physiotherapist
- Pelvic floor muscle check and abdominal separation (diastasis) screening
- Functional movement assessment and tailored rehabilitation plan
- Bespoke advice on returning to exercise, lifting, and daily activity
- Support with common postnatal issues like leaking, pain, or pressure
Whether you’re a first-time mum or juggling life with multiple little ones, the Mummy MOT® helps you reconnect with your body and rebuild strength from the inside out.
Who is it for?
- Any woman who has given birth—vaginally or by C-section—whether recently or years ago. If you’re experiencing:
- Leaking when you sneeze or laugh
- A feeling of heaviness or dragging in your pelvic area
- A tummy that doesn’t feel like it used to
- Pain with intimacy or day-to-day movement …then a Mummy MOT® is the right place to start.
Start your recovery the right way
We’re here to support your journey—whatever stage you’re at. With empathy, expertise, and a clear plan, we help you feel strong, confident, and in control of your body again.
What is a pregnancy MOT?
A pregnancy MOT is a specialist assessment for women at any stage during their pregnancy. We will discuss common musculoskeletal symptoms and management, exercise during pregnancy and beyond, how to prepare your body for birth and reduce the risk of birthing injuries, and what to expect in the “4th trimester”.
The assessment will also include management of any current symptoms and issues you are experiencing during your pregnancy.
Following your appointment, we will send over information, advice and exercises discussed in the session, and a treatment programme designed to address any current issues.
What is a menopause MOT?
A menopause MOT is a specialist assessment for women either approaching or experiencing menopause. We will discuss any current symptoms, concerns and goals you have, discuss medical history and pelvic health history, and current activity levels.
The assessment will look at your posture, breathing and functional movement, and core and pelvic floor muscle strength.
Following your appointment we will create a treatment programme designed to address any current issues you experience, and work towards your goals.
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We will first ask you what your expectations are and ask you questions about your general & gynecological health, bowel, bladder & sexual history or symptoms. We will talk about current activity levels and work on an exercise plan that works for you. During the first assessment we perform a full pelvic and movement assessment, including the abdominal wall, core and possibly an internal assessment.
Do I have to have an internal examination?
A women’s health assessment can involve an internal examination however, we will explain why we need to do this and ask for your consent before we proceed with this part of the assessment.
We use medical gloves and lubrication to assess your pelvic floor muscle function as well as the position of your bladder, rectum and uterus at rest and during movement. We understand that these issues are often difficult to discuss and have assessed. We provide a non-judgemental and safe environment.
Is an internal examination painful?
A women’s health specialist internal assessment does not usually hurt (but please let us know if you have a history of pain with sex or with previous internal examinations), we will work together with you to make sure it is as comfortable as possible.
What type of things do you treat?
- Bladder Leakage,
- Bladder Urgency,
- Pelvic Pain
- Painful Sex,
- Constipation,
- Bowel Urgency,
- Pelvic Pain
- Menopause symptoms.
- Tummy Separation (diastasis)
- Bowel Incontinence and Prolapses
- Preparation and Rehab following Gynaecological or Abdominal Surgery
- Preparation and Child Birth Recovery,
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness or Over Activity
What will you teach me?
Depending on what we find during the assessment, we might work on teaching you on anything from pelvic floor muscle activation to running a 5 km without any adverse effects.
The assessment and your goals determine what we need to do and our facilities allow us to train you in any environment or with any equipment that is relevant to aiding your recovery and confidence.
How many sessions will I need?
It all depends on what we find but we will discuss and agree on a plan with you during your initial assessment. Generally, we might see people from 1- 6 sessions in the treatment room. Our aim is to help you self-manage your condition as soon as possible. Sometimes this does require ongoing support. But potentially for longer if you transition into Pilates, running retraining or Personal Training 1-2-1/classes.
Do I have to stop exercising or being active?
This is the last resort. Generally, we keep you active but we might have to adapt your training to reduce the stress on certain aspects of your body to enable you to recover while being active.
When should I come to see you?
You can attend a Mummy MOT at any time after childbirth. Ideally, you would attend your initial assessment after 6 weeks but, if you have not had an assessment, it can be years later as it can be extremely worthwhile.
Meet the team behind your care
Lize Nel
Lize Nel has more than 15 years of experience, having qualified as a physiotherapist in 2006 in South Africa. She has worked in both the UK and South Africa in private practice, government health systems and with sport teams providing her with a wide breadth of exposure to different people and injuries.
Tracey Matthews
Tracey is a specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapist and treats a range of women’s health conditions including urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, lower back pain, pelvic pain and more.