Once baby is 6 weeks old and you have had your check up with your GP, everything is meant to be back to normal isn’t it? That is a huge misconception.
A Comprehensive Postnatal Assessment
A Mummy MOT is recommended from 6 – 8 weeks postpartum.
Six weeks after giving birth, an additional assessment with your women’s health/pelvic physiotherapist is going to serve you in good stead for truly getting back to normal and for many years to come. This check is completely different to your 6 week check at the GP.
At Anatomy Physiotherapy, Suzanne is a qualified Mummy MOT practitioner and offers a specialist and comprehensive postnatal assessment for all women regardless of whether Mum had a vaginal delivery or a caesarean section. A Mummy MOT is recommended from 6 – 8 weeks postpartum, but it is never too late to come for the assessment as once postnatal, always postnatal. There will always be a benefit to attending.
The Assessment
The assessment is 60-75 minutes and it checks:
- Posture
- Pelvic Floor Strength
- Diastasis Recti (Tummy Muscle Gap)
- Any other physical problems related to your pregnancy and birth.
- Due to Suzanne’s expert knowledge in breastfeeding support, this is something that she can discuss if required too.
The first part of the appointment is spent discussing your pregnancy, delivery, general health and lifestyle. It then moves on to the physical examination of posture and the abdominal area to check for separation of the muscles. There is also an examination of the pelvic floor to assess strength, function and correct technique or to identify and signs of prolapse.
For women that have stitches either from a c-section, a perineal tear or an episiotomy, advice will be provided on scar massage too.
Real-time Ultrasound Assessment
Here at Anatomy Physiotherapy, Suzanne also provides a real-time ultrasound assessment of your bladder to assess its function. This is an extra skill that Suzanne has brought back to Ireland from her time working and studying in Australia.
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
After the assessment, a full breakdown of findings is explained to the patient and a bespoke exercise programme tailored to each person’s individual needs are provided. This assessment is very orientated to the patient’s own goals. Ongoing support and check-ins are provided if any issues are highlighted in order for the patient to fully achieve the goals that they have set for themselves.