Mummy MOT
Had your six-week check but still not feeling quite yourself? So many new mums are told everything looks fine on paper, and yet something still doesn't feel right.
Maybe it's your back, your core, a sense that your body hasn't quite come back to you.
A Mummy MOT is a thorough postnatal assessment designed specifically to evaluate how well your body has recovered after childbirth. We look at core strength, pelvic floor function, posture, and overall musculoskeletal health, identifying any areas that could do with some extra support or rehabilitation. The result is a personalised plan with guidance and exercises to help restore your strength, reduce discomfort, and support your long-term wellbeing. If you're still pregnant and thinking ahead, you might also want to take a look at our pregnancy osteopathy page.
The name "Mummy MOT" is widely used across the industry, but this assessment is open to anyone who has given birth, whatever your situation. You don't need to identify as a mum to be welcome here.
If pelvic floor symptoms are your main concern but the postnatal context doesn't quite describe where you are, our pelvic floor rehabilitation page may be a better fit.
What Can A Mummy MOT Help With?
Whether you had a straightforward vaginal birth or a C-section, your body goes through enormous changes during pregnancy and delivery. A Mummy MOT helps us understand how well things are recovering and where some targeted support might make a real difference.
- Pelvic floor weakness: assessing tone, strength, and coordination to help reduce leaking, urgency, or discomfort
- Diastasis recti (abdominal separation): checking whether your abdominal muscles have closed down and advising on safe, appropriate exercise
- Pelvic girdle and back pain: many mums carry on managing pain that doesn't have to be there; we can assess what's going on and help
- C-section scar recovery: gentle assessment of how the scar is healing and whether any surrounding tissue needs attention
- Posture and upper body tension: feeding, carrying, and broken sleep all take their toll; we look at how your body is adapting and where strain is building up
- Bladder and bowel concerns: leakage, urgency, or discomfort are common but not something you just have to accept
- Return to exercise: guidance on when and how to go back to running, lifting, or classes safely and confidently
- Overall strength and conditioning: a clear picture of where your body is right now, and what would genuinely help you feel more like yourself again
Meet Our Therapists
Our Mummy MOT practitioners are fully registered osteopaths with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), the UK's statutory regulator for osteopathy. They hold specialist postgraduate training in postnatal assessment and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, and take a thorough, whole-body approach to your recovery after birth.
Mollie Tappenden
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Lilou Convert
Registered Osteopath M.Ost
Ready to book your appointment?
We offer a range of treatments to help you feel your best. Book online,
call us or visit our centre to schedule your appointment.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing you can move in; you may be asked to stand, bend, or move in a few different ways so your practitioner can see how your body is functioning
- Your appointment starts with a detailed conversation covering your birth experience, any symptoms you've noticed, and what you'd like to feel better about
- Your practitioner will carry out a structured assessment of your posture, core strength, and pelvic floor, which may include some simple movement tests
- You'll receive honest, practical feedback about what the assessment found, along with personalised advice and exercises to take home
- Many women feel clearer and more reassured after just one session; your practitioner will let you know if further support would be beneficial
Women's Health Pricing
Mummy MOT 1st Consultation
£135
Mummy MOT Follow Up
£75
Frequently asked questions
When is the right time to book a Mummy MOT?
Most practitioners recommend waiting until at least six to eight weeks after birth, though this can vary depending on your birth experience. If you had a C-section or a more complicated delivery, it may be worth waiting a little longer. If you're not sure whether the timing is right for you, get in touch and we can talk it through before you book.
How is a Mummy MOT different from my six-week GP check?
Your GP check is primarily focused on your general health and your baby's wellbeing. A Mummy MOT goes much further, looking specifically at your musculoskeletal recovery: pelvic floor strength and coordination, any abdominal separation, posture, and how your body is adapting to the physical demands of early motherhood. It's a more detailed, movement-focused assessment, and it results in a personalised plan rather than a quick tick-box.
Is it only for women who had a vaginal birth?
Not at all. A Mummy MOT is just as relevant after a C-section. C-section recovery brings its own specific considerations, including scar healing, altered core function, and changes in how the abdominal muscles are working. All of this is covered in the assessment.
Will there be an internal pelvic floor examination?
This depends on your practitioner's training and, above all, your own preferences. You'll always be asked for your consent before anything like that is discussed. A Mummy MOT can include an internal assessment if it's appropriate and agreed, but a great deal of useful information can also be gathered through external observation and movement testing. Your comfort and consent come first, always.
Should I wait until it gets worse?
We hear this all the time: "It's not that bad yet, I'll see how it goes." The truth? Muscle and joint pain doesn't usually resolve the way a cut or bruise does. The longer compensation patterns continue, the harder they can be to correct. Early treatment often means: fewer sessions overall, faster recovery, lower risk of chronic issues, better long-term mobility. Prevention is always easier than cure.
Why Choose Brixton Therapy Centre?
- 7-day appointments
- Early morning and evening availability
- Emergency appointments when possible
- Phone support 7am-9pm
- Personalised exercise plans
- Confidential, detailed reports if needed
- Online booking, fast and secure
- Caring for the Brixton community since 1999
- Concessions for those on low income (call to ask)
- Concessions for NHS staff (call to ask)
Still Not Sure?
If you're in pain and wondering whether we can help, that's exactly why we're here. You don't need to know what the problem is. You don't need a referral. You just need to take the first step. Book online today or call 020 7733 9944 to speak to us.