April 9, 2025

Three Women’s Health tips every new mum deserves to hear

Motherhood changes everything, including your body. From pregnancy to birth to feeding at 3am, your body works hard. But postnatal recovery? That’s the that’s not talked about enough.

Many mums are left wondering what’s “normal,” told to do some Kegels and sent on their way with a six-week GP check. But common symptoms like pelvic pain, incontinence or a feeling of weakness aren’t something you just have to live with.

You deserve better. You deserve a recovery plan that’s personalised, expert-led and built for real life. So here are three tips from our Women’s Health specialists to help you take control of your recovery and feel more like yourself again, whether you gave birth six weeks ago or six years ago.

Tip 1: Not all pelvic floors are weak. 

One of the most common assumptions post-birth? That your pelvic floor is weak, and that you should start doing Kegels straight away. But here’s the truth: not every pelvic floor needs strengthening. 

Some need releasing. In fact, some women have a tight pelvic floor after birth, especially if they’ve experienced trauma, stress or complicated delivery. And tight doesn’t mean strong.

A tight pelvic floor can lead to:

• Pain during intercourse
• Pelvic or lower back pain
• Urinary urgency
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder

This is why it’s so important to have a proper assessment with a Women’s Health specialist before starting pelvic floor exercises.

Tip 2: Don’t settle for a 6-week GP check.

The 6-week GP check is great, but it’s often focused on your baby, not you. A Mummy MOT® is a full postnatal check-up led by a specialist in women’s health. It lasts 60 minutes and covers:

• Pelvic floor function
• Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
• Posture and breathing
• Core strength and stability
• How your body’s moving and healing

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, your Mummy MOT® is your time. Time to ask questions, get answers, and walk away with a clear, personal plan to help you feel stronger and more confident in your body.

Tip 3: One day at a time is more than enough.

Recovery isn’t linear. Some days you’ll feel strong. Others, exhausted. That’s normal. Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s physical, emotional and constant. And your recovery should reflect that.

Our Women’s Health physios don’t just look at your muscles. We look at your life, your sleep, your routine, your movement patterns and your goals. And we create a plan that fits. Not one that adds pressure.

This might mean:

• Breathing strategies to support your pelvic floor
• Gentle movement and strength exercises
• Postural adjustments for feeding and carrying
• Guidance on returning to running or the gym when you’re ready

Small steps lead to big shifts. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Ready to take the first step?

You’re already doing an incredible job. But you don’t have to push through symptoms, discomfort or questions alone.

A Mummy MOT® is a specialist-led assessment that helps you understand your postnatal body. and take charge of your recovery, your strength and your next chapter.

Book your Mummy MOT® today.