Mummy & Baby Assessment

A combined physiotherapy assessment for you and your baby, designed to support your postpartum recovery and your baby’s early development.

Suitable for babies from 0-12 months, and for mothers at any stage of postpartum recovery. You do not need specific symptoms or concerns to book.

Note: The assessment and treatment described below are indicative. Your session will be tailored to you and your baby’s individual needs and goals, and may be modified by your physiotherapist based on their clinical judgement.

Who is the Mummy and Baby Assessment for?

This assessment may be suitable if you:

• Want guidance on your recovery after birth
• Have concerns about your core, pelvic floor, scars, pain or return to exercise
• Want reassurance about your baby’s movement and development
• Have questions about tummy time, head control, rolling or movement symmetry
• Have noticed a head-turn preference or flat spot on your baby’s head
• Want practical advice for handling, carrying and playing with your baby

Common conditions and symptoms we assess

For you (mummy)

• Abdominal widening, also known as Diastasis Recti (DR)
• Urine leakage or urinary urgency
• Constipation and bowel symptoms
• Pelvic heaviness or pelvic organ prolapse symptoms
• Caesarean scar pain or healing
• Perineal or episiotomy scar pain or healing
• Pelvic, back, hip or pelvic girdle pain
• Pelvic pain or discomfort during intimacy
• Pelvic floor weakness, tension or coordination difficulties
• Neck, shoulder or wrist pain

For your baby

• Delayed gross motor milestones (head control, tummy time, rolling, sitting)
• Muscle tone, movement symmetry and overall movement quality
• Torticollis and plagiocephaly
• Clubfoot, also known as congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV)
• Signs of developmental dysplasia of the hip

What happens during the appointment?

Your physiotherapist will first discuss your medical history, pregnancy, birth, recovery, daily routines and any concerns about your baby’s development.

The physical assessment may include:

• Posture, breathing, abdominal and movement assessment
• Caesarean or episiotomy scar assessment, where relevant
• Pelvic floor assessment via transabdominal ultrasound, external observation or internal vaginal examination, where appropriate
• Observation of your baby’s resting posture and spontaneous movement
• Age-appropriate developmental milestone checks
• Gentle assessment of your baby’s muscle tone, joint movement and symmetry
• Practical observation of tummy time, carrying and positioning

An internal vaginal examination is always optional and will only be performed with your informed consent. Rest assured that our physiotherapists are all female.

What you will leave with

You will receive:

• A clear explanation of your assessment findings
• A personalised plan for your postpartum recovery
• Advice on core coordination, daily movement and return to exercise
• Positioning and handling guidance for your baby
• Tummy time and play recommendations
• Age-appropriate activities to support your baby’s development
• Recommendations for follow-up care, where needed

Your next steps

Depending on your assessment and goals, we may recommend:

• Individual physiotherapy for mummy (Postpartum Physiotherapy) or baby (Paediatric Physiotherapy)
• Clinical Pilates
• Strength and Conditioning
• Referral to another healthcare professional, where appropriate