Mama, I'm going to be straight with you - you ‘should’ be offered a 6 - 8 week postnatal check, and it ‘should’ be centered around a whole lot more than “How are you? What contraception do you want?” and a wave out the door. In my experience, overall it can be a pretty piss-poor performance and the bare minimum for what you actually deserve.Your check should include your mental and emotional wellbeing, physical recovery, perineal or caesarean healing, pelvic floor health, bladder and bowel function, bleeding, sexual health, ongoing medical conditions, contraception and any concerns you’ve had since birth.In reality, these appointments can feel rushed and leave women feeling like nobody has properly checked how their body is actually recovering.So please don't assume that everything you may have experienced is just something you have to put up with.I highly recommend booking a dedicated private pelvic health assessment with a specialist women's health/pelvic health physiotherapist, particularly if you have any symptoms, concerns or simply want a thorough assessment of your recovery. You deserve more than being told to “do your pelvic floor exercises” and sent on your way.Check out the ‘Mummy MOT’ info below, and give your Postpartum body the care and attention it deserves. NHS: Your 6 week Postnatal CheckNHS England: Guidance on the 6 week Postnatal CheckUnderstanding the Mummy MOT PelviCare: Mummy MOT - What To Expect

You’ve just done something HUGE mama. Let’s prepare you for the physical and emotional recovery that follows- what’s normal, what to expect, and how to recognise when you might need extra support.NHS: What happens straight after BirthEssential Guide to Postpartum HormonesThe Bump: How long will it take for your Hormones to regulate? Lansinoh: What to expect the First week after giving Birth Tommy's: What happens after the BirthNHS: Going home with your baby Tommy's - What is the Fourth TrimesterTommy's: Your first 6 weeks NCT: Recovery after BirthLansinoh: Postpartum Nutrition- foods to help you recover Your Postpartum Nutrition Guide RCOG: PPH- Heavy Bleeding After BirthNHS: What to expect from your body after birth NHS: Your Post-Pregnancy Body Your Baby & what happens in the early daysNHS: Recovery after caesarean sectionImproving your Pelvic Health after Pregnancy NHS England: Pelvic Health Services GOV.UK: Physical activity from birth - 12 months postpartum AGOG: Physical activity from pregnancy - Postpartum NCT: Perinatal Depression MIND: What is Postnatal Depression NCT: Changes in Relationships Post-BirthNHS: Relationships after having a BabyTommy's: (FOR DADS)- Relationship with your Partner Post - BirthFor Partners: How to show up well through the Postpartum Period SMA: Handing visitors post-birthTips for managing visitors during postpartum

The first few weeks with your baby are a huge learning curve- for all of you. Let's explore those first precious weeks together: what newborns actually need, what their behaviours and cues are telling you, how sleep really works, and how to build a strong, responsive connection with your baby.NHS: Newborn ScreeningNewborn Vaccination Schedule NHS: Vitamin KEvidence on Vitamin K for Newborns Dr Sara Wickham: Vitamin K Vitamins for BabiesYour Baby's Development Reviews Creating the Perfect Home Environment for your NewbornNHS: Getting to know your newbornSoothing a crying BabyWhy Babies CryUnderstanding Baby's Cue'sNHS: Newborn Jaundice NCT: Newborn Jaundice, and signs to look for UNICEF: Benefits of skin-to-skinCochrane Review: Evidence on skin-to-skin as standard care Lullaby Trust: Safe Sleep Guidance Safe Co-Sleep guidance Reducing the risk of SIDSNewborn Sleep Patterns NCT: When do Babies Develop Social SkillsHow can partners bond with BabyCreating a Comfortable Environment for your Newborn in Winter Introducing your Newborn to Siblings Preparing your Toddler to meet your new BabySibling Rivalry: The Arrival of a New Sibling Dogs Trust: Preparing your Dog to meet your new BabyTips for Keeping Your Baby Safe Around Your DogIntroducing your Newborn to PetsBaby Poo: What to Expect

A little section about normal newborn life being lots of feeding, sleeping, cuddling, nappy changes and simply being together. You don't need to constantly entertain or stimulate your newborn - talking, looking at them, holding them, responding to their cues and letting them be close to you are all meaningful ways to build a connection. Newborn EssentialsHow to Hold Your Newborn Baby NHS: How to change a Nappy Caring for Newborn Nappy Rash Caring for your Baby's SkinSkincare for Newborn Babies NHS: Washing and Bathing Your BabyNCT: Bathing your BabyFeeding a Newborn BabyWinding & Burping your BabyHow to burp your Baby How to Dress & Undress your BabyBaby Umbilical Cord CareNewborn Cord Care & Signs of Infection Lullaby Trust: Safe BabywearingNCT: Baby Slings & CarriersTummy time for Babies Baby Massage: Tips & Benefits Responsive Settling

NHS: Baby Teething Symptoms Your Baby and Teething NHS: Symptoms of Colic Healthier Together: Colic Cochrane Review: Pain Relieving Agents for Infantile Colic Cochrane Review: Diet Changes for Infantile Colic Techniques for Wind / Reflux in Babies Why is my Newborn so Gassy?SMA: Reflux signs in BabyNHS: Reflux in BabiesNCT: What is Baby Reflux Medicines for Children with Reflux Constipation in Breastfed Babies Constipation in Formular-Fed Babies