What does a Postnatal Assessment consist of?

What is a postnatal assessment?

A postnatal assessment is an hour-long appointment where you receive a full postural screen, pelvic floor check, abdominal examination and screening for urinal, faecal and sexual dysfunction. Depending on what concerns you have the emphasise will be on what is most important for you. For example if you are suffering with hip and lower pain more time will be spent on this. You may receive treatment and the rehab exercises, these will be tailored to you.

A step-by-step guide of your appointment

1. You will receive a consent form along with a screening questionnaire prior to your appointment. These need to be completed before your postnatal assessment so we can focus on the pressing concern and not spend too long on your medical history.
2. When you arrive, we will go through your screening questionnaire giving both parties opportunities to ask questions and go through concerns in more detail.
3. You will be asked to perform some active movements, such as lunges and squats. This is so we can see how your body is moving, how quickly it is getting tired and what patterns or compensations you have.
4. You will then get to have a rest and lie on the plinth! Your tummy separation (diastasis recti) will be checked and if you have one, the c-section scar.
5. If chosen your pelvic floor will be examined at this point. This consists of an external observation examination and an internal examination. You will be asked if there is any pain or tension and to perform pelvic floor contractions.
6. A passive examination of your muscles and joints will then be performed. If you are suffering from any musculoskeletal pain this step focuses on that, with of course the information gathered from previous steps.
7. Depending on your presentation you may receive some osteopathic treatment (more information click here). Rehab exercises may also be given and covered at this point.
8. After your appointment you will receive a link to pelvic floor and core rehab videos. You may also receive a tailored exercise video if appropriate (this is often for people with areas of tightness/weakness/pain).
9. As the appointment is packed full of information and feedback a simple report is sent via email after the appointment. This is so you don’t have to remember everything that is said and can refer back to it.

FAQ

Can I bring my baby?

Yes of course. If you can get someone to look after them for the hour that would be preferable so you have some time to focus on yourself, but if you don’t have that luxury then its not a problem at all.

What clothes shall I wear?

Something comfy and loose fitting.

Is the pelvic floor examination painful?

It shouldn’t be. If it is a more than a slight discomfort, we won’t continue.

Should I book an Osteopathy Appointment or a Postnatal Assessment?

If you have had a baby in the last few months, I would recommend the postnatal assessment. Your body has gone through some monumental changes and ensuring time to examine thoroughly will make your diagnosis and treatment plan more specific to you.

If you still have any concerns or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch.