Why Every New Mum Deserves a 6-Week Postnatal Physio Check

(Like Em Clarkson!)

When Em Clarkson shared her 6-week postnatal physio check-up, it was a moment of honesty and empowerment that resonated with countless new mums. Why?

Because while we all hear about the importance of that 6 week postnatal check after birth, many women don’t actually get the full support they need—especially when it comes to pelvic floor health.

For most women, the standard postnatal checkup with a GP or health visitor is a quick conversation 6 weeks after delivery.

They might ask how your mental health is to determine whether you may be suffering from postnatal depression, check your stitches (if you had a vaginal delivery and tore / were cut), and ask about contraception and how you are feeding your baby.

But what about the deep, internal recovery—the one that affects your ability to control your bladder, move comfortably, and even enjoy sex again?

In the UK, pelvic floor physiotherapy is not a routine part of postnatal care, even though research shows it can prevent long-term issues like incontinence, prolapse, and chronic pain.

So let’s talk about it.

• What is a postnatal physio check-up?
• What actually happens to the pelvic floor after birth?
• And what can you do if you didn’t get the support you deserve?

The Reality of Postnatal Recovery – It’s More Than Just Stitches

Your pelvic floor has done some serious work during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s responsible for:

✅ Supporting your bladder, bowel, and uterus

✅ Helping with core stability (which protects your lower back)

✅ Controlling your bladder and bowel movements

By the time you reach your six-week check-up, your pelvic floor has endured months of pregnancy and childbirth, with additional pregnancy weight, a vaginal birth (or the pressure of a caesarean section), and hormonal shifts that affect muscle tone.

The result? Many women experience pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms such as:

• Urinary incontinence – Leaking when sneezing, laughing, or running
• A feeling of heaviness or dragging – Signs of prolapse
• Weakened core muscles – Leading to back pain
• Pain during sex – Due to tightness or weakness in the muscles

Yet, these concerns are rarely discussed in postnatal check-ups, leaving many mums feeling confused, embarrassed, or even broken when they struggle with leaks, discomfort, or a weak core.

What a 6-Week Postnatal Physio Check Should Include

A proper postnatal physical health check-up with a pelvic health physiotherapist should assess:

👩‍⚕️ Pelvic floor function – Are your muscles too weak? Too tight? Do you have control?

💡 Bladder & bowel function – Any signs of incontinence or urgency?

🏋️ Core & abdominal recovery – Checking for diastasis recti (ab separation)

🩷 Prolapse risk – Ensuring your organs are well supported

A specialist physio will also give personalized exercises to help restore strength, reduce leaks, and improve overall function.

But here’s the problem:

🔹 In France, postnatal pelvic floor therapy is standard care.

🔹 In the UK, you only get referred if you ask—or if you already have major symptoms.

That means thousands of women never receive the check-up they deserve and may suffer for months (or years!) before realizing something isn’t right.

What If You Don’t Get a Physio Referral?

If your GP didn’t offer a pelvic floor check-up, you’re not alone. Here’s what you can do:

1️⃣ Self-Check Your Pelvic Floor

Try to engage your pelvic floor muscles.

• Can you contract and hold without discomfort?
• Do you feel a lifting sensation or is it weak?
• Any heaviness or pressure in your lower abdomen?

If something feels off, it’s a sign your pelvic floor needs attention.

2️⃣ Use Kegel Weights to Rebuild Strength

If your pelvic floor is weak, Secret Whispers Kegel Weights can help gently retrain your muscles. Just 5 minutes a day two times a day can restore strength, improve bladder control, and help you feel more confident.

3️⃣ Seek Out a Women’s Health Physio

You can:

✅ Ask your GP for a referral (though waiting lists can be long)

✅ Book a private session if possible (£50-£100 per session)

✅ Look for NHS self-referral options in some areas

4️⃣ Move with Purpose – Not Just Kegels!

Pelvic floor exercises (kegels) are great, but real pelvic floor strength comes from a mix of activation, relaxation, and full-body movement.

• Deep breathing exercises can re-engage your core
• Gentle squats and glute work help support pelvic stability
• Postnatal yoga & Pilates can rebuild functional strength

Breaking the Stigma – Why Em Clarkson’s Honesty Matters

Too often, mums feel pressure to “bounce back” or suffer in silence when dealing with postnatal issues. But when women like Em Clarkson feel comfortable in sharing their experiences just 6 weeks after birth, it opens up conversations that challenge the stigma around postnatal recovery.

If we want change, we need to:

🔹 Talk openly about postnatal pelvic health – No more embarrassment!

🔹 Demand better postnatal care – Every new mum deserves a full-body recovery plan

🔹 Encourage each other to seek help – Leaks, pain, or weakness aren’t something to “just live with”

By normalizing pelvic floor recovery, we empower women to prioritize their health and feel stronger, more confident, and more in control of their bodies.

Have You Had a Postnatal Physio Check?

We’d love to hear from you! Did your 6-week check-up include a pelvic floor assessment? Or did you have to find support on your own?

💡 If you’re ready to start strengthening your pelvic floor today, check out the Secret Whispers Kegel Weights – designed to help mums regain control and confidence!

Let’s keep the conversation going. Your body deserves care just as much as your baby does. 🩷

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way.

For more tips, check out these related blog posts:

• Beginners Guide to Kegel Exercises
• Do we need French style postnatal care in the UK
• Pelvic Floor Myths: Facts or Fiction

➡️ Fancy a FREEBIE? Download our FREE guide The easy way to get a stronger pelvic floor 

About the Author: Secret Whispers was founded by Julie Colan, a passionate mum and health advocate who saw the need for effective pelvic floor solutions. Now, Helen Rankin, the founder of Cheeky Wipes and Cheeky Pants—known for her award-winning work in sustainable product development—has taken the helm at Secret Whispers. Helen is committed to advancing the company’s mission, believing that women shouldn’t have to accept incontinence as a given. With the innovative Secret Whispers Kegel weights, she aims to offer every woman an effective, reusable solution for pelvic floor health. Try them and take control of your wellness journey today!