Billie Shepherd has opened up about her health post-pregnancies after undergoing a ‘Mummy MOT’ – prompting one expert to declare that access for “proper” care for mums in the UK is “simply lacking”.
The TOWIE star appeared on an episode of Billie & Greg: The Family Diaries this week to discuss everything from her pelvic floor to muscle recovery.
The mum gave birth to her third child, Margot, last year and says her stomach “doesn’t feel back to normal yet”.
She also has two other children; daughter Nelly, nine, and son Arthur, six.
“Today I’m off for a Mummy MOT and basically it’s just a check-up, just to check around my muscles, my pelvic floor and just general chat with the physio,” Billie says.
“Just to see how everything’s going.” The reality TV star also revealed the weight of her respective children at birth: Nelly (8.9lbs), Arthur (7.15lbs) and Margot (8.7lbs).
Billie says: “Since having Margot my stomach definitely doesn’t feel back to normal yet.
She then adds: “I never actually done this [have a Mummy MOT] after having Nelly and Arthur, I feel like third baby it’s definitely a good idea especially for peace of mind.”
Billie and the physiotherapist also discuss her pelvic floor but the star says she’s “fine” and has not had any leakage.
Billie says: “I am a little bit of a prude and sometimes I do get a little bit of a nervous grin with things like this, it’s so pathetic and silly isn’t it.
“Actually I do think it is really good to know and just to feel a bit more educated about things like this.
“Because, you know, us as women, we should definitely know about this and especially if you’ve had a baby, it’s actually really important.”
Billie adds: “Since having Margot, my tummy hasn’t felt quite right, I get some pains and it doesn’t feel totally back to normal yet.
“So this is probably my main focus area that I really want her to check and find out about.”
The TOWIE star then undergoes an examination to check her stomach and assess the ‘tummy gap’.
And it’s good news, her “muscles have recovered really, really well”. The episode has prompted founder of Mummy MOT, Maria Elliott, to speak out about the UK’s healthcare for mums.
Having had three children herself, she knows just how important it is to look after your body during and after pregnancy, and why getting the right support is crucial.
“Access to proper pre and postpartum care in the UK and many other countries is quite simply lacking,” Maria told Jam Press.
“After experiencing this first hand with my own three children, I was inspired to take my 30 years of experience in physiotherapy and learn everything possible about pelvic health to develop the Mummy MOT program.
“We exist to help every mum access the care and recovery plan they deserve both before and after the biggest event in their lives.
“Too often women struggle with bladder, bowel, pelvic and sexual health problems during pregnancy, and after having their baby.
“More often than not suffering in silence.
“The tide is slowly changing and we’re seeing big advocates come to the forefront to promote the importance of this area of women’s health.
“But there’s always more we can do!
“I’m proud to have developed the nationally recognised Mummy MOT program – a comprehensive one-hour screen involving a posture, functional movement, abdominal and pelvic floor check.
“Our goal is for women to come out of their Mummy MOT feeling empowered with the tools and knowledge needed to get them feeling confident in their bodies.
“Something me and my team of amazing physiotherapists around the country, strongly believe all women deserve.”
