My Story

Natal Restore was founded by Hazel Banks, mum of two and experienced Physiotherapist. 

“I was inspired to create Natal Restore when I realised how many women struggle to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. So many women have ongoing physical complaints during pregnancy and through the postnatal period. 

Having gone through the system myself and given birth to my son at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic I was shocked at how little information and support women are given about recovering from childbirth. I also experienced, first hand, just how difficult is is to exercise and look after yourself once you’ve had a baby. 

I know the negative impact this can have in the long term. Getting your body functioning well again really matters. We don't have to live with all those niggles mums often just put up with. I knew something had to change. This important information needed to be more bite-size, accessible and the advice needed to be easy to follow and achievable. So, Natal Restore was born.”

FacebookInstagram

My Qualifications

  • BSc 1st Class Honours Sport Science (ODA)

  • BSc 1st Class Honours Physiotherapy

  • LSSM Sport and Remedial Massage Therapist

  • POGP Physiotherapy Management of Pregnancy related Musculoskeletal Conditions

  • Advanced Pregnancy and Postnatal Wellness Practitioner

  • APPI Anti/Postnatal Pilates

  • POGP Management of Female Related Incontinence

  • Birth Preparation for Physiotherapists

  • Mindfulness for Professionals


Graduating in 2013, I am a Musculoskeletal and Pelvic health physiotherapist working within the NHS and privately. I am fully registered with the UK Healthcare Professions Council (HCPC) and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). I am also a member of the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) Society.

Read about my first pregnancy and postnatal journeys which inspired and shaped Natal Restore

My First Pregnancy Journey

From abdominal surgery during pregnancy to pre-eclampsia and an induction, for Natal Restore found Hazel, pregnancy and birth was far from the complication-free journey she’d imagined. Read her journey here and how it inspired her to do all she could to help other women find their way to themselves after pregnancy and birth.

My First Postnatal Journey

Just like her not-so-straightforward pregnancy, our founder Hazel’s postnatal experience was full of ups and downs. Read her story here, note down her top tips, and find out why her own challenging postpartum experience helped shape Natal Restore.