Click play for an audio readthrough of this article
NETBALLHer posed three questions to an anonymous mum newly returned to the game
What impact has / did your pregnancy have on you and your netball?
Overall, I underestimated the impact my pregnancy would have. Since having my daughter I have struggled to get back my fitness levels; mostly in strength and explosive power. I don’t seem to have the rebound jumping skills I once did and while this is probably a hangover from being pregnant, I also haven’t had the energy to really focus on my game in the days since giving birth.
How did you feel about stepping back from netball?
I was sad to be stepping away and, to be honest, I felt jealous that my husband didn’t have to give up sports as I did. That said, I had experience of sitting out of netball after a 2018/19 ACL rupture.
But I completely underestimated the recovery, post-baby. I thought I’d be back on court a lot sooner than, in reality, my body and / or mind permitted. I kept playing walking netball until I was 38 weeks pregnant (practice only, no games) so to bridge the gap I rejoined that six weeks after giving birth. To ensure I stayed more connected I also took on a coaching role at my county club.
Is there anything you wish happened differently?
I wish I’d more understand of my body and the impact of playing postnatally. There are so many guidelines of what (not) to do when pregnant, but not a whole lot of guidance for post-pregnancy.
So I wish I’d had access to materials that allowed me to work towards full netball whilst recovering, fitness plans and so on, so I could have focussed my efforts in the right direction.
As a reminder, the content of the course belongs to The Well HQ. You have permission to access and use the content yourself or, if you are an organisation, for the number of users selected, but are not otherwise permitted to share such content with others, all in accordance with our Course Terms and Conditions.