Full disclosure: I come from a professional snowboard background, emphasizing the importance of knowing your body and technical abilities during pregnancy. It's a personal choice, and for me, the decision to continue snowboarding during pregnancy was rooted in caution and adaptability.
Snowboarding while Pregnant
Snowboarding while pregnant is like a gentle dance with the mountain's contours. Rather than feeling compelled to conquer every peak, the wisdom lies in choosing terrain that resonate with your evolving body. Whether it's the mellow hills that mirror your comfort or the gradual descents that bring a sense of calmness, adapting your ride to your pregnancy rhythm is key. Now is the time to really listen to your body.
Can you snowboard while pregnant?
I'm living, breathing proof that yes, you can absolutely snowboard while pregnant! Although many medical professionals may advise against it, the key is making choices that are right for you. For me, snowboarding is essential for my mental well-being—it keeps me grounded—so stepping away from the sport would have done more harm than good.
Know your Ability
In the symphony of snowy slopes, understanding your ability takes a front seat. It's not about proving mastery over every turn but gently cruising on terrain that aligns with your current physical needs.
It's time to have an honest conversation with yourself on your level of riding competency. If you can't confidently ride an entire day without catching an edge, I wouldn't chance it.
Choose Your Times
Some things that I considered was busyness and terrain choice. I made sure to ride when it wasn’t crowded and picked mellower terrain. As I was doing remote work, I was able to ride mid-week and was picky about snow conditions. I wasn't doing any park sessions and keep away from double blacks runs.
Know when to Call it
At 21 weeks in my pregnancy, a momentous decision had to be made. Unable to bend over to strap into my bindings, I gracefully hung up my board for the remainder of the season.
Little did I know that this hiatus would coincide with the first fluttering movements of life within me. Sylas, my unborn baby snowboarder, made his presence felt, marking a beautiful intersection of mamahood and winter sports.
A Postpartum Ascent
Fast forward to postpartum life, and the lure of the mountain was irresistible. Timing proved to be on my side as Sylas made his entrance in late August, granting me a precious 2.5 months for postpartum recovery before returning to the slopes.
Strapping into my bindings after this brief hiatus was nothing short of magical. It wasn't just about conquering the mountain; it was about reclaiming a piece of my identity. The mental boost was unexpected, almost indescribable. I'm not gonna lie; there may have been a tear of joy underneath my googles here, realizing I was still more than the sleep-deprived mama of an infant. I was my old self - a fearless shredder, gliding through the snow with a newfound sense of freedom!
Triumphs in Every Turn
Recovery postpartum wasn't a quick downhill descent. It took most of the season to regain my technical prowess, but each day spent on the hill was a victory. The journey was a mix of physical challenges and mental triumphs. The crunch of snow beneath my board became the soundtrack to my renewed sense of accomplishment and a fleeting taste of my former, more liberated lifestyle.
Snowboarding, once a pre-pregnancy passion, now became a crucial part of my postpartum recovery. It wasn't just a sport; it was a therapeutic escape, a way to rediscover myself amidst the snow-covered peaks.
Maintain an Active Lifestyle
While pregnant in Canmore, Alberta, I was on education leave from Parks Canada and pursuing my Master's degree. With the flexibility this provided, I enthusiastically embraced outdoor activities. Hiking, biking, and snowboarding were regular fixtures in my routine, allowing me to stay active and connected with nature throughout this transformative time.
Postpartum Recovery Activities
Embrace nature's healing power, even with just one of these postpartum recovery activities, to recharge both mentally and physically amidst the Rockies' abundance of outdoor wonders.
- Frisbee Golf: Enjoy low-impact fun with Frisbee golf, offering exercise and socializing amidst stunning mountain landscapes.
- Hiking: Explore diverse trails for exercise and a sense of accomplishment in the Rockies' natural beauty.
- Yoga: Strengthen body and mind with outdoor yoga, fostering flexibility and stress reduction.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Improve balance and core strength with SUP, while soaking in mountain views.
- Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in natural hot springs, a serene retreat amidst the Rockies' splendor.
