July 22, 2024

From Professional Snow Boarder to Parenthood: Navigating the Slopes of Motherhood with Olympian Jess Rich

58 minutes

In episode 60 of The Road to Wisdom Podcast we invite Jess Rich, an Olympian and former snowboarder, Jess takes us through her remarkable journey from the competitive world of snowboarding to the transformative experience of motherhood. Unpacking the challenges and risks that come with being a professional athlete, Jess candidly shares her decision to start a family, offering valuable insights for those contemplating a similar path.

Jess delves into the intricacies of her pregnancy, sharing both the physical and emotional changes she encountered along the way. She walks us through her labor and delivery experience, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's body and embracing unexpected changes.

Jess shares her birthing journey, discussing the challenges she faced during labor. She opens up about the conflicting emotions of disappointment and guilt tied to unexpected interventions, ultimately celebrating the joyous arrival of her healthy baby boy. Jess sheds light on the physical and emotional hurdles that come with being a new mum, highlighting the pressing issue of limited time for recovery.

The conversation takes a thought-provoking turn as we express concerns about fairness and the potential advantages of biological males in women's sports, particularly in the context of trans women competing. The discussion underscores the need for more research and dialogue to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a level playing field in the realm of sports.

Key Takeaways:

- Transitioning from a professional athlete to motherhood is a challenging and emotional journey.

- Pregnancy and childbirth are physically demanding, but understanding your body and listening to instincts can aid the process.

- Starting a family while pursuing a sports career requires careful consideration and planning.

- Trusting your body and being open to unexpected changes during labor is crucial for a positive birth experience.

- Recovery from childbirth is physically and emotionally challenging; new moms require support and understanding.

- The inclusion of trans women in women's sports prompts questions about fairness and potential advantages, necessitating further research and discussion to strike a balance between inclusivity and maintaining a level playing field.

Jess introduced us to her new career path as a qualified naturopath, you can find her at @jessrich_ and https://www.theroadtowisdompodcast.com/⁠⁠. It's your VIP ticket to all things The Road To Wisdom

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