"Redefining athleticism during pregnancy - every woman, every level, every goal!"
The Pregnant Athlete was born from our passion to empower athletes through pregnancy and postpartum with safe, effective and evidence-based training.
When Jay became pregnant with 2020, even as a healthcare practitioner and professional athlete, she was overwhelmed by the conflicting information online on training during pregnancy.
As a Physio (Jay) and Osteo (Rachel) duo, we combined our expertise and lived experiences to bridge the gap in access to reliable information for woman at every stage and fitness level, wanting to train during pregnancy.
We are redefining athleticism during pregnancy - so whether your goal is to stay active, remain strong, complimenting current training, reduce pain or prepare your body for labour - we've got you covered so you can train with intentionality and confidence!
Our programs are safe, effective and grounded in clinical reasoning and the latest research. They have been developed and refined throughout Jay's pregnancy journey as the OG Pregnant Athlete and continue to evolve with the ever-advancing science of pregnancy and exercise.
Our programs are designed with purpose, drawing from our deep understanding of the physical, hormonal and biomechanical changes that come with pregnancy and postpartum. We recognise the considerable physical and mental benefits to both mum and baby that regular exercise provides AND we truly understand the athlete mindset!
Jay and Rachel
Co-founders of Pregnant Athlete
Meet Jay and Rachel
"Falling pregnant with my daughter Mia in 2020, was the catalyst to collaborate with Rachel and together officially provide a resource for female athletes during their pregnancy and postpartum journey." - Jay
The OG Pregnant Athlete, Physio and Strength Coach
"Collaborating with Jay during her pregnancy was an absolute game changer for Pregnant Athlete, but also for me personally! Jay's motivation and fierce dedication in maintaining an athlete mindset during such a transformational season, was truly inspirational. Ultimately, it highlighted the need for progressive and empowering resources for pregnant and postpartum athletes in the wider community." - Rachel
Women's Health Osteo and Clinical Pilates Instructor
Get to know Jay
The OG Pregnant Athlete, Mum, Physio and Strength Coach
Basketball has been my passion and the main sport I've played since I was young. I have been blessed to travel around the world with basketball in both a personal and professional capacity.
Throughout my time in New Zealand and Australia, I have been involved in the development of female athletes on their rehabilitation journey. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with some truly unforgettable moments.
Working with these athletes, opened my eyes to the lack of research around women and training. The lack of direction for female athletes who want to continue to train during their pregnancy and how to return to sport after having a baby, was concerning!
Falling pregnant with my daughter Mia in 2020, was the catalyst to collaborate with Rachel and together officially provide a resource for female athletes during their pregnancy and postpartum journey. Working together with Rachel on my own programming during my pregnancy and postpartum period, gave us valuable insight into what challenges may present in the end stages of training as well as how the body and mind need to adjust to 3x training sessions per day.
Following a lengthy hiatus from basketball due to lockdowns in Melbourne and the birth of my daughter Mia, I returned to the court at 11 months postpartum. Competing in the First Professional Basketball Women's League in New Zealand was an incredibly challenging and immensely rewarding experience. Trying to balance breastfeeding, disrupted sleep patterns and training commitments while focusing on my performance was really tough! I am so grateful and attribute my success to my remarkable support system and the work that Rachel and I did together through Pregnant Athlete.
My wish for every Pregnant Athlete is that you know we have recourses available to support you at any time throughout your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Jay | Co-founder of Pregnant Athlete
- Physiotherapy Board NZ Registered Physiotherapist
- Accredited Strength and Conditioning Coach
Get to know Rachel
Women's Health Osteo and Clinical Pilates Instructor
For as long as I can remember, my heart has been to educate and empower women on their health and wellbeing journey.
My particular interest in pregnant and postpartum management led me to complete further training and acquire my Masters of Women's Health Medicine in 2021. This advanced study in addition to my years of clinical experience in private practice, fuelled my fascination and desire to better understand the interplay between health and performance, in particular the hormonal impact on strength and athletic performance across the female lifespan.
I have spent years building on my skills and knowledge in this field, and my expertise allows me to provide my clients with individualised and intentional care that addresses their specific needs and goals while training during their pregnancy, postpartum period and beyond.
Collaborating with Jay during her pregnancy was an absolute game changer for Pregnant Athlete, but also for me personally! Jay's motivation and fierce dedication in maintaining an athlete mindset during such a transformational season, was truly inspirational and highlighted the need for progressive and empowering recourses for pregnant and postpartum athletes in the wider community.
Over the last year, I have also ventured into research and academia at Deakin University, continuing to fuel my passion for research and dedication to make a positive change in the lives of current and future generation of female athletes.
My wish for every Pregnant Athlete is that you feel informed and confident as you train during your pregnancy and postpartum period.
Rachel | Co-founder of Pregnant Athlete
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Registered Osteopath
- Masters of Women's Health Medicine
- Clinical Pilates Instructor