Return to Sport After Baby: Protocol Template for Clubs and Teams

Purpose of This Framework: To provide clubs, coaches, and medical teams with a clear, evidence-based protocol for supporting athletes returning to sport after pregnancy and childbirth. This framework covers medical, physical, psychological, and coaching considerations to ensure a safe, effective, and respectful return to high performance.

1. Medical Clearance Guidelines

Mandatory Medical Assessments Before Return to Full Training:

• Clearance from sports obstetrician/gynecologist or maternal health specialist.

• Full pelvic floor assessment by a certified pelvic health physiotherapist (check for prolapse, incontinence, strength, and coordination).

• Screening for diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and core function.

• Mental health screening for postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress (refer to sports psychologist as needed).

• Review of sleep, fatigue, and breastfeeding-related needs (if applicable).

2. Physical and Mental Readiness Checklists

Physical Readiness Checklist:

• No pain, heaviness, or leakage during basic daily activities.

• Restored pelvic floor and core control in low-impact exercise.

• Full range of motion and baseline strength in major muscle groups.

• Able to complete a progressive return to cardio (walk > jog > run) without symptoms.

Mental Readiness Checklist:

• Athlete feels psychologically prepared to return to training/competition.

• Athlete reports confidence in body and ability to meet training demands.

• Athlete has a realistic timeline and expectations for return.

• Emotional readiness to be in competitive, high-pressure environments.

3. Return-to-Play Phased Progression

Phase 1: Recovery & Rehabilitation (0-8 weeks postpartum)

• Focus: Healing, pelvic floor and core reactivation, gentle movement.

• Activities: Breathing exercises, walking, light mobility, physiotherapy-led core exercises.

Phase 2: Rebuilding Strength & Function (8 weeks to ~4-6 months)

• Focus: Gradual strength work, functional movement patterns, low-impact cardio.

• Activities: Bodyweight strength, resistance bands, modified gym work, core integration.

Phase 3: Return to Sport-Specific Training (4-6 months onward)

• Focus: Controlled reintroduction to impact, high-speed movements, agility, and technical drills.

• Activities: Progressive return to running, jumping, directional changes, and team drills.

Phase 4: Full Sport Participation (6-12+ months, individualized)

• Focus: Return to full team training, matches/competitions.

• Ongoing pelvic floor and core maintenance.

• Injury prevention strategies in place.

4. Coach Education Points

Key Topics for Coaches to Understand:

• The physical demands and timeline of postpartum recovery — not a "quick return" process.

• How to adjust training sessions and expectations (e.g., progressive loading, extra rest periods).

• Recognizing warning signs that an athlete is not ready (pain, incontinence, mental fatigue).

• How to create a supportive environment where athletes feel comfortable communicating needs.

• Understanding breastfeeding considerations, hydration, and energy needs.

5. Athlete Self-Monitoring Tools

Daily/Weekly Athlete Check-In Template:

Date	Energy Level (1-10)	Pain/Discomfort (Y/N & where)	Leakage/Heaviness (Y/N)	Mental Readiness (1-10)	Training Completed	Notes/Concerns

6. Key Principles to Guide Return to Play

• Individualized: Every athlete's recovery is unique — there is no standard timeline.

• Gradual: Focus on step-by-step rebuilding, not rushing back to full intensity.

• Holistic: Consider the athlete's physical, emotional, and social needs.

• Supported: Provide ongoing access to medical, mental, and coaching support.

• Athlete-led: Athlete’s voice and comfort should be central to every decision.

7. Suggested Timeline Overview

Time Postpartum	Focus Area	Key Activities
0-8 weeks	Healing & Activation	Pelvic floor, core, walking, physiotherapy support
8 weeks - 4 months	Strength & Low-Impact Fitness	Resistance work, mobility, low-impact cardio
4-6 months+	Sport-Specific Training	Running, agility, technical skills, team training
6-12 months+	Full Return	Competition, performance optimization

Conclusion: Supporting postpartum athletes to return to elite sport requires intentional planning, expert care, and a supportive team. Clubs and federations must take active roles in protecting athlete health and performance by implementing clear, flexible, and athlete-centered Return to Play protocols.

Contact RIZE for help creating individualized return-to-sport programs for your athletes, and for education on supporting postpartum athletes in elite environments.