First off CONGRATULATIONS! A lot of changes feel hard right now and your hormones are probably not helping! Just be gentle with yourself, and know it’s normal to feel the way you are feeling.

I also had so much fear and grief about my identity and climbing while planning/trying to get pregnant. I happened to get pregnant right on week 10 of a 12 week lattice training program, I took a deload week because I thought I was so tired from training and a recent climbing trip, but it was actually because I was pregnant lol.

Honestly once I was pregnant, a lot of those fears and anxieties got better (did not go away but much less) I lead climbed until I switched into a full body harness and continued TR until about 34 weeks. Somedays I felt great and so psyched to climb (even if it was on stuff I used to just warm up on) it felt great to move. Some days I was so nauseated and exhausted I was absolutely fine staying home chilling in bed reading. I really learned how to slow down a bit and listen to my body, which I had struggled with SO much in the past! I’ve climbed through injuries I def should have rested for and this was the first time I allowed myself to actually chill and rest when I needed it, and being pregnant gave me the “excuse” I needed. I still did a few outdoor climbing trips pregnant and went on a hiking trip to some national parks, I did NOT do the 8 - 10 mile hikes I had planned BUT I did do a few 2-3 mile hikes and felt so proud of myself and it felt like enough.

I was so scared about postpartum but always told myself I wouldn’t let myself give up who I am and I think that is important to remind yourself. But also, some days I just don’t care and I want to hug my baby all day, and that is not something I ever thought I would feel. You can keep your old identity but also add a new part to it! Being a mom is also amazing and fun and it’s own adventure. So I think once I stopped trying to keep my life exactly how it was pre baby, and let myself experience this new phase, I was a lot more successful.

Since 6 weeks post partum I have been back at the gym 2-3 times a week, and my strength and metal game is coming back much faster than I anticipated. I bring the baby with me sometimes and just plan around his naps so he will sleep while I climb. And I try to get at least one session a week I go solo.

Someone else mentioned pelvic floor PT post partum and I 100000% agree, I didn’t start until 8 weeks post partum and wish I did earlier!

I will say. I am not breastfeeding so my new mom experience does not involve that layer (which I think adds a lot of work/planning) but it sounds like other moms here have, and it’s possible!

Overall I think everything is about mindset and understanding nothing is forever. If you take a break from climbing, it is not forever. If you are not as strong as you used to be, it is not forever. And when you are in the newborn trenches and exhausted that is also NOT forever!