My tips for getting into golf after pregnancy

Four months after having a baby, I played nine holes last week. It was the first time I’ve played properly since I stopped playing about 20 weeks into my pregnancy. And it felt really good to be back out on the course (the sun even made an appearance – bonus!).

If you’ve followed my journey back to golf after pregnancy, you’ll know I’ve been slowly easing myself back into the game over the past few weeks. I had a C-section and seriously underestimated the recovery process. So after quickly learning that I needed to walk before I could run (quite literally), I finally felt last week that I was ready to get back on the course.

I think that slow and steady approach is what’s helped me transition back into golf quite smoothly. And I actually played ok – all things considered. I’m sure a lot of that is down to having zero expectations of my first game back. But making sure I was physically fit enough and having taken the time to find some sort of swing again definitely helped too.

If you've just had a baby and are ready to get back into golf, here are my top five tips:

Slow and steady

The most important thing is to take it slow and steady. Only play when you are physically ready as you could hurt yourself otherwise.

I waited until about 12 weeks before I hit my first ball post-baby, and even then I felt pretty achy afterwards. Before that, I went on daily walks, then started really gentle exercises in the gym from about six weeks.

Think about your core

For obvious reasons, your core muscles won't be as strong as they were before you had a baby. I started with shorter, slower swings, chipping and pitching as I rebuilt those muscles. And don't worry, it doesn't take long – picking your baby up will quickly see to that!

Be patient with yourself

I really thought I was just supposed to "bounce back" after having a baby. But you don't. Your world has literally been turned upside down, and you're likely running on no sleep. Be patient and kind to yourself.

Make it social

My friend and I have been meeting at the driving range once a week, with our babies in tow. I don't know if it's the moral support or just the half hour we spend nattering away, but getting back into golf with a friend has been a whole lot easier than doing it on my own.

Enjoy the "you" time

I was warned about "mum guilt" long before I had Albie. And OMG it is real. But ... for your own sanity, you really do need some time alone, and golf is perfect for that. Even with no sleep, playing nine holes and being in the fresh air for just a couple of hours baby-free makes me feel like a new woman.

Liked this article? You'll love this one: Here’s how golf helped me navigate the rough (excuse the pun) journey of infertility, IVF and having a baby.