219: Not Fragile, Not Invincible: Adaptable Coaching for the Pregnant & Postpartum Athlete

In this solo episode, I unpack a conversation that's been building for over a decade—one sparked by a recent post that stirred both strong agreement and strong reaction. I reflect on how the pregnant and postpartum athlete narrative has evolved, especially within the CrossFit and strength-training space, and why so many women still feel confused, frustrated, or unsupported during these seasons.   This episode is about finding the middle ground. Pregnancy and postpartum aren't about fragility or invincibility—they're about adaptability. I talk about why these seasons are powerful catalysts for growth, how ego and identity get challenged, and why long-term athleticism should always be the goal. More than anything, I emphasize the importance of coaching and messaging that considers the whole person: mindset, physiology, and future performance.   If you're an athlete, a coach, or a mom navigating these transitions, this episode is a reminder that athleticism doesn't end when motherhood begins—but it does evolve. And when we respect that process, outcomes improve not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.   Join us for the Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism LIVE Coaching Certification, a hands-on, in-person experience built for coaches who want real-world skills, not just theory. 📍 San Diego, CA 📅 February 21–22, 2026 👉 Save your spot: https://join.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-live-certification   Are you a pregnant combat athlete? Check out my free resource for BJJ during pregnancy and postpartum: https://go.briannabattles.com/bjj-freeguide   Learn more about the Practice Brave Fitness Program: https://briannabattles.com/practicebrave   MORE ABOUT THE SHOW: The Practice Brave podcast brings you the relatable, trustworthy and transparent health & fitness information you're looking for when it comes to coaching, being coached and transitioning through the variables of motherhood and womanhood. You will learn from athletes and experts in the women's health and coaching/performance realm as they share their knowledge and experience on all things Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. Whether you're a newly pregnant athlete or postpartum athlete, knowing how to adjust your workouts, mental approach and coaching can be confusing. Each week we'll be tackling questions around adjusting your workouts and mindset, diastasis recti, pelvic health, mental health, identity, and beyond. Through compelling interviews and solo shows, Brianna speaks directly to where you're at because she's been there too! Tune in every other week and share the show with your athlete friends!