Having a strong brace is important for lifting heavy weights. It is a critical part of CrossFit, powerlifting and weightlifting. Not to mention just life. We use bracing when we move couches, pick up our kiddos etc.

Weightlifting belts are a performance aid that really helps us to create stiffness through our midline to lift more as well.
We did an entire video on it on our YouTube channel.

Knowing HOW to brace and use a weightlifting belt though is super important for our pelvic floors AND our performance. 50% of women pee when they lift heavy weights.

That is a massive number! But there is things we can do about it. We break it all down in this week's podcast episode

If youre interested in learning specifica considerations for returning to bracing postpartum, check out our Barbells after Babies Webinar free.

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Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

When you're passionate about Olympic weightlifting, pregnancy doesn't mean you have to abandon the barbell—it means learning to adapt with intelligence and awareness. Christina Prevett breaks down the crucial modifications that keep both mom and baby safe while preserving hard-earned technique.

The conversation explores four key considerations every pregnant weightlifter needs to understand. First, contact points and bar path must adapt as your baby bump grows—not because contact is dangerous, but because forcing traditional positioning can develop technical habits that are difficult to break postpartum. Second, the speed and depth of squats require personalized modification based on how your changing body feels in these positions. Third, setup positions from the floor may need elevation or stance adjustments to accommodate your growing belly. Finally, breathing strategies can shift from traditional bracing to continuous exhales that maintain core stability while respecting pregnancy physiology.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is the practical postpartum guidance. Christina explains why technique, not strength, becomes the limiting factor after delivery. The dramatic shift from pregnant to non-pregnant happens rapidly, leaving many athletes feeling disconnected from their body awareness. Starting with empty barbell work becomes crucial for proprioceptive retraining before adding load.

Special attention is given to C-section recovery, with innovative modifications like the "no contact snatch" that respect surgical healing while maintaining training consistency. The guidance extends to belt use timelines and core rehabilitation approaches that transfer directly to barbell performance.

Whether you're planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or navigating postpartum return, this episode provides the blueprint for maintaining your weightlifting practice safely through all phases of motherhood. Ready to keep the barbell in your life through pregnancy and beyond? This is your roadmap.

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!

___________________________________________________________________________
Don't miss out on any of the TEA coming out of the Barbell Mamas by subscribing to our newsletter

You can also follow us on Instagram and YouTube for all the up-to-date information you need about pelvic health and female athletes.

Interested in our programs? Check us out here!