Empowering New Mums Through Rugby

In a heartening development for new mothers, Annette Bevan, co-founder of a women’s rugby club, is championing the sport as an ideal avenue for staying active post-childbirth. Her initiative, the Maa Maas club, is not just about playing rugby; it’s about fostering a community where mothers can reclaim their physical fitness and mental well-being.

A Growing Community

Based in the South of England, Bevan currently plays for Reading Abbey RFC and has successfully attracted around 920 followers on the club’s Facebook page, with approximately 150 mothers actively participating in matches. One match is scheduled to take place in Newcastle this coming April.

Bevan emphasizes the importance of self-care for mothers, stating:

“You have to carve out that time for yourself. You have to go and do something you enjoy, whether it’s rugby or another hobby or interest.”

The Benefits of Staying Active

Bevan believes that engaging in activities like rugby enhances a mother’s ability to care for her family:

“I think you come back to your kids and your family a better mum having made that space for yourself.”

Inspiration from Champions

Adding to the narrative of empowerment, Bevan cites England rugby star Abbie Ward’s recent World Cup win as a significant source of inspiration. Ward was famously seen carrying her daughter around the Twickenham pitch after England’s victory over Canada. This moment resonated deeply with mothers everywhere:

• “Mums all over the world, we’ve formed a little bit of a community,” Bevan noted.
• “Everyone’s so helpful. They just want to help each other, give each other advice, share their experiences…”
• “This is a brilliant time to try our sport. It really is one of the best communities you could be a part of.”

Breaking Barriers for New Mums

Bevan, a former player for Henley and Bracknell and a representative of Ireland, highlights the ongoing challenges and strides being made in the rugby community:

• She emphasizes the necessity of accessible facilities, including breastfeeding spaces and changing tables.
• “You’d think it’s something small but a lot of clubs are still behind the times with that,” she remarked, advocating for breaking down barriers.

Her journey began four years ago with the launch of her Instagram page, postpartumrugbymum, where she continues to connect with mothers looking to balance fitness and motherhood.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Annette Bevan’s initiative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, self-care, and active lifestyles for mothers. By promoting rugby as not only a sport but a supportive network, she inspires countless women to embrace their passions and reclaim their identities after childbirth.

For those interested in learning more about this inspiring initiative, I encourage you to read the original news article here.