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The Parenthood Recommendations

An evidence-based guide to support athletes from preconception through to parenthood.

Alyce and Florence

AIS Best Practice Recommendations to Support Elite Athletes from Preconception to Parenthood.

A comprehensive guide for Australian Sporting Organisations grounded in evidence-based research and best practice.

By leveraging data-driven insights and engaging with stakeholders, these recommendations seek to enhance the wellbeing and performance of elite athletes during the critical life stages from preconception to parenthood. They explain how to create environments where athletes can thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring their health and success are prioritised throughout their athletic careers and beyond.

These world-leading recommendations provide sporting organisations with a comprehensive guide on how best to support elite athletes through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. Sporting organisations may use these recommendations to improve the level of support provided to elite athletes and/or inform the development of evidence-based pregnancy and parenting policies.

The recommendations were based on an extensive body of research conducted by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and CQUniversity in collaboration with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS):

Research Team

  • Jasmine Titova (PhD candidate, CQUniversity and AIS)
  • Boden Tighe (PhD candidate, CQUniversity and QAS)
  • Associate Professor Melanie Hayman (Primary Supervisor, CQUniversity)
  • Dr Sue Williams (Co-Supervisor, CQUniversity)
  • Professor Margie Davenport (Co-supervisor, University of Alberta)

Further resources

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