'Each pregnancy is different': Helping stars juggle family and footy

Sam Bremner didn't know where to turn. 

The Jillaroos star had just announced her first pregnancy and resources were limited back in 2019. 

The support and resources grew slightly when her second pregnancy came around and they had taken another step forward when she had her third child in 2023.

Now as NSW and Australian prop Caitlan Johnston-Green embarks on her pregnancy journey, Bremner is hopeful the Sharks recruit can draw on the experiences of those who have travelled on a similar path in recent years.

"The main thing I learnt is it's different for everybody," Bremner told NRL.com. "That's why it's such an interesting area. 

"From the outside looking in it comes across that it's like an injury but in my experience it's not like that. Every day you wake up is different, whether it's the baby, your body or just your situation. 

"The ability to adapt on the go is really important. People can have such different pregnancies and such different children, there's no one-sized fits all, it's very individualised."

Bremner returned to rugby league following childbirth on three separate occasions, the most recent being a shock comeback from retirement to the 2024 NRLW premiership with the Roosters. 

The 32-year-old has now transitioned into the role of female football manager at the Dragons, where she continues to advocate for improved conditions for female players, in particular new mums. 

Bremner was proud to act as a self-described guinea pig for elite women's rugby league players throughout her career, working closely with Jillaroos and club high-performance staff to establish a return to play process. 

As each pregnancy played out, the athlete quickly learnt there is no one size fits all policy.

"When I first fell pregnant I wanted to be an athlete," Bremner said. "I struggled finding resources but now I realise it's because there's no straight answer to it all. 

"As an athlete I was used to being told how to return to the field and adhering to a plan, it was stressful not having one. The first step was accepting I don't know how the return's going to go. 

"It's not like an ACL, I had to adapt on the run and understand I could be playing in four months or 12 months. Athletes don't like that lack of control of their body so it is a test."

Pregnancy policies have come a long way since Bremner's first child in 2019, with NRLW players now covered by a comprehensive policy. 

While maternity policies have improved, research into the area has a long way to go, in Australia and around the world.

Among the biggest areas of progress in recent years has been centred around pelvic health, with pelvic floor exercises benefiting athletes both in their general lives and in their return to play. 

Jillaroos sports scientist Caitlin Knox said there is a long way to go but remains optimistic firmer protocols will be established in the next couple of years. 

"When we return to play we have the acute phase, which is the first six to eight weeks, then the mid phase and the end stage," Knox told NRL.com. 

"Hopefully in the next two years we'll have some solid recommendations on acute phase pregnancy guidelines for sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches and physios to give athletes. 

"They're the things you can do straight away while you're looking after bub, and involve focusing on your pelvic health and light physio. 

"The mid phase and the end stage are when the return to play is really varied. Hopefully as more pregnancies happen with girls in contact sport we'll keep records on return to contact. Lifting [weights] is a safe and structured environment but reintroducing women to the chaotic sports environment of contact is the wildcard for our sport. 

"That is a case-by-case basis and we still need more education and research in that space to determine where individuals are at."

While much of the focus on return to play protocols is centred around the physical recovery, Bremner found the mental side of the equation more challenging to navigate.

Uncertainty nagged her regularly and the semi-professional nature of the NRLW saw her juggle work, football, motherhood and family life. 

The pressure to return as quickly as possible also weighed on Bremner, along with the expectation to be in top form the moment she returned. 

It's a feeling Johnston-Green will likely have to navigate, the forward set to join the Sharks on a three-year deal from 2025 as their high-profile recruit. 

Johnston-Green has the added challenge of recovering from an ACL tear throughout her pregnancy, however early evidence suggests pregnancy shouldn't impact the early phases of her rehab. 

While the physical recovery is important, Knox said it will be vital for the prop to be supported away from football as she makes a major life adjustment. 

"The other factor that affects how quickly an athlete comes back is how much support they have around them," Knox said. "For Caitlan it's important for her to be around her family and back on Country when she brings the baby into the world. 

"Having that safe space and healing zone is so important. Being away from your support network makes it harder from a social-cultural perspective and can affect your timeline for a return to play. 

"For NRLW clubs supporting their players, allowing them to be in the best environment for them on a case-by-case basis will provide the best support."

In taking a break from rugby league to become a mother, Johnston-Green is set to join a growing group of mums in the NRLW. 

A number of high-profile stars have spoken of the challenges associated with maximising their playing careers while also fulfilling their desire to have children. 

The current pregnancy policy is a good start, however the players are eager to see it take another step forward. 

Bremner is hopeful NRLW clubs will soon operate creches or partner with childcare centres to look after children while their parents train. 

Each player who returns to rugby league after childbirth also provides another piece of evidence that can be used to formulate best-practice protocols. 

Bremner recognises there is no quick fix but is excited to play a role in continuing to smooth the path for players coming through.

"The first step is having consistent support around a player," Bremner said. "Asking what they need, coming up with a plan and educating them. It won't necessarily go to plan and that's when you have to adjust on the fly. 

"The big one is having support around minding the child when the girls are training. There's no easy fix and there will be challenges but it's going to be a more common situation. Players want to have children and continue their careers so we'll all have to learn on the go."