By Carolina Marcías @girldivestheworld
As a professional dive instructor, the ocean has always been my sanctuary. However, when I discovered I was pregnant, I knew I had to temporarily hang up my fins. Diving during pregnancy is a topic where safety comes first. Here is my story of navigating pregnancy as a dive instructor, maintaining my connection with the ocean, and my journey back to diving post-birth.
Pregnancy and Diving
The moment I found out I was pregnant, I made the decision to stop diving for the entire nine months. The consensus in the diving community and among medical professionals is that diving while pregnant can pose risks to both the mother and the unborn child due to changes in pressure and the possibility of decompression sickness.
However, my love for the ocean didn’t wane. To stay connected, I continued to lead snorkel tours up until I was six months pregnant. During these months, I enjoyed guiding snorkelers and sharing the wonders of the underwater world from the surface. It allowed me to stay active and involved without the risks associated with diving. Around the six-month mark, my growing belly made it more challenging to help customers, and I transitioned to working more in the dive shop. I focused on bookings, customer greetings, and sharing my diving knowledge with others.
Postpartum and Returning to Diving
After giving birth, I was eager to get back into the water, but I knew I needed to wait for the right time. According to the Divers Alert Network (DAN), it is recommended to wait six weeks after a normal birth and eight weeks after a C-section before diving again. This waiting period allows the body to heal and reduces the risk of complications.
At my six-week postpartum check-up, my doctor gave me the green light to start diving again. Excited but cautious, I began with a short and shallow dive – 20 minutes at 12 meters. It felt incredible to be back in the water, and I was relieved to find that I didn’t feel any discomfort or strange sensations. Over the next few weeks, I gradually increased my dive times and depths, slowly regaining my confidence and strength.
Balancing Diving and Motherhood
The transition back to diving wasn’t without its challenges. As a breastfeeding mother, I had to incorporate regular breaks into my schedule for breastfeeding or pumping. This new routine required careful planning, but it was a small price to pay for being able to dive again. Here are a few tips and safety guidelines for new mothers returning to diving:
- Consult Your Doctor: Always get medical clearance from your healthcare provider before resuming diving post-pregnancy.
- Start Slow: Begin with shallow and short dives to assess how your body responds.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial, especially when breastfeeding. Dehydration can increase the risk of decompression sickness.
- Plan for Breaks: If you’re breastfeeding, plan for breaks to pump or feed your baby. Consider shorter dive trips or locations with facilities where you can comfortably express milk.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel during and after dives. Fatigue is common postpartum, so don’t push yourself too hard.
Diving has always been a significant part of my life, and navigating pregnancy and new motherhood required adjustments and patience. By prioritizing safety and listening to my body, I found a way to stay connected to the ocean and smoothly transition back to diving after giving birth. For fellow dive professionals and enthusiasts, I hope my story provides insights and encouragement. Motherhood and diving are both incredible journeys, and with careful planning, they can harmoniously coexist.
Additional Resources
For more information on diving and pregnancy, and to access safety guidelines, visit the Divers Alert Network (DAN) website.
Feel free to share your experiences and questions in the comments below. Safe diving!