In this episode of Untidy we talk to former Black Ferns captain and māmā of two, Les Elder. Les was part of the World Cup winning squad in 2017 and later became captain while trying to start a family at the same time. With both her babies conceived by IVF, the process of conception was complicated whilst meeting the rigorous training schedule as a professional rugby player. Les continued training throughout her first pregnancy and returned to her career soon after giving birth. She experienced dangerous complications during her second pregnancy that resulted in emergency surgery. 

Les talks to us about how she handled rising into leadership as women’s rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand became professional. She explains how she juggled starting a family, maintaining a healthy relationship, recovering from pregnancy complications and birth with the pressures of performing at the highest level of rugby and continuing her career in sport. 

As a working mother that saw Les spend a lot of time away from her young children, she talks about how this felt and how she and her husband, Johnny, reconcile themselves with the choices they have made as a whanau.

Follow Les on Instagram @leselder.

Untidy podcast is about honouring the person within the parent. Follow the show and get in touch on Instagram @untidypodcast. Find Matilda at @matootles and get your copy of The Feel Good Guide. Find Hannah at @hannahedavison and @mybigmoments. Visit My Big Moments for kids’ books that make your tricky job of parenting a whole lot easier.

Untidy podcast is co-produced and edited by Popsock Media, and hosted by rova. Untidy is proud to also be supported by My Big Moments – kids’ books backed by research and Kiwi ingenuity to make your tricky job of parenting a whole lot easier. Enter code UNTIDY at checkout for 10% off your order.

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