Anyone who lives in Bend, Oregon understands it’s a town that caters to an outdoor lifestyle. After a day of skiing or hiking, an afternoon enjoying local beer is often a common pastime. So when I discovered that I was expecting my first baby this summer, I thought my active lifestyle would change dramatically – I was so wrong! Fortunately, Bend is a wonderful place to stay active (and social) during your pregnancy, not to mention an amazing place to raise a family. Here are my top “Brewing a Baby in Bend” tips for Central Oregon moms to be:
You love trail running, but you’re worried about falling
Your doctor has likely warned you of the risks of falling, and trail running certainly has it's tripping hazards. But that doesn't mean you have to give up running if it still feels good. A few of my favorite local trails that offer a flatter run with few to no tripping hazards include the Tumalo Trail at Shevlin Park, Deschutes River Trail (my faves are Pioneer Park to Archie Briggs & Riverbend south to Old Mill), and the Larkspur Trail - This trail in NE Bend starts at Pilot Butte and takes you to Reed Market Rd. It's a mix of pavement and gravel, but is a nice run in a pinch if you're on the east side.
Skiing or Snowboarding are your winter go-to
While the risk of falling when skiing or riding is pretty high, Central Oregon offers incredible opportunities for winter fun outside of downhill skiing on Mt. Bachelor. Snowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the snow and forest. From the Meisner Warming Hut to Todd Lake, there are plenty to keep you busy all winter long! Or pack up for a winter getaway to the Oregon Coast - Let's face it, sometimes it's nice to get away from the cold weather and relax by the waves. A weekend trip to the coast might be just what you need. Both Newport and Florence are a quick 3 1/2 hours away.
Climbing at 32 weeks. It was getting a little tough to see my foot holds below my belly, but still having fun!
Smith Rock is Your Summer (and spring and fall) Home
I was in the same boat. We were actually climbing at Smith a week before I found out I was pregnant. I once again had a moment where I thought one of my favorite activities would be put on hold, but after doing a ton of research I found some amazing inspo from climbing mamas who successfully climbed throughout their pregnancies. I decided that I would continue until I couldn't. My amazing husband surprised me with a pregnancy climbing harness for Christmas and while it took some getting used to, it has kept me going. Climbing can be more than a physical workout – it’s a mental exercise as well and can certainly remind you to breathe (and laugh, especially as your belly grows) as you make your way up the wall.
Chillaxin at Crux is your favorite Summer Activity
I get it – there’s nothing like drinking a cold beer outside on a hot Central Oregon summer afternoon. While sipping a pilsner might be out of the question when you’re pregnant, you can still enjoy your favorite brewery sans alcohol. Many places offer delicious mocktails or fresh squeezed juices with soda water! My favorite fresh squeezed mocks in town come from McMenamins, Pine Tavern & Brown Owl. Or, instead of frequenting your favorite brewery, check out a local juice café like Mothers and sip on a delish smoothie or fresh squeezed juice. Finally, I’ve found that breweries and tasting rooms that don’t offer non-alcoholic options are usually ok with a mama to be bringing in a LaCroix or San Pellegrino (just be sure to ask first). Pro-tip: Those ALSO taste refreshing from a pint glass.
BONUS: When your friends consume too many beers, but you’ve been hydrating with water, you are the one without a headache the next morning. You’ll have plenty of energy to get up early for that trail run!
I was so lucky to have another friend who is also pregnant to run with. This was around 30 weeks for me and one of my last "runs", which was actually more of a run/walk.
Staying active throughout your pregnancy is important to yours and your baby's health. We are so lucky that living in Central Oregon makes it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout your pregnancy. Grab a friend and head out on a hike and grab a nice mocktail afterward as a reward for taking care of yourself!
If you're looking to make a move to Central Oregon and need some help with relocation, let's hang out! I'd love to show you all the amazing places that make Bend a great place to raise a family. You can check out my active listings here as well!
If you'd like to reach out about your experience or have additional tips for how to stay active while pregnant, I'd love to hear from you! Or, if you'd like more information about Calling Bend Oregon Home, I'm happy to be your resource:
**IMPORTANT: Every body and pregnancy is different. Please always consult your doctor or midwife before partaking in activities while pregnant (or not pregnant!). This post is simply my shared experience and personal recommendations.