Emelie Forsberg:
The pace of motherhood

First off, congratulations on the birth of your 3 children.

Emelie: Thank you!

How have you been feeling lately, both physically and emotionally, after the birth?

Really good. Life with three kids has settled into a new rhythm that feels surprisingly smooth. I’m starting to feel ready and excited to train again, which is a nice shift after a few very calm weeks. Emotionally, I’m in a positive place. It helps that we’ve had a beautiful stretch of weather — a week of sunshine and two more ahead — and that definitely lifts the spirits.

How did you prepare your body or mind to handle the birth?

I tried to go into it without too many expectations. I’ve learned that staying open-minded really helps. That said, I know my body well, and as long as there were no major complications, I had a good feeling things would go smoothly. I also made a conscious decision toward the end of the pregnancy to take a real maternity leave — something I hadn’t done before. That mindset shift helped me let go and really rest. My sponsors knew I’d take three very calm months, and that gave me space to fully be in the moment with my family.

Did you set any firm decisions or limits for the birth itself, like avoiding pain relief?

Not at all. I’m very flexible with those things. I didn’t make a birth plan with strict rules, because I prefer to respond to how things evolve in the moment. I had no problem with using pain relief if needed — it’s all about listening to the body.

Are you still managing to take things day by day, or have professional deadlines intruded into daily life?

So far, I’ve been able to enjoy these three months a lot. I plan to give myself at least one more month like this. But I feel the energy coming back, and the urge to do more. The logistics with Kilian and training are slowly returning too. Yesterday, I did a three-hour session, and of course that takes planning. I’m doing my best to keep those busy days balanced with quieter ones, like today, where I only have a few deadlines and will spend most of the time with Lo.

Do you and Kilian plan logistics ahead of time, or do you take things as they come?

We’re both pretty good at managing logistics, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. But what I wanted to avoid, especially during this maternity leave, was the stress that comes with training logistics — breastfeeding, coordinating time slots, etc. Still, with three kids, a dog and a cat, logistics are simply part of life.

Now that you’re living this unique experience as a high-level athlete and a mother of three, what insights do you think you’ve gained?

I already feel I’ve learned so much. I get quite a few messages from parents — especially mothers — asking for advice. I enjoy sharing what I know for now, knowing that my experience and perspective will continue to evolve.

What do you think is the biggest obstacle to achieving that kind of mindset?

For me, it took real work to shift my mindset and allow myself to slow down and accept that “just being” with the baby is enough. Your environment also plays a big role — friends, family, and the general pace of life around you.

How has the family dynamic changed since the arrival of your third child?

It’s been incredibly positive. Our two older girls have matured a lot — they’re more independent, sleep through the night, and are so gentle with their baby sister. It feels like becoming five has created a new harmony in the house.

Do you think that harmony makes it easier for you to allow yourself time to train?

Maybe. If things were more chaotic, I might feel an even stronger need to escape for a run. But overall, yes, the peaceful atmosphere makes a big difference.

You had mentioned the importance of preventing injuries during postpartum recovery. How have you approached this physically and mentally?

I’ve been very careful. I did a lot of strength training and increased volume slowly. Mentally, I’ve taken all pressure off — I’m not aiming to win races this summer. That mindset allows me to train in a way that’s safe and sustainable.

Are you tracking your runs or training without focusing on data?

I do wear my watch, mainly to monitor my heart rate and progress. But I’m not running on flat ground yet, only hiking or slow uphill jogging — which is easier on the pelvic floor. It’s still very early, so I’m being cautious.

What changed the most during your first session after birth?

I felt out of shape — which is totally normal — and my heart rate went up quickly. That’s expected when you’re not in peak form. But my heart rate variability improved fast, which was encouraging and important for recovery.

Was that first hike something symbolic or planned a long time ago, as is sometimes the case for an expectant mother to look forward to the first beer or a particular dish once the birth has arrived?

(laugh) Not really — we have one trail with a gondola that I can take down. So that day Kilian went up with the girls, and we all met at the top, which was really nice. But there’s a new 30-kilometer trail in a neighboring valley that I really want to do. I’ll wait until later in the summer when I feel ready.

Will it be a physical signal or data that tells you you’re ready for that kind of challenge?

It’ll be both. I’ll start with short, flat runs — maybe two minutes running, one minute walking — and gradually increase duration and speed. I’ll let my body guide me.

Kilian publicly shared – well before the birth – that he would organize his season around your family. That felt unique in elite sport. How did you both come to that decision?

We hoped Lo would arrive before his race — and she did. But if she hadn’t, or if things had been more difficult, he wouldn’t have gone. We made that decision together. My mom also came to help, which was a huge support.

What are the key things you need right now to feel good and stay balanced?

Right now, I need to stay in this calm maternity bubble a little longer. This experience is different from the first two — maybe because of life stage or having three kids. I don’t take training for granted anymore, but it feels great when I can do it without stress. Strength training is easy to fit in, even with a newborn, and it helps me feel centered.

Nature also clearly plays an important role in your family life. How do you express that connection with your children?

We’re lucky — we can just open the door and step outside. The kids come along for walks with the dog, and every weekend we do short hikes together. It’s become a routine they love. Our eldest is especially curious — she knows the names of birds, notices everything, and asks tons of questions. Supporting that curiosity is really important to us.

Do you also talk with them about environmental issues and climate change?

Yes, in age-appropriate ways. For example, if they want flashy, battery-powered shoes (laugh), we explain the environmental impact of how they’re made. We also talk about not wasting food or water. They’re young, but we try to answer their questions honestly and build that awareness naturally.