Have you ever felt judged or sidelined simply because you wanted to start a family?

If you haven’t, let me introduce you to a story that might just change how you see fertility and motherhood—especially in the workplace and sports arenas.

Recently, Chelsea Pitman, Nottingham Forest’s netball coach, shared her candid and moving journey through fertility challenges in the article ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’. Her words resonate far beyond the netball court. They shine a spotlight on a widespread but often hushed struggle: balancing the desire for motherhood with demanding careers — and confronting the prejudices that come with it.

The Unseen Battles Behind the Spotlight

Chelsea’s story is not just about personal hardship. It’s about breaking taboos. Pregnancy and fertility struggles remain taboo in many professional settings, especially in sports, where peak physical condition and dedication are often mistakenly seen as incompatible with motherhood.

Imagine training your whole life to be at the top of your game—and then grappling with fertility treatments, endless doctor visits, or the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive. Now imagine doing this under the pressure of judgment or lack of support from your professional community.

It’s exhausting. It’s lonely. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Why Should We Talk About This?

Because silence isolates. When stories like Chelsea’s come out, they offer hope, validation, and a call to action. They remind us that wanting babies is not a distraction from professional ambition—it’s a vital part of life.

And here’s the kicker: supporting fertility doesn’t have to be complicated or clinical. Modern solutions—like the at-home insemination kits provided by organizations such as MakeAMom—are making it easier for individuals and couples to pursue their dreams of parenthood on their own terms.

MakeAMom offers innovative, cost-effective, and private options like their CryoBaby and Impregnator kits, designed specifically for various fertility needs. This kind of technology empowers those juggling careers and fertility challenges to take control of their journey without added stress.

What Can We Do Now?

• Start the Conversation: Whether you’re an athlete, coach, colleague, or employer, normalize discussions around fertility and parenthood. Share stories, listen actively, and break down stigma.

• Support Flexible Work Environments: Flexibility can make a world of difference for those undergoing fertility treatments or pregnancy.

• Embrace New Technologies: Explore solutions like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits to take fertility care into your own hands, removing barriers like cost and inconvenience.

• Champion Women in All Stages: Celebrate teammates and colleagues not just for their professional achievements but for their personal journeys too.

Let Chelsea’s Story Inspire Us All

Chelsea Pitman’s courage to speak openly encourages each of us to rethink what it means to be a professional and a parent. It reminds us that wanting babies and being great at your job absolutely can coexist.

In a world where fertility journeys can feel isolating, knowing you’re not alone—and that practical, supportive tools exist—can change everything.

So, what’s stopping you or someone you know from embracing this new era of fertility empowerment? Check out resources like MakeAMom’s home insemination systems to see how technology and compassion are joining forces to support your path to parenthood.

Because every team deserves moms on it—and every mom deserves a team behind her.

Join the conversation. Share your story. Let’s change the game together.

Read the full inspiring interview with Chelsea Pitman here: BBC Sport Article