Have you ever felt like you had to choose between your dreams and your body’s natural path?
Chelsea Pitman, coach for Nottingham Forest netball, recently shared her deeply personal and tough fertility journey in a heartfelt BBC article titled ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’. Her story is more than just one woman’s challenge—it’s a powerful reminder of how much stigma still surrounds pregnancy and motherhood in high-performance sports.
Reading Chelsea’s story, it’s impossible not to feel both inspired and a little frustrated. Inspired because she’s bravely opened up about fertility struggles that many women silently endure, especially in demanding careers. Frustrated because, even in 2025, society still places invisible barriers on women athletes who want to be mothers.
Why does this stigma persist?
In sports, the expectation often feels like you must be 100% focused on performance, training, and competition—no distractions allowed. But the reality? Women’s bodies have their own timelines, filled with hopes, challenges, and changes that deserve understanding and support.
Chelsea’s words made me reflect on the broader conversation about fertility and motherhood—not just in sports but in any career or life path. We’re finally seeing a shift toward normalizing fertility journeys and making options more accessible and private.
For those navigating fertility challenges, the idea of clinical visits, multiple appointments, and invasive procedures can be overwhelming. That’s where options like at-home insemination kits come in as a game-changer. Companies like MakeAMom offer discreet, cost-effective, and reusable kits designed for people who want to try conception in the comfort of their own space.
What’s incredible about MakeAMom is their tailored approach. For example, their Impregnator kit supports cases where sperm motility is low—something many don’t talk about but affects fertility outcomes. This kind of innovation reflects a real sensitivity to diverse fertility needs, much like the understanding Chelsea calls for in sports.
So why should we care beyond the athlete’s world?
Because Chelsea’s story—her honesty about fertility, the judgment she faced, and her desire to have ‘mums on her team’—echoes for all of us. Whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or someone simply dreaming about starting a family, the barriers and stigmas around fertility need to come down.
Here’s what everyone should keep in mind:
- Pregnancy and motherhood are not obstacles to strength or success; they’re part of a full life.
- Fertility journeys look different for everyone; support and options should be personalized.
- Discretion and affordability matter—helping people feel safe and empowered isn’t optional; it’s essential.
Because, let’s be honest, the emotional roller coaster of trying to conceive can be isolating. Stories like Chelsea’s remind us all to build communities where people feel truly seen and supported.
If you or someone you know is exploring fertility options, remember, you’re not alone. Modern solutions are evolving quickly. For instance, the Impregnator home insemination kit is designed specifically for those facing challenges like low sperm motility, making it easier to try conception privately and comfortably.
At the end of the day, Chelsea’s message is clear: We need mums on every team—not just in sports, but in life. Let’s champion that by embracing open conversations, breaking down stigmas, and celebrating every person’s unique journey to parenthood.
So, what do you think? Have you or someone you know faced judgment or barriers on this path? How can we create more understanding around fertility in all parts of life? Drop your thoughts below—let’s keep this important conversation going.