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.

Let’s get real: Why is ‘wanting a baby’ still something people side-eye, especially in the world of sports and beyond?

I’ll never forget watching that headline—“We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team”—flash across my screen. Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman was speaking my language. Or maybe yours, too. Her raw recollection of navigating fertility and facing judgment reminded me how far we’ve come as a society—and how far we still have to go (read her story here).

The Hidden Whispers of Fertility Shame

Ask anyone walking their own fertility path, and you’ll hear it whispered: the judgment, the side glances, the subtle (or not so subtle) “Why don’t you just…?” There’s this weird, unspoken expectation, especially for women in physically demanding roles—be it on the court, in an office, or at home—that thinking about motherhood is somehow a betrayal of ambition.

Chelsea Pitman’s story lit up the group chat in my TTC community. One friend shared, “I hid my IVF rounds from my boss for a year because I didn’t want to be ‘that’ employee.” Another messaged, “I was told I was wasting my peak years. Like, who decided what my peak is?”

But it’s not just a sports thing. It’s everywhere. And let’s be honest: the shame stings, but the silence hurts even more.

Why We Need to Talk—Out Loud

What’s it going to take to flip the script? Maybe it starts by saying this out loud: Wanting to be a parent isn’t selfish, and it doesn’t make you less committed.

I’ll admit, I’ve been there—scrolling through fertility forums at 2am, feeling alone even when I’m surrounded by friends. What struck me most about Pitman’s experience wasn’t just her struggle to conceive; it was the way she was judged for wanting it at all.

If you’re reading this and nodding along, you know: navigating fertility (or even just talking about wanting kids) can feel like stepping onto a field where you don’t know the rules. And guess what? There are so many of us in the same boat.

The Power of Team Spirit—On and Off the Court

This is where the “team” analogy gets real. In sports, you don’t win alone. You need squad goals, cheerleaders, people who pass you the ball when you’re out of breath. So why are we trying to “win” at fertility solo?

Chelsea’s confession that she wants more mums on her team is not just a callout for the sports world, but for everywhere women and non-binary folks are building community. Wanting to be a mum—or dad, or parent—shouldn’t mean you’re benched.

What does support actually look like? - Sharing stories with zero shame - Offering real, actionable resources (not just platitudes) - Creating safe spaces where people can ask, “Is this normal?” and actually get answers

It’s 2025, and the conversation about fertility is way overdue for a glow-up.

Tools That Put You Back in Control

Here’s what gave me hope: the innovation pouring into at-home fertility support. Gone are the days when the only path was in-clinic, hush-hush, and wildly expensive. Now, thanks to advances in tech and community resources, bringing fertility support home is normal and even empowering.

Take companies like MakeAMom’s home insemination kits—which I discovered when searching for information and, honestly, support. The fact that they offer specific kits tailored for low motility sperm, sensitivities, or even frozen sperm? That’s a game-changer when you’re looking for agency on this journey (and yes, plain packaging matters when you’d rather not explain a bright pink box to your neighbor). Plus, their reusable approach and cost savings mean it’s not just the super-wealthy who get options.

But what struck me most? The community building around products like these. Success rates, real testimonials, and an open conversation make a difference. We need more of this—tools and teams that work for us, not against us.

Breaking the Taboo—One Story at a Time

Back to Chelsea Pitman: her willingness to share her pain and her pride is a reminder that we all win when we’re honest. The more we share, the less shame there is.

So, let’s break this down: - Talking about wanting kids in 2025 is revolutionary. - Shame only grows in the dark. Shine a light—tell your story. - We’re all stronger, braver, and more resilient when we’re in it together.

Final Whistle: Join the Real Team

If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or just plain done with fertility taboos, know that you’re not alone. Connect with support networks, share your journey, and don’t be afraid to look for innovative tools that put you back in the driver’s seat.

Because as Chelsea reminded the world, there’s room for every kind of mum, dad, or parent on this team. Want to learn more about home insemination and building your own support squad? Check out resources like this in-depth guide to at-home fertility options—and never be ashamed to want it all.

What’s the biggest fertility myth you’ve had to fight? Drop your answer in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.