Why We Need More Mums on the Team: Breaking the Silence on Motherhood and Fertility in Sport
Posted on 21 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 3 min
Have you ever felt like your dreams and your biology were at odds? For Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman, the journey to becoming a mum was anything but straightforward—and it revealed a harsh truth about the sports world that many still overlook. In her heartfelt interview titled ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’, she bravely shared the stigma and judgment she faced while navigating fertility challenges in a culture that often sidelines motherhood.
Chelsea’s story is a wake-up call to all of us: why is pregnancy and fertility still such a taboo topic in professional sports? If athletes—who dedicate their lives to inspiring us—feel isolated and misunderstood when trying to start a family, how can we expect anyone else to feel supported?
The Hidden Struggle Behind the Spotlight
Fertility journeys are deeply personal. They come with moments of hope, frustration, and heartbreak. For athletes like Chelsea, the added pressure of public scrutiny makes the path even tougher. It’s not just about physical stamina on the field; it’s about emotional stamina off it.
But here’s the truth: motherhood and career should never be mutually exclusive. Every woman deserves the chance to build the family she dreams of without sacrificing her professional ambitions or feeling judged.
When Support Systems Fall Short...
Many people embarking on fertility treatments find clinical settings intimidating or inaccessible. They want privacy, affordability, and flexibility. This is where innovative solutions come in.
Have you heard about at-home insemination kits? These kits, like the ones offered by MakeAMom, are designed to empower individuals and couples to take control of their fertility journey in the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Whether it’s coping with low motility sperm, using frozen samples, or handling sensitive conditions, these reusable kits provide a discreet, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
Why Does This Matter Beyond Sports?
Because fertility struggles touch countless lives beyond the athletic world. Whether you’re a passionate professional, a hopeful parent, or somewhere in between, this journey often feels isolating. But it doesn’t have to be.
By sharing stories like Chelsea’s, we open the door to empathy, community, and progress. We challenge outdated norms and encourage workplaces, teams, and society to embrace parenthood as a natural, celebrated part of life.
Three Ways to Support Mothers and Hopeful Parents on Their Journey
- Normalize Conversations: Talk openly about fertility and pregnancy challenges to break down stigma.
- Advocate for Flexible Options: Support technologies and workplaces that allow for personalized fertility solutions.
- Build Communities: Connect through forums, support groups, and shared experiences to remind people they’re not alone.
A Final Thought
Chelsea Pitman’s bravery teaches us all: it’s time to have mums on every team. Whether you’re chasing goals on a court or a career, or hoping for a little one at home, your journey deserves respect, support, and hope.
If you’re curious about how at-home options can fit into your fertility plan, explore how innovations like MakeAMom’s kits are changing the landscape for hopeful parents everywhere. Because everyone should have the chance to say “yes” to both their dreams and their families.
What’s your story? Have you faced challenges balancing fertility and career? Share your thoughts and let’s start the conversation that everyone needs—because together, we’re stronger.