What England’s U19 Comeback Teaches Us About Surviving Setbacks on the Fertility Journey

Ever watched a football match and felt like you were just—metaphorically—kicked in the shins by life? We’ve all been there. But if you tuned in to see England’s U19 women stage an epic second-half comeback against the Netherlands in the Women’s European Championship (yes, this one!), you know exactly what a whirlwind of setbacks, hope, and eventual triumph looks like. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot like the fertility journey.

Let me set the scene. You start your conception journey full of optimism (and, let’s be honest, some Pinterest nursery boards). But then, setbacks hit. Maybe it’s a negative test. Maybe it’s another negative test. Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed by the clinical jargon, endless appointments, and awkwardly cold stirrups. Kind of like going down 1-0 in the first half. The crowd grows tense. Doubt creeps in. And you wonder—is it ever your turn to win?

But here’s the thing—comebacks happen when you least expect them.

The Fertility ‘Second Half’ — Why It Matters

When England’s U19s came back swinging in the second half, they weren’t just playing football—they were rewriting the narrative. That’s a lesson for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, especially on the winding road to building a family. The halfway point isn’t the end. It’s just halftime. And as any coach (or fertility expert) will tell you, halftime is when the pep talks, tactical shifts, and new game plans make all the difference.

Sound familiar? Whether you’ve just started trying, or you’re deep into Plan C (or D…or Q), the urge to throw in the towel can be strong. But most comeback stories don’t happen by accident. The teams (and people) who turn things around are the ones who make adjustments, and—crucially—don’t give up.

The Power of Adjustments: Giving Yourself a New Playbook

So, what does it look like to swap strategies on the fertility field? Sometimes, it’s as simple as changing up your approach:

• Trying at-home insemination instead of clinical settings: Not everyone vibes with fluorescent lights and waiting room playlists. Companies like MakeAMom’s cleverly designed insemination kits let you take control at home, at your pace, in your own space.
• Choosing the right kit for your unique needs: Low motility? The Impregnator kit is on your side. Sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus? The BabyMaker’s got your back (and your comfort covered).
• Prioritizing privacy and convenience: MakeAMom even ships in discreet packaging—no nosy neighbors, no unnecessary drama.
• Celebrating each small win: A successful insemination, a supportive message from a partner, or simply making it through another month without giving up—all are worthy of a fist pump.

It’s not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about making tweaks that set YOU up for a chance at that second-half surge.

The Stats Don’t Lie (But Neither Do Feelings)

Ready for a stat worth cheering for? MakeAMom reports a 67% success rate among its clients using their home insemination systems. No, that’s not a guarantee. But it’s a sign that, much like the England squad, families can and do make astonishing comebacks—often when hope seems lowest.

But let’s keep it real: not every cycle ends with a trophy lift or confetti. There are tears, setbacks, and “why isn’t this working?” moments. And that’s okay. Resilience isn’t about never faltering; it’s about getting up, dusting off, and trying again—sometimes with a new kit, new mindset, or new support system.

Your Comeback Starts Now

If you’re stuck at halftime in your own fertility match, remember: the second half is still unwritten. Will you make a tactical substitution? Try a new formation? Call in the specialists or try an at-home approach? You get to decide.

Just like those young women in Tarnobrzeg, your next chapter could surprise you. The family you dream about might be one courageous comeback away.

So lace up your (metaphorical) boots, gather your team, and get back on the pitch. Maybe your “second-half goals” aren’t far away at all.

Have you had your own ‘comeback moment’ on the path to parenthood? What helped you get your game face on again? Share your story below, join the FamilyFoundry community, and let’s cheer each other on—one hard-fought victory at a time.