Why We Need More Mums in Sports: Breaking the Taboo Around Fertility and Motherhood

Have you ever felt like your dreams of motherhood clash with your professional life? If you’re an athlete or someone deeply passionate about sports, this struggle might resonate with you more than you realize. Recently, I came across a deeply moving article titled 'We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team' about Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman. Her story opened my eyes to something many of us overlook — the harsh judgment and silence surrounding fertility and motherhood in the world of sports.

Chelsea’s experience is a testament to the silent battles many women face when juggling their career ambitions and the desire to start a family. She openly shared how her tough fertility journey was met not just with personal challenges but societal stigma — especially in a high-performance sporting environment where pregnancy can be viewed as a career setback.

Why is this such a big deal? Because the message sent to many women in sports (and frankly, in other demanding careers as well) is that wanting to be a mum somehow makes you less committed, less capable, or less valuable to the team. That’s an outdated and unfair mindset, and it’s time we challenge and change it.

So, how can this conversation be shifted? First, it’s about normalizing pregnancy and parenthood as part of an athlete’s journey, not a disruption to it.

But here’s where it gets even more interesting — not every journey to motherhood is straightforward. For many, including Chelsea, fertility challenges add layers of complexity and emotional strain. This is where resources like at-home insemination kits come into play. They represent empowerment, privacy, and an alternative path to achieving pregnancy outside clinical settings, which can be intimidating or inaccessible.

Companies such as MakeAMom are pioneering this space by offering discreet, cost-effective, and reusable home insemination kits. Whether it’s the CryoBaby kit for low-volume sperm, the Impregnator for low motility sperm, or the BabyMaker designed for those with conditions like vaginismus, these kits help many take control of family building on their own terms — an essential support when traditional paths feel daunting or judgmental.

Imagine the freedom that brings! The ability to try conception in a comfortable, private space, without the additional pressure of the clinical setting, could be a game-changer for many women who face societal pressures or logistical hurdles.

But back to Chelsea’s powerful message: why do we need mums on the team? Because motherhood adds depth, resilience, and a powerful perspective to any environment — including sports. Embracing family-building journeys openly benefits everyone by fostering inclusivity, empathy, and support.

If we can lift the stigma around fertility struggles and parenthood in demanding careers, we not only make space for more women to succeed but also deepen the meaning of what it means to be a team.

So, what can you do if you or someone you know is embarking on this journey?

• Open the conversation about fertility and parenthood at work and in social circles.
• Seek out supportive tools and resources that meet your unique needs — like at-home insemination kits that offer convenience and discretion.
• Remember you’re not alone. Many have walked this path and there’s a growing community ready to support you.

Reading Chelsea’s story reminded me deeply that family building isn’t just a private matter — it’s a collective conversation we all need to be part of.

If you’re curious about exploring your options or want to learn more, consider checking out MakeAMom’s home insemination systems which provide practical solutions designed with sensitivity and success in mind.

In the end, we need to rewrite the narrative: motherhood and professional ambition are not mutually exclusive. Let's champion the women who dare to want both.

What are your thoughts? Have you or someone you know faced similar challenges balancing career and family dreams? Let’s open this conversation together — drop your stories and support below!