“You want a baby? Now? But what about your career?”
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me that, I’d have a nursery full of the softest onesies and a pram that turns heads at brunch. But instead, like so many of us, I just smiled, nodded, and tucked my feelings away.
So when I saw Chelsea Pitman—yes, the Nottingham Forest netball coach!—open up about her own fertility struggles and the judgment she faced from the sports world (read her story here), I felt seen. Pitman’s honesty hit me right in the gut: Why is it, in 2025, that wanting a family is still something we whisper about, especially if we’re ambitious, active, or just don’t fit the “perfect” parent profile?
Let’s talk about why it’s time to smash the stigma, share our stories, and use every tool—yes, even at-home insemination kits—to reclaim our fertility journeys.
The Taboo No One Talks About
It’s wild, isn’t it? We cheer for women breaking records, running companies, and challenging the status quo, but when it comes to fertility, it still feels…awkward.
- “Shouldn’t you wait?”
- “Why can’t you just relax and let it happen?”
- “Isn’t that stuff only for couples who can’t have kids?”
Chelsea Pitman shared how she was judged—not just for wanting a baby, but for saying it out loud. And if a professional athlete can’t be open about her dreams, what hope do the rest of us have?
My Fertility Secret (And Why I’m Sharing It)
I remember the first time I thought about at-home insemination. It was a late-night Google rabbit hole, clutching a mug of cold chamomile tea, scrolling through medical sites and hopeful forums. I was terrified. Would I be judged? Would people think I was “giving up”? Was I even allowed to want this so badly?
But then I found stories just like Pitman’s—real, raw, and brave. And slowly, the shame faded. Maybe, I thought, this could be normal.
Opening Up Makes Us Stronger
Here’s the thing: the more we talk, the more we realize just how many people are walking parallel paths.
- Your teammate quietly tracking ovulation during away games
- Your best friend weighing donor options after a breakup
- That Instagram acquaintance posting pictures of the “miracle baby” after rounds of heartbreak
When we share, we build a team that’s got our backs—on the court, in the office, and at home. And you know what teams do best? They lift each other up.
New Options, New Empowerment
Here’s where it gets really interesting (and honestly, exciting!): in the last couple of years, at-home fertility tools have become more effective, accessible, and—let’s be real—way less clinical.
Take MakeAMom’s insemination kits. They’re designed for real people with real lives:
- Kits like “CryoBaby” for low-volume or frozen sperm
- The “Impregnator” for those dealing with low motility
- “BabyMaker” for anyone who might have sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus
I love that these are reusable, affordable, and discreet (seriously, their shipping gives zero clues about what’s inside—privacy win!). The average success rate? A pretty impressive 67%. That’s not just a number; that’s hope.
More importantly, these options put choice and control back in our hands. You don’t have to wait for a specialist appointment or explain yourself to a waiting room full of strangers. You can start your journey on your own terms—and with the support of an online community that gets it.
What Happens When We Talk?
When stories like Chelsea Pitman’s go public, a few magical things start happening:
- We find our people. Suddenly, you’re not alone. Someone’s been there, done that, and is ready to cheer you on.
- Judgment loses its power. The more we share, the less room there is for shame or side-eyes.
- We discover new possibilities. Maybe your path to parenthood looks different, and that’s okay—there are more routes than ever before.
My Challenge to You
So here’s my invitation: Talk about it. Whisper it to a friend, text it to a group chat, or (if you’re feeling bold) shout it from your Instagram story. Because every time we do, we chip away at the old taboos and show someone else that it’s safe to dream.
If you’re curious about at-home insemination, resources like this comprehensive guide from MakeAMom are a great place to start. You don’t have to do this alone, and your journey—however winding, messy, or unconventional—is valid.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever admitted about your own fertility hopes? Drop a comment, share your story, or just know this: you belong here, and your dreams matter.