Why We Need More Moms on the Court: The Untold Story of Fertility and Sport
Why do we still shy away from talking about fertility and motherhood in sports? It’s 2025, and yet for many female athletes, starting a family is still whispered about like a scandalous secret instead of celebrated like the incredible life event it is. Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman recently peeled back the curtain on her tough fertility journey, declaring, “I want mums on my team.” Her story, shared in this insightful BBC article, isn’t just about netball or sports — it’s about changing the narrative for women everywhere balancing ambition, biology, and dreams of motherhood.
The Silence Around Fertility in Sports
Let’s be honest, female athletes are often seen as these superhuman machines — strong, focused, and unbreakable. But when it comes to fertility struggles, that image shatters. Chelsea Pitman’s experience highlights a raw truth: many women in sports fear judgment or falling behind if they pursue starting a family.
But why? Why is wanting a baby sometimes treated as a “limitation” or even a liability in professional environments? The stigma means athletes often have to keep their fertility battles hidden while continuing to perform at the highest level.
What Can We Learn From Chelsea’s Journey?
Chelsea’s openness is a breath of fresh air. She reveals that pregnancy and motherhood should absolutely be part of the conversation in sport, not something to avoid. Her journey is a beacon to anyone who might feel alone or unsupported in their path to parenthood.
Her story also reminds us that fertility isn’t just a clinical process; it’s deeply personal and sometimes complicated. Thankfully, modern technology is leveling the playing field for individuals and couples eager to conceive, especially from the comfort of their own homes.
Enter At-Home Fertility Tech: Empowerment & Privacy
If the thought of clinical appointments and invasive procedures makes you break out in a sweat, you’re not alone. The good news? Innovations like those from MakeAMom are revolutionizing fertility journeys.
MakeAMom provides specialized at-home insemination kits — CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker — designed to meet diverse needs, from handling low-volume or frozen sperm to addressing sensitivities such as vaginismus. The best part? These kits are reusable and discreetly shipped, protecting your privacy.
Imagine reclaiming control over your fertility timeline without the stress of clinical visits or the hefty bills that usually come with them. Chelsea’s desire for more mums on her team aligns perfectly with the growing wave of empowerment through accessible tech solutions that honor personal choices and journeys.
Breaking the Taboo, Step by Step
Changing the conversation around fertility in sports — and beyond — takes effort from all sides: teams, organizations, families, and tech innovators. Here’s how we can all help create a more inclusive, supportive environment:
- Normalize Fertility Discussions: Like Chelsea, athletes and coaches speaking openly reduce stigma.
- Support Flexible Policies: Organizations should offer maternity support and flexibility without penalty.
- Promote Accessible Tech: Tools like MakeAMom’s kits provide affordable, private options for conception.
- Educate & Encourage: Awareness campaigns can inspire others in sports and workplaces.
So, What’s Next?
Chelsea Pitman’s story inspires us to imagine a future where women don’t have to choose between their careers and becoming mothers. Fertility journeys, with all their twists and turns, should be met with compassion, support, and cutting-edge options that empower rather than limit.
Are you or someone you know navigating this complex path? Maybe it’s time to explore how at-home options can lift some of that burden, letting you focus on what matters most: building your dream team — on and off the court.
For those interested, learning more about the innovative ways to take fertility into your own hands is just a click away at MakeAMom’s resource hub.
Your Thoughts?
How can sports organizations better support athletes facing fertility challenges? Have you tried or considered at-home insemination kits as part of your journey? Drop your experiences and insights below — because every voice helps break the silence.
Remember, wanting babies and having mums on any team isn’t a liability — it’s a game-changer.