Why We Need Moms on Every Team: The Untold Story of Fertility and Sport

‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team.’ These powerful words from Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman echo a message that many women, especially athletes, know all too well. The road to motherhood — entwined with fertility struggles — is often steeped in silence and stigma, particularly when it intersects with careers in high-performance sports. But why should pregnancy and parenting remain a taboo topic in such empowered spaces?

Chelsea’s story, shared recently on the BBC, shines a light on a crucial truth: motherhood and athletic ambition can coexist beautifully, and society’s outdated judgments need to shift immediately.

The Hidden Battle Behind the Spotlight

For many women, fertility struggles are private, emotionally taxing battles. For female athletes like Chelsea, these challenges can feel even more isolating when compounded with the pressure to perform, training demands, and an often unforgiving sporting culture.

You might wonder, why is motherhood still seen as a hurdle or even weakness in professional sports? The reality is, this bias stems from misconceptions and a lack of open conversation. Chelsea’s courageous honesty invites us all to rethink these assumptions and embrace a more inclusive and supportive perspective.

Breaking the Stigma: Why Talking Matters

By publicly sharing her fertility journey, Chelsea isn’t just telling her story — she’s creating a community of support for countless women who feel invisible or judged. When we start talking openly about fertility, we dismantle those walls of shame and fear.

Here’s why breaking this silence is so vital:

• Empowerment through shared experience: Knowing you are not alone changes everything.
• Encouraging workplace and sports policy change: When organizations hear these stories, they can advocate better health and parental support.
• Promoting holistic health: Fertility is about physical, emotional, and mental wellness; conversation sparks care.

Tools and Support for Your Fertility Journey

The journey to parenthood doesn't always need to be a clinical, intimidating process. Thanks to organizations like MakeAMom, people now have access to innovative, at-home insemination kits tailored to various fertility needs. Whether you’re dealing with low sperm motility, sensitivities like vaginismus, or prefer a cost-effective, discreet solution, these kits offer hope and autonomy outside traditional clinical settings.

For example, MakeAMom’s reusable kits such as CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker have helped many couples and individuals achieve a 67% success rate — a remarkable testament to what’s possible when technology meets compassion.

If exploring options around male fertility support or looking for fertility boosters, discovering resources like fertility boosters designed for men can be a game-changer in your journey.

Why Community is Everything

Chelsea’s plea — to have mums on her team — is about so much more than sports. It's about building communities that celebrate each person’s whole identity: athlete, parent, human being. And isn’t that what we all want? To belong somewhere that honors both our dreams and our realities.

In fertility, as in sport, teamwork wins the day. When friends, partners, coaches, and organizations come together to support individuals facing fertility challenges, the difference is profound.

What Can You Do Today?

• Start the conversation: Whether with friends, family, or your workplace, talking openly about fertility normalizes it.
• Seek community and expert support: Join forums, read stories like Chelsea’s, and connect with fertility experts.
• Explore your options: Consider at-home solutions that respect your privacy and preferences.
• Advocate for change: Support programs and policies that create space for parents and hopeful parents in every field.

A Final Thought

Chelsea Pitman’s experience teaches us that fertility struggles and motherhood are part of life’s rich tapestry — not a detour or an obstacle to hide away. If anything, they add strength, resilience, and purpose. So, to all the hopeful parents and athletes reading this: your journey is valid, your dreams are valid, and your place belongs right there on the team.

What does having ‘mums on your team’ mean to you? Share your thoughts and stories with us below — because every voice adds power to this movement.

Read the full inspiring story from Chelsea Pitman on the BBC: We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team