motherhood

Ever felt like your dreams are on hold because society just doesn't get your journey? Chelsea Pitman, Nottingham Forest’s netball coach, bravely opened up in a recent BBC article about the harsh judgment she faced during her fertility struggles and her powerful call to have moms on her team. Reading her story really struck a chord with me, and if you’re on the path of trying to conceive or know someone who is, this one’s for you.

Chelsea’s story isn’t just about netball or sports—it’s about the bigger cultural silence that surrounds fertility and parenthood, especially in high-pressure environments like professional athletics. She shared that pregnancy and motherhood often feel like taboo topics in sport, almost as if having a family conflicts with the demands of a career. Does that sound familiar?

"We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team," Chelsea remarked, shining a spotlight on an uncomfortable truth many have felt but seldom say out loud.

So why does this matter to you—whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or someone exploring paths to parenthood at home? Because the stigma around fertility and motherhood isn’t just outdated—it can be downright damaging to mental health and self-worth.

Breaking the Silence Around Fertility Struggles

Facing fertility challenges can be isolating. The silence around it, particularly in careers like sports, can amplify that loneliness. But sharing stories like Chelsea’s helps normalize the conversation and reminds us that fertility journeys come in all shapes, with different timelines and struggles.

And here’s an eye-opener: embracing motherhood and career goals isn’t a zero-sum game. More organizations and individuals are advocating for inclusive support systems that respect both ambitions. This includes finding accessible, flexible ways to pursue family-building—like at-home insemination kits.

Home Insemination Kits: Empowering Your Journey

If you’ve been exploring options beyond clinical fertility treatments, you might appreciate how innovative solutions are changing the game. Companies like MakeAMom provide at-home insemination kits designed to help people conceive in the comfort and privacy of their own space. These kits cater to different needs, whether dealing with low sperm motility or conditions like vaginismus, and they offer a reusable, cost-effective alternative to disposable options.

What makes this especially sensitive and supportive is their discreet packaging and impressive reported success rate—67% for many users—bringing hope and control to those navigating fertility on their own terms.

Why Moms Should Be on Every Team

Chelsea’s plea for “mums on my team” challenges us to rethink how teams, workplaces, and society can better support parents. Imagine the ripple effect if more organizations acknowledged and actively supported fertility journeys:

• Reduced stigma and judgment
• Flexible scheduling and accommodations
• Mental health resources tailored to fertility and parenthood
• Stronger community and peer support

This isn’t just about sports—it’s about humanizing workplaces and communities for anyone balancing career dreams with the desire to grow a family.

What Can You Do Today?

If you’re navigating fertility challenges or supporting someone who is, remember you’re not alone. Start by:

• Sharing your story or listening to others’ experiences
• Exploring alternative conception options like at-home kits that offer privacy and empowerment
• Advocating for openness about fertility in your communities and workplaces

Chelsea Pitman’s brave story reminds us that every fertility journey deserves respect, understanding, and support. No one should feel judged for wanting a baby or feel forced to choose between motherhood and their career.

Have you or someone you know faced judgment on the path to parenthood? What changes do you want to see in your community or workplace? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep this important conversation alive.

For more on accessible and supportive at-home conception methods, you might find it helpful to explore how companies like MakeAMom are reshaping the fertility experience in a more inclusive and empowering way.

Read the full original article by BBC Sport here: "We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team" - Chelsea Pitman

Ever worried that becoming a mom means saying goodbye to your dreams? You’re not alone. The fear that motherhood will hijack your ambition – that your identity and creativity will vanish into the endless diaper changes and sleepless nights – is all too real for many. But what if I told you that embracing both can unlock something even more powerful? That’s exactly the revelation shared by a brave writer in a recent Business Insider article titled “At 35 I quit my corporate job and decided to have a baby. Writing my novel helped me be a better mom.” Spoiler alert: she discovered that her son and her creativity were not opposing forces but beautifully intertwined parts of herself. Intrigued? Let’s dig into why this story resonates deeply with anyone navigating the tricky dance of motherhood and ambition – and how you can unlock your own potential in this journey.

The Career vs. Motherhood Myth: Why We Think We Have to Choose

It’s a tale as old as time: women often feel pressured to pick either their career dreams or the path to motherhood. Society loves a neat little box, but life? Not so much. Our Business Insider writer paints a vivid picture of stepping away from a stable, corporate career because she felt pulled toward becoming a mom. But here’s the surprise twist: instead of losing herself, she found a renewed creative fire by writing a novel during her pregnancy and early motherhood.

This story cracks open a question worth asking: Can ambition and motherhood really coexist – or even fuel each other? If you’re TTC or on your parenting path, you might already suspect the answer is yes. But the fear is real, and the pressure overwhelming.

Creativity as a Lifeline: How Passion Projects Can Anchor You

One powerful insight from the article is how writing helped the author maintain her sense of self. It wasn’t just about finishing a novel – it was about staying connected to her dreams and ambitions when the world around her was shifting dramatically.

Whether it’s writing, painting, podcasting, or even simple journaling, having a creative outlet during your fertility or motherhood journey can:
- Keep your spirit energized
- Provide a healthy escape from the stress and uncertainty
- Help process complex emotions

If you’re facing fertility challenges or embracing at-home conception, this reminder is golden. Pursuing your passions can be a vital part of emotional wellness and maintaining your identity beyond fertility goals.

Breaking Down Barriers with At-Home Conception Tools

Speaking of fertility journeys, here’s something the Business Insider piece didn’t mention but is revolutionizing how we approach becoming parents today: at-home insemination kits. For those navigating the path alone or with partners, options like those from MakeAMom provide privacy, cost-effectiveness, and flexibility. Their kits – including the CryoBaby for frozen sperm, the Impregnator for low motility, and the BabyMaker for sensitive users – are designed to support diverse needs with a 67% average success rate.

Imagine being able to pursue your parenthood dreams on your own terms without sacrificing your daily rhythms or creative pursuits. Tools like these can empower people to take control of their fertility journey quietly and confidently. You can check out more on this innovative approach right here.

The Takeaway: Your Journey Doesn’t Have to Look Like Anyone Else’s

If the idea of balancing career, creativity, and motherhood feels like juggling flaming torches, take a deep breath. Your path is yours alone. The Business Insider story is a beacon showing it’s possible to redefine success, ambition, and what it means to be a mom.

Here’s a little secret: sometimes fear and expectation build invisible fences around us, but breaking through them can lead to surprising growth. Creativity isn’t something you have to pause; your child might just inspire your next big idea. And fertility challenges don’t have to mean giving up hope or privacy – there are tools and communities ready to support you discreetly and effectively.

Before You Go…

• What’s a passion you’ve been putting off because of your fertility or parenting journey? Maybe now’s the moment to dust it off.
• Have you considered how at-home fertility solutions could give you more control and peace of mind?

Remember, ambition and motherhood aren't enemies. They’re complex dance partners that, when in sync, create the most beautiful rhythm of all. What’s your story? Share your thoughts, hopes, or fears below – because chances are, you’re not alone on this wild, wonderful ride.

Here’s to unlocking your full potential, one beautiful, messy step at a time.

Picture this: You're a pro athlete, juggling training schedules, nail-biting matches, and... a secret yearning for a baby. Now imagine that the biggest hurdle isn’t just fitness drills or team rivalries—but the side-eye from society when you dare to say, 'I want to be a mum.' Wild, right? Yet in 2025, the 'fertility taboo' is still very much a thing, especially for women who want both a powerhouse career and a family. So why, in an age where you can get sushi delivered by drone, are we still whispering about pregnancy?

Let’s dive straight into the heart of the matter, inspired by an eye-opening BBC Sport article featuring Chelsea Pitman, coach and netball superstar. Pitman, whose honesty about her fertility struggles made headlines, remembers feeling judged just for wanting what so many take for granted—a shot at motherhood. Even now, in the world’s loudest locker rooms, the desire for babies is often met with a hush or, worse, a head tilt. But why should creating life be scandalous, when we openly cheer for creating goals?

The Elephant in the Locker Room

Here’s the deal: Whether you’re a desk jockey, a startup whiz, or the captain of a national team, the expectation is that women should keep their fertility struggles under wraps. Chelsea Pitman is living proof that this silence does more harm than good. Her story—and trust me, she’s not alone—raises the big, uncomfortable question: Why are we still judging women for wanting babies?

As Pitman recounts her journey, the underlying message is clear: Women in sport (and really, women everywhere) are forced to pick a lane—career or kids. Newsflash: We’re built for multi-tasking (hello, simultaneous spreadsheet and snack time!). But in 2025, cultural baggage still lingers, making open fertility chats harder than a championship final.

The Rise of At-Home Fertility Solutions (and Why They Matter)

Now for the plot twist you didn’t see coming: The real revolution isn’t just on the field—it’s in our bedrooms (and kitchens, and bathrooms—you do you). Enter the era of at-home insemination, a game-changer for those who want control over their fertility journey, no matter their relationship status, medical background, or how busy their schedule.

Let’s be honest—stepping into a clinic can feel about as intimate as livestreaming your diary. At-home options, like the ones developed by MakeAMom, mean you can take charge of conception on your own turf, with privacy, flexibility, and less pressure. (FYI: They offer specialized kits, from CryoBaby for frozen sperm to BabyMaker for those with sensitivities, and average a 67% success rate. That’s not just hopeful—it’s empowering.)

“You Want a Baby? Join the Club!”

Back to the locker room: What if we all started making fertility talk as normal as post-match snacks? Imagine if, instead of judging, teammates became cheerleaders on the path to parenthood. Pitman’s candor is a rallying cry—for athletes, for working women, for everyone—to replace stigma with solidarity.

• Normalize the conversation: Whether it's water cooler chat or a WhatsApp group, talking openly helps everyone feel less alone.
• Share your resources: From fertility-tracking apps to home insemination kits, info-sharing is power-sharing.
• Redefine success: Having a baby doesn’t sideline your other goals—it just adds a new position to your roster.

Beyond the Sidelines: Building a Future Without Shame

Still not convinced that the taboo needs to go? Consider this: The more we talk about the realities of conception—failed tests, dashed hopes, messy attempts, and all—the more we take the sting out of setbacks. And with innovative companies like MakeAMom pushing for accessibility and privacy, the path to parenthood is no longer one-size-fits-all. It’s as unique as you are.

The Takeaway (And Why You Should Care)

So, to everyone who’s ever worried about being that person in the group chat asking about ovulation, or the athlete questioning if 'now' is the right time: You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not wrong for wanting it all.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Have you felt judged—or supported—on your journey? Do you think the taboo is fading, or is it just changing shape? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s turn ‘hush-hush’ into hashtag #FertilityUnlocked.

Because in 2025, the only thing that should be off-limits when it comes to parenthood... is judgment.

What if the thing you fear most about motherhood is the very thing that will set you free?

Picture this: It’s a Tuesday afternoon, you’re slogging through yet another corporate slideshow that could’ve been an email, and a hum of possibility tickles the back of your brain. You wonder—what if I pressed pause, just for a beat? What if I pursued something for me—something as beautifully audacious as writing a novel or, say, starting a family?

If you’re clutching your matcha and shaking your head, you’re not alone! The perennial myth that you must choose—career or family, ambition or parenthood—has haunted ambitious folks, particularly women, since the dawn of glass ceilings. But as Business Insider’s recent essay, “At 35 I quit my corporate job and decided to have a baby. Writing my novel helped me be a better mom.”, so brilliantly confesses, maybe the real plot twist is this: you don’t have to choose. In fact, maybe trying to choose is what’s holding you back in the first place.

The Great Balancing Act: Myth or Motivation?

Our protagonist, a thirty-something former corporate trailblazer, admits she dreaded that motherhood would douse her creative fire. (Haven’t we all scrolled through LinkedIn, fearing our next title update would be “Formerly Interesting Person”?)

Instead, she discovered something wild: parenting and creativity aren’t rivals fighting for the last brain cell. They’re co-conspirators. Being a mom didn’t drain her ambition; it recharged it, like plugging her creative battery straight into the messy, marvelous chaos of life. Her story isn’t just a Hallmark montage—it’s a call to arms for anyone convinced they’re one life choice away from losing their spark.

Why “Having It All” Is More Than Hashtag Hype

Let’s be honest: pop culture has made “having it all” sound about as realistic as a Kardashian’s skincare routine. But what if the definition of “all” is up to you? Maybe it’s not about juggling every ball flawlessly; maybe it’s about dropping the ones you never wanted to carry, and picking up the ones that matter, no matter how strange or scary they feel.

The essayist didn’t simply become a mother or just finish her novel. She refused to split herself in two. She panned back and saw the where the Venn diagram of “ambitious writer” and “devoted mom” overlaps: it’s where life gets most interesting.

Open-Loop: But How Do You Begin? (Spoiler: It’s Not About Perfection)

Here’s the million-dollar question: How do you even start when the stakes feel sky-high? I know what you’re thinking—writing a novel is hard enough without midnight feedings, and, newsflash, babies don’t come with a pause button. Or do they?

Well, not quite. But here’s the trick: embrace imperfection. Progress trumps perfection every time. The BI author swapped spreadsheets for storyboards and found her “mom brain” was, shockingly, a creative powerhouse. Turns out, sleep-deprivation and unconditional love can kind of juice your imagination—who knew?

Real-World Hacks For Your Ambitious, Baby-Making Journey

Not everyone wants (or can afford) to take a grand leap, but here are a few brilliant, totally doable tips inspired by the essayist (and echoed by thousands in the FertilityUnlocked community):

• Micro Goals: Whether it’s writing 300 words a day or researching at-home conception kits, bite-sized wins keep you moving forward.
• Divide and Conquer: Share parenting and creative tasks with your partner, your friends, your neighbor’s dog—whatever works!
• Self-Compassion: Repeat after me: “Messy is still progress.”
• Innovative Solutions: The “traditional” path isn’t the only road to parenthood. Today, the options for taking charge of your fertility are more flexible—and less clinical—than ever.

Meet the Modern (At-Home) Mother

Now, you may be thinking—okay, this all sounds great, but what about that actual baby part? There’s a quiet revolution happening in bedrooms and living rooms across the country: at-home conception kits are making it possible to begin (or expand) your family on your terms, in your space, and—drumroll—without draining your savings into the mysterious black hole otherwise known as “the fertility clinic.”

Kits like CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker from the MakeAMom resource library aren’t just gadgets—they’re tools for autonomy. They’re designed for folks with low-motility sperm, sensitivities, or simply a desire for privacy and cost-effectiveness. Users report an average 67% success rate, which, in fertility terms, is basically a gold medal. And don’t worry, your nosy neighbor won’t be the wiser—these kits arrive in the stealthiest packaging this side of MI6.

The Unexpected Gift of Both/And Living

The essayist’s big revelation wasn’t just about finding time for writing or surviving toddler tantrums. It was about realizing that creativity and motherhood aren’t in conflict—they’re different flavors of the same wild, unpredictable adventure.

If you’re standing at the crossroads, wondering if you have to choose, maybe it’s time to reframe the question. What if it’s not either/or but both/and? What new version of yourself is waiting if you dare to tiptoe off the well-trodden path?

The Final Word: Your Story Awaits

So, here’s your mission, should you choose to accept it: Embrace the chaos, chase the dream, and rewrite the script. Whether you’re plotting your next novel, your next big career move, or finally looking up how at-home insemination kits work (hint: here’s a great place to start), remember—the only “right way” is the one that honors your ambition and your heart.

What fears are holding you back from living your both/and life? Share your confessions, questions, or wildest aspirations below. Let’s get real—and build the futures we crave, together.