Why Motherhood in Sport Should Never Be Taboo: Lessons from a Netball Coach’s Fertility Journey
‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team.’ These powerful words come from Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman, who recently opened up about her difficult fertility journey and the stigma surrounding pregnancy and motherhood in the world of sports. Pitman’s candid reflections shine a spotlight on an often-overlooked reality: the challenges female athletes and coaches face when balancing their dreams of motherhood with their professional ambitions.
Her story, shared in an insightful BBC Sport article We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team, reveals a painful truth — pregnancy and fertility struggles are still taboo in many sports environments. Yet, as Pitman’s experience shows, motherhood and a thriving sports career are not mutually exclusive.
The Hidden Struggles of Female Athletes and Coaches
Behind the scenes, many women in sport confront a barrage of tough decisions: the timing of pregnancy, the pressure to perform, and the fear of being judged or sidelined. Chelsea Pitman’s journey reflects the emotional rollercoaster many face, compounded by the stigma that pregnancy might mean the “end” of their competitive careers.
But isn’t it time we rewrite that narrative? Women don’t have to choose between their passion for sports and their desire to become mothers. In fact, having mothers on a team can bring resilience, empathy, and invaluable perspective.
Fertility Challenges Are More Common Than You Think
Fertility struggles are surprisingly widespread, and for women juggling intense training regimes, stress, and aging athletic bodies, conception can be particularly complicated. This is where new technologies and innovative solutions come into play, offering alternatives outside traditional clinical settings.
One breakthrough making headlines is the rise of at-home insemination kits, empowering individuals and couples to take fertility into their own hands with privacy, convenience, and control. Companies like MakeAMom are pioneers in this space, offering specialized kits tailored for different fertility challenges — from low sperm motility to sensitivities like vaginismus.
How At-Home Insemination is Changing Lives
What makes MakeAMom’s approach stand out is not just the technology but the thoughtful design behind their kits. Whether you’re working with low-volume sperm or frozen samples, their reusable systems provide a cost-effective, discreet solution that respects your comfort and lifestyle.
- CryoBaby Kit: Perfect for low-volume or frozen sperm, ensuring gentle and effective insemination.
- Impregnator Kit: Engineered for low motility sperm, boosting chances of success.
- BabyMaker Kit: Designed with sensitivity in mind, great for conditions like vaginismus.
By blending science and user-focused innovation, these kits help break down barriers, allowing hopeful parents — including those in demanding careers like sport — to pursue pregnancy on their own terms.
Why Sports Organizations Must Support Fertility and Parenthood
Chelsea Pitman’s call for “mums on my team” is more than an emotional appeal — it’s a strategic one. Supporting athletes and coaches through their fertility and parenthood journeys creates inclusive environments where talent thrives beyond biological and societal constraints.
Sports organizations can take action by:
- Encouraging open conversations about fertility and parenthood.
- Providing resources and education on fertility options.
- Offering flexible support systems for pregnant athletes and parents.
- Normalizing maternity leave and post-pregnancy reintegration.
Moving Forward: A Culture of Empowerment and Inclusion
Pitman’s story reminds us that motherhood is a journey filled with hope, hardship, and triumph — one that deserves respect and support, not judgment or silence. For women in sport and beyond, technologies like at-home insemination kits represent a new frontier in reproductive autonomy.
If you’re navigating fertility challenges or simply curious about alternatives outside the clinic, exploring options like those from MakeAMom’s fertility solutions could be an empowering step in your journey.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood and sport can coexist beautifully. Breaking down outdated stigmas around fertility in athletics benefits not just women but entire communities, fostering environments rich in diversity and understanding.
So, what changes would you like to see in how sports teams support motherhood? Are you or someone you know on a fertility journey and considering at-home options? Share your thoughts and stories below — let’s keep this vital conversation going.