Why Moms Deserve MVP Status in Sports and Fertility Journeys Alike

Ever felt like you were being judged just for wanting to be a mom? Well, Chelsea Pitman, the Nottingham Forest netball coach, sure has — and she’s not having it anymore. In a heartwarming and eye-opening interview with the BBC ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’, Chelsea opens up about her tough fertility journey, breaking down the barriers of silence around pregnancy and motherhood in professional sports.

Now, pause for a moment. Think about that: a top-level athlete and coach expressing how motherhood was seen as a hurdle, a liability, something “taboo” in the sports arena. Doesn’t seem right, does it? It’s 2025, and yet, this stigma stubbornly lingers — not just in sports but across many spheres of life where women strive to balance ambition and motherhood.

So why does this matter beyond the netball court? Because Chelsea’s story shines a spotlight on a much bigger conversation about fertility challenges, support systems, and the importance of access to affordable, private, and empowering fertility solutions.

Let’s get real: fertility journeys are often lonely, confusing, and expensive. Many couples and individuals don’t have the luxury of frequent clinic visits or expensive treatments. That’s where innovations like at-home insemination kits come into play. Companies like MakeAMom are revolutionizing how people approach conception by putting powerful, easy-to-use tools right in your hands, wherever you are.

For example, their Impregnator at-home insemination kit is designed specifically for those dealing with low motility sperm, offering a discreet, cost-effective, and reusable option for hopeful parents. It’s an empowering alternative to the intimidating clinical environments that can feel inaccessible or judgmental.

But back to the heart of Chelsea’s message: why should pregnancy and motherhood be a secret or a setback, especially in competitive environments? If anything, having mums on a team should be celebrated as a symbol of strength, resilience, and multifaceted ambition. Being a mother doesn’t diminish a woman’s capability — if anything, it amplifies her grit and determination.

Here are some key takeaways from Chelsea’s inspiring story and how it connects to broader fertility empowerment:

• Motherhood stigma is real, but change is possible. Chelsea’s courage to speak openly helps dismantle outdated prejudices.
• Fertility journeys need more visibility and support. From the medical community to workplaces, the dialogue must be normalized.
• Accessible fertility tools matter. Home insemination kits, like those offered by MakeAMom, provide affordable, user-friendly options that can fit diverse needs, whether it’s low sperm volume, motility issues, or sensitivity conditions.
• Privacy is paramount. Discreet packaging and the ability to try treatments in your comfort zone can reduce stress and stigma.

If you’re navigating your own fertility story, Chelsea’s experience is a reminder that you’re far from alone — and that modern tools are catching up with your needs. Curious to explore what home insemination could look like for you? The Impregnator kit from MakeAMom might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.

So, what’s next? Let’s start celebrating motherhood in all its forms — on the field, in the office, and in our homes. Breaking down these outdated taboos means creating a world where women don’t have to choose between their dreams and their families.

What’s your take? Have you encountered similar stigma around fertility or motherhood? Share your stories and let’s champion a movement where mums truly are MVPs, no matter the arena.