‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team.’ Those powerful words from Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman really struck a chord with me. It’s a reminder that behind the sweat and cheers on the court, the personal journeys of athletes—especially around fertility and motherhood—often remain hidden and misunderstood.

Chelsea’s candid sharing about her tough fertility journey and the stigma she faced challenges us all to rethink how society, and especially the sports world, views pregnancy and parenting. But why does this matter so much? Because stories like hers are far more common than you might expect.

The Hidden Struggles Behind the Spotlight

For many women, the path to motherhood isn't straightforward. Fertility challenges can be isolating and draining, especially when combined with the pressure to perform at the highest level in sport or any high-demand career. Chelsea’s experience highlights a crucial point: pregnancy and motherhood shouldn’t be taboo topics in any field.

Imagine being an athlete, judged not just on your performance but also on your choices about family planning. The external pressures can be crushing, and the fear of showing vulnerability might stop many from seeking support or speaking openly.

Why ‘Mums on the Team’ Matter

Chelsea’s vision of having mums on her team isn’t just about having parents around; it’s about fostering an environment where family and career ambitions coexist harmoniously. It’s about normalizing the idea that women can be both dedicated athletes and nurturing mothers.

This perspective resonates beyond sports. For anyone trying to conceive, knowing that you’re not alone and that your dreams of parenthood are valid can be incredibly empowering.

Navigating Fertility Journeys: Tools and Options

If you or someone you know is facing fertility challenges, options have evolved massively, especially with advances making the process more accessible and private. One such option is at-home insemination, which offers a discreet, comfortable, and cost-effective alternative to clinical settings.

Companies like MakeAMom have designed specialized at-home insemination kits that accommodate various fertility needs—from low sperm motility to sensitivities like vaginismus. Their kits, such as the BabyMaker, Impregnator, and CryoBaby, are reusable and come packaged with discretion in mind, supporting people’s privacy during a deeply personal journey.

What’s more, they report an average success rate of 67%, which is encouraging news for those seeking fertility solutions outside traditional clinics. If you want to learn more about how at-home insemination might fit your journey, you can explore practical, empathetic options like this BabyMaker kit that have helped many people take control of their fertility.

Breaking the Taboo: Why We Need Open Conversations

The silence around fertility struggles, especially in demanding environments like professional sports, can be suffocating. Chelsea Pitman’s story, shared recently in a moving BBC article, is a vital step toward breaking that silence.

By speaking up, she paves the way for others to share their experiences, demand better support systems, and ultimately shift cultural attitudes. This isn’t just a women’s issue; it’s a human one. Everyone benefits when talking about fertility and parenthood becomes normalized rather than stigmatized.

What Can We Do?

• Support openness: Encourage honest conversations about fertility and parenthood in your workplace, sports team, or community.
• Educate yourself and others: Understanding the various paths people take to parenthood fosters empathy and reduces judgment.
• Explore all options: Whether clinical or at-home, there are many fertility tools available today to support different needs and lifestyles.
• Advocate for policy change: Push for better maternity support and flexible options for parents, especially in high-pressure careers.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea Pitman’s bravery in sharing her story reminds me—and hopefully you too—that wanting to become a parent is a beautiful, natural desire that should never invite shame or exclusion. Motherhood and career ambitions can, and should, coexist.

So, I ask you: if someone on your team, at work, or in your life is walking a fertility journey, how can you be part of creating a more supportive and understanding space?

Let’s start more conversations, break more taboos, and welcome more ‘mums on the team’ in every arena.

What’s your take? Have you experienced or witnessed the challenges of combining fertility journeys with demanding careers? Share your thoughts and stories below—we’re stronger together.