Why Motherhood in Sports Should Never Be Taboo: Lessons from a Netball Coach’s Fertility Journey

Imagine being at the peak of your career, only to face one of life’s most personal battles—your journey to become a mother.

That’s exactly what Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman experienced. In a recent heartfelt interview, she opened up about the difficult path she walked to achieve pregnancy and the harsh judgments she faced along the way. Her story, shared in the article ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’, shines a light on something many athletes struggle with silently: the stigma around fertility and motherhood in professional sports.

As someone who follows fertility technology closely, this story hit home for me. Why does society still find it difficult to accept that athletes, coaches, and professionals want to balance their dreams of parenthood alongside their careers? Why is motherhood still treated as a taboo topic, especially in high-performance worlds?

Let’s dive into the many layers of this issue, and why it’s more relevant than ever today.

The Hidden Toll of Fertility Struggles in Sports

Chelsea’s openness reveals a crucial point: fertility challenges don’t discriminate. They affect athletes, coaches, and everyday people alike. Yet, due to intense pressure to perform and the narrow timelines imposed by sports careers, fertility issues can feel isolating and overwhelming.

The stigma around fertility: Many women feel they must hide their struggles to avoid being seen as weak or “distracted.”
Lack of support structures: Sports organizations often lack clear policies or support for athletes wanting to start families.
Mental health impact: Facing fertility hurdles while juggling career expectations can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

Chelsea’s courage in speaking out is inspiring, and it sets an important example for others to follow.

Why It’s Time for a Cultural Shift

Motherhood should never derail dreams, especially in sports. We’re witnessing a growing movement pushing for acceptance that athletes can be moms and professionals at the same time.

Visibility matters: When role models like Chelsea share their stories, it helps normalize conversations around fertility and parenting.
Flexible support systems: Teams and organizations need to implement policies like maternity leave, fertility treatment accommodations, and mental health support.
Technology to the rescue: With advancements in fertility tech, women have more options than ever to plan their pregnancies on their own terms.

This last point brings me to something I believe deeply: accessible fertility technology is a game-changer.

How At-Home Fertility Solutions Empower Journeys Like Chelsea’s

Not everyone has the time, money, or emotional bandwidth for repeated clinical visits. That’s where at-home fertility kits offer incredible value—they provide control, privacy, and often, affordability.

Organizations like MakeAMom have revolutionized the way people approach conception. Their range of reusable insemination kits, designed to accommodate different fertility needs, means individuals and couples can try to conceive in the comfort of their own homes, minimizing stress and maximizing comfort.

They offer specialized kits for various sperm conditions, such as low motility or frozen samples.
Kits are discreetly shipped, respecting users’ privacy.
The success rate reported by users is remarkably encouraging, bringing hope to many.

By combining technology with empathy, these solutions help break down barriers and make the motherhood journey more accessible—even for those juggling demanding careers like athletes.

What Can We Do to Support Moms in Sports and Beyond?

Champions need champions: Encourage leaders in sports to openly support athletes facing fertility struggles and motherhood.
Raise awareness: Share stories like Chelsea’s to break down stigma.
Promote accessible fertility tech: Advocate for wider education and availability of user-friendly home conception options.
Be kind to yourself: If you’re on this path, remember it’s okay to ask for help and take things at your own pace.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Chelsea Pitman’s story is more than just a tale of struggle—it’s a call to rethink how we embrace parenthood in competitive spaces. Fertility should be a conversation, not a secret; motherhood should be a right, not a risk to your career.

So, whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone supporting a loved one on their fertility journey, I encourage you to reflect on this: How can we as a community create environments where having babies and pursuing careers are not mutually exclusive?

If Chelsea’s story resonated with you, check out the full article here and consider exploring MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits for a modern, empowering approach to conception.

What are your thoughts on motherhood and fertility in high-pressure careers? Have you or someone you know experienced similar challenges? Let’s chat in the comments!