Have you ever felt judged for wanting to become a parent — especially while chasing a demanding career dream?

Chelsea Pitman, Nottingham Forest’s netball coach, recently opened up about her tough fertility journey and how pregnancy and motherhood remain taboo topics in the sporting world. Reading her story on the BBC really hit a nerve for me. It made me realize just how much courage it takes to be vulnerable about something so deeply personal, especially in environments where strength and endurance are prized above all else. You can read her full story here.

Why is it that motherhood feels like a secret game in sports?

Chelsea’s experience highlights something many women face: feeling like you have to choose between your professional passion and your desire to become a mother. It’s exhausting, isolating, and deeply unfair. She said it herself — “I want mums on my team.” Imagine how powerful that shift could be, not just in sports but in every career field.

Now, more than ever, women want options. Fertility challenges can be overwhelming, and not everyone can or wants to take the traditional clinical route for conception. That’s where alternative pathways to parenthood come in — and why organizations and products making this more accessible are so crucial.

Take MakeAMom, for example. They’ve pioneered at-home insemination kits that support individuals and couples trying to conceive outside the usual clinical settings. Whether dealing with low-volume or frozen sperm, low motility sperm, or sensitivities like vaginismus, their CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker kits offer tailored solutions. The fact that these kits are reusable and cost-effective really stands out to me — because fertility treatments can be such a financial and emotional rollercoaster.

How amazing is it that nearly 67% of their users experience success? It’s proof that with the right support, more people can reclaim control over their fertility journey — without sacrificing their privacy or comfort. And that discreet packaging? Such a thoughtful touch for those who want confidentiality while navigating sensitive choices.

So, what can we learn from Chelsea Pitman’s story, and why should it matter to anyone considering parenthood?

  • Breaking the taboo: Talking openly about fertility struggles and motherhood in male-dominated or high-pressure fields doesn’t just normalize the experience — it creates a supportive culture where people feel safe seeking help.

  • The power of choice: Whether through medical treatments, at-home insemination kits, or other alternatives, having options means people can find paths that fit their lifestyles and needs.

  • Community matters: Stories like Chelsea’s remind us none of us are alone. Sharing experiences builds empathy and nurtures a network of encouragement.

If you or someone you know is exploring alternative ways to build a family, resources like MakeAMom’s website offer a treasure trove of information, testimonials, and support. It’s empowering to find products created with real people’s challenges in mind — and to see a company putting privacy, affordability, and effectiveness front and center.

Reflecting on Chelsea’s words — "I want mums on my team" — I think about how motherhood is not a limitation but a powerful asset. It brings resilience, empathy, and strength that can transform teams and communities alike.

Whether you’re an athlete, a professional, or simply someone dreaming about parenthood, remember: your journey is valid. You don’t have to hide it, and you certainly don’t have to walk it alone.

What are your thoughts? Have you faced judgment or silence when talking about wanting children? Let’s start that conversation here — because the future is brighter when we support each other every step of the way.

And if you’re curious about at-home insemination options that fit your unique needs, take a look at this thoughtfully designed approach at MakeAMom’s website. It might just change how you think about your fertility journey — as it did for so many others.

Inspired by: ‘We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team’ – Chelsea Pitman’s story