Picture this: You’re at your career peak, fans chant your name, and your body is your top asset. Still, your heart whispers about starting a family. What do you do? If you think the answer is simple, think again—because two football superstars just opened up, and their conversation might just change how we all think about the right time to have a baby.
That’s exactly what happened when Ella Toone and Alessia Russo sat down to talk pregnancy and football. As a diehard football fan (and a hopeful future parent), I have to admit: I never realized how much pressure pro athletes face—both on the pitch and off—when it comes to family planning.
Why Are We Still Whispering About Pregnancy?
Let’s get real. Even in 2025, pregnancy is treated like a closely guarded secret—especially in fields where your body is part of the job. Toone and Russo’s vulnerable chat isn’t just about football; it’s about all of us who dream of having kids without pressing pause on our ambitions. Their words struck a chord with me because, frankly, who hasn’t felt the clock ticking, the fear of missing out, or the anxiety of “falling behind”?
But here’s the twist: If top-tier athletes are feeling this, what about the rest of us juggling work, love, health, and maybe a marathon Netflix binge?
When Is “The Right Time”—and Does It Even Exist?
Russo notes the dilemma: “Do you wait until you’ve achieved everything professionally? Or do you fit family into the journey?” Spoiler alert: There’s no perfect answer.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably asked yourself:
- Will I regret waiting?
- How do I balance my body’s timeline with my career goals?
- What if things don’t happen as planned?
Toone and Russo aren’t alone. It’s not just celebrities or athletes feeling this push and pull—it’s every would-be parent trying to tune out the noise and follow their own compass.
The New Normal: Redefining Family Building
Here’s the game-changer: We’re living in an age where the rules are being rewritten. More people are openly talking about fertility, alternative paths to parenthood, and yes—even DIY insemination (shout out to the brave souls making TikToks about at-home tries and fertility hacks!).
But openness is just the start. What we really need is choice. And that’s where companies like MakeAMom’s fertility resource center come in.
Tools Off the Sideline: How At-Home Solutions Are Empowering Us
I’ll be honest: I used to think insemination was something only done in clinics by people in white coats. But I’ve learned so much about home insemination kits lately, and it’s wild how empowering it can feel to take charge of your journey—on your own timeline, in your own space. Whether you need support because of a medical condition, want discretion, or just prefer the comfort of your own home, there are more tools than ever.
MakeAMom, for example, offers reusable, thoughtfully designed insemination kits for all kinds of family-building needs:
- CryoBaby for frozen or low-volume sperm
- Impregnator for low motility
- BabyMaker for users with sensitivities (like vaginismus)
And here’s something that totally surprised me: MakeAMom’s home kits report a 67% average success rate, and they ship everything in unmarked boxes. (Raise your hand if you’ve ever dreaded the delivery guy’s knowing smile!) Their online resources are gold for anyone just starting to explore this world.
The Power of Sharing Our Stories
Toone and Russo’s willingness to talk honestly about pregnancy while playing at the top level feels radical, but it shouldn’t be. The more we share, the less alone we feel—and the more we realize how many options are out there, even if they don’t fit the “traditional” path.
So, what’s next? Maybe for you (and me!), it’s:
- Asking hard questions about what we really want
- Researching new tools and resources
- Finding stories from people who’ve walked similar roads
Or maybe, like Ella and Alessia, it’s simply admitting: “I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m brave enough to ask.”
Your Turn: What’s Your Game Plan?
If you’re wrestling with when (or how) to start a family, know you are so not alone. Whether you’re considering at-home insemination, freezing eggs, or just want some solidarity, communities like Nestful and pioneers like MakeAMom are here to help.
So, what’s your game plan? Have you felt pressure to pick the “right” time? Or found tools that gave you new hope? Drop your thoughts below or share your story—because every journey is different, and every voice helps rewrite the narrative. Let’s keep talking, keep exploring, and keep cheering each other on.