Ever felt like wanting a baby was something you had to hide—especially if you’re chasing a big dream?
For far too long, many women in sports have felt exactly that. The latest BBC article, "We were judged for wanting babies but I want mums on my team", spotlights netball coach and former international athlete Chelsea Pitman. Her story? It’s not just about sweat, grit, and winning. It’s also about facing judgment for simply wanting to be a mum.
But here’s the real kicker: it’s not just pro athletes who face these silent battles. Across workplaces, social circles, and yes—even in our own families—there’s an unspoken pressure to keep fertility struggles behind closed doors.
The Hidden Struggle: When Dreams Collide
Pitman’s confession—her longing for motherhood while climbing the ranks of elite sport—hits home for countless women. She speaks openly about the double standard: if you’re ambitious, you can’t want kids too. And if you do, you’d better keep it to yourself.
But why?
- Taboo topics: Pregnancy is still seen as disruptive in some careers—sports especially.
- Guilt factor: Women feel they’re letting down their teams, their coaches, even themselves.
- Isolation: Many go through fertility journeys alone, afraid to reach out or be honest about their struggles.
This isn’t just a ‘sports’ issue. It’s everywhere. That’s why Pitman’s boldness is a breath of fresh air—and why her call for more mums "on her team" has resonated far beyond the netball court.
The Conversation We Need to Have
So, what’s stopping us from talking more openly about fertility? (And no, it’s not just awkwardness.)
- Fear of being seen as ‘less committed’ to a career, team, or relationship.
- Lack of visible role models who blend ambition with parenthood.
- A ‘one-size-fits-all’ narrative about how and when families "should" start.
But here’s the good news: that’s changing, right now. More people—like Chelsea Pitman—are sharing their stories, shattering the silence, and demanding better support for everyone on a fertility journey.
Secrets the Mainstream Doesn’t Talk About
You might be surprised by the quiet revolution happening in fertility support. In 2025, we’re seeing:
- Community-driven online spaces where people share honest, unfiltered stories (hello, Nestful!).
- Innovations in at-home fertility solutions. Did you know that organizations like MakeAMom offer discreet, science-backed insemination kits designed for use at home? Whether you’re single, partnered, LGBTQ+, or facing a specific medical challenge, their kits—CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker—provide a stigma-free way to take charge of your journey, your way. These aren’t just products—they’re an empowering alternative for anyone feeling boxed out by tradition or inaccessible clinic options.
- A focus on mental health and peer support, because fertility isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.
Facing Judgment—and Jumping Over It
Let’s get real for a moment. Even with more resources, the fear of being judged can be paralyzing. But what if talking about wanting a family—and the hurdles along the way—could become our superpower?
Chelsea Pitman’s story reminds us that when we find our voices, others follow. She’s challenging the idea that starting a family means sidelining your dreams. In fact, her message is clear: Mums belong in sport. Mums belong in EVERY arena.
Here’s how we can carry the movement forward:
- Share your story (publicly or privately). You never know who needs to hear it.
- Ask for the support you deserve. Whether it’s a flexible schedule, understanding from colleagues, or simply someone to listen, you are entitled to compassion.
- Explore new options. From medical clinics to at-home insemination solutions, there’s more choice—and less secrecy—than ever before.
The Bottom Line: Changing the Game, One Conversation at a Time
There’s power in honesty. By bringing fertility conversations into the open—just like Chelsea Pitman and so many others are doing—we shatter old stigmas and build truly inclusive communities.
If you’re dreaming of parenthood, whether you’re a world-class athlete or simply someone with a big heart and bigger hopes, you’re not alone. You deserve support, resources, and above all, the freedom to talk about your journey. Explore the stories, connect with the tools—and maybe, just maybe, start your own ripple effect.
What’s holding you back from sharing your story—or asking for support? Let’s break the silence, together.