Why Motherhood Shouldn't Be Taboo in Sport: Lessons from a Netball Coach's Fertility Journey

Have you ever felt judged or sidelined for wanting to become a mother? If so, you're definitely not alone. Recently, Nottingham Forest netball coach Chelsea Pitman opened up about her challenging fertility journey and the surprising judgments she faced simply for wanting to have babies. Her story, shared in a heartfelt interview with the BBC, is more than just a personal struggle—it’s a crucial call to action for everyone in sports and beyond to embrace and support motherhood as a natural part of life, not a taboo. Read her story here.

Chelsea’s experience struck a chord with many of us who have walked the winding road to parenthood, especially when fertility challenges add an extra layer of complexity. It also reminded me how important it is to have resources that make this journey feel less isolating and more empowering.

Why is motherhood still such a taboo topic in sports?

In many high-performance environments, the focus is often so laser-sharp on results and competition that anything perceived as a distraction can be frowned upon. Pregnancy and motherhood? Too often seen as a “pause” or “setback.” But as Chelsea advocates, shouldn’t teams have mums on their side? Imagine a world where sports culture celebrates fertility and parenthood just as much as trophies and medals.

For individuals and couples navigating fertility difficulties, the pressure can be overwhelming. Chelsea’s openness encourages an honest conversation about what it means to pursue parenthood under less-than-ideal circumstances—and how society can do better to support that journey.

Finding Empowerment in At-Home Fertility Solutions

For many, clinical fertility treatments are expensive, intimidating, or simply inconvenient. This is where companies like MakeAMom quietly change the game. Specializing in at-home insemination kits, MakeAMom offers innovative solutions designed for people with specific needs, whether that’s using low-volume sperm, low motility sperm, or dealing with sensitivities like vaginismus.

Their kits—such as CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker—are reusable and discreet, offering a cost-effective and private alternative to clinical visits. Even better, MakeAMom proudly reports a 67% average success rate among users, which is incredibly encouraging for those hoping to conceive on their own terms.

I love that their mission aligns with a bigger movement toward making fertility journeys accessible, comfortable, and, importantly, less isolating. If Chelsea Pitman’s story reminds us that motherhood should be embraced in every arena, then products like MakeAMom’s kits help bring that vision into reality for many.

So, what can we all do to support mums—and mums-to-be—in sports and beyond?

• Break the stigma: Start conversations about fertility and parenthood openly—whether it’s at work, on the field, or among friends.
• Champion flexibility: Advocate for policies that support athletes and employees during fertility treatments and pregnancy.
• Share resources: Point others to accessible tools and kits like those from MakeAMom that empower individuals to take control of their fertility journey.
• Celebrate the journey: Recognize that each fertility story is unique, with ups and downs that deserve empathy and encouragement.

In the end, motherhood is a powerful force—not a hurdle. Chelsea Pitman’s courage to speak out reminds us that every team, every workplace, every community benefits when women don’t have to choose between their dreams of motherhood and their passions or careers.

If you or someone you know is exploring alternative fertility options, or just needs a supportive community, exploring the discreet, user-friendly options on MakeAMom’s website could be a game-changer.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Have you or someone close to you faced judgment or challenges around pregnancy and fertility? How do you think society or sports culture could improve? Drop your thoughts below—this is a safe space for sharing and support.

Remember: Your journey matters. Your dreams matter. And you are not alone.