The “Mom or Athlete” False Dilemma
Motherhood serves as the ultimate test of endurance, consisting of a blend of biological beauty and raw, physical grit. Each phase—pregnancy, labor, and the lifelong commitment of motherhood—offers its own unique challenges to which women exhibit a type of strength that is both miraculous and exhausting. For athlete moms, this strength is tested by the unique challenges of navigating a body that feels unfamiliar, balancing the demands of 24/7 infant care with game-time focus, and the societal expectation for a “bounce back” to peak performance instantly. It is vital that we recognize that these mothers are not just maintaining a career; they are birthing the next generation of leaders and dreamers, many of whom may become athletes like them. They should not be forced to “choose” between the life they created and the sport they love.
Resilience and Realities of the Athlete Mom
While great work is taking place to help athlete mothers thrive, there is still much work to do. Data suggests that 73% of athlete mothers face significant funding cuts or the total termination of sponsorships upon announcing a pregnancy, creating a precarious environment for those at the peak of their careers (The 19th, 2026). The financial and professional instability that results only amplifies an already grueling situation. However, when the right support is in place, the narrative changes completely. Research shows that having a solid support system and staying active can slash the risk of prenatal depression by 67% (Davenport et al., 2018). When major leagues provide things like integrated mental health resources and postnatal coaching, these women prove to be among the most resilient people in the world.
A New Standard of Support
Thankfully, we now know what types of support systems are needed to help athlete moms through their journeys, as there are several examples to draw upon. Major leagues are starting to implement Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that treat maternal care like the fundamental right it is. The WNBA’s 2026 CBA, for example, includes full salaries during leave, a childcare stipend, and $60,000 in family planning reimbursement (WNBA, 2026). Elsewhere, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is following suit to ensure that a player’s livelihood is not at risk while she is growing a family. These types of initiatives should not be the exception; they should be the standard. We need more organizations and local communities to realize that supporting moms is not just the “right thing to do”. It’s also a strategic investment in the future of sports.
Honoring the Journey this Mother’s Day
In honor of Mother’s Day, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is leaning into this conversation by partnering with First ContactAthletic Counseling PLLC for a special panel on athlete maternal care. This isn’t just about talk; it’s about highlighting the lived experiences of women who have navigated the “heaviness” and come out stronger on the other side. By bringing these stories to the forefront, AFH and First Contact are making sure the next generation of athlete moms won’t have to fight as hard for a seat at the table. This Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who prove that being a “pro” is about so much more than what happens on the field. It’s about the legacy they’re building for the little ones watching from the sidelines.
References
- Davenport, M. H., McCurdy, A. P., Mottola, M. F., Skow, R. J., Meah, V. L., Poitras, V. J., … & Ruchat, S. M. (2018). Prenatal exercise and the risk of prenatal and postpartum depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 52(21), 1357–1366.https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099402
- The 19th. (2026). Olympic mom athletes lack child care and other support during the games. https://19thnews.org/
- WNBA. (2026). WNBA and WNBPA reach tentative deal on historic collective bargaining agreement. https://www.wnba.com/news/