Pioneering mothers are breaking down barriers to breastfeeding in Olympic sports

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Breaking barriers in Olympic sports, pioneering mothers are proving that breastfeeding and high-performance athletics can go hand in hand. For decades, top female athletes faced the difficult choice between pursuing their careers or embracing motherhood because balancing both seemed almost impossible. However, with the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, women are taking another step forward in their quest for equality, as they will compete in equal numbers with men for the first time. Pioneering athletes like Clarisse Agbégnénou, a French judo champion, have demonstrated that it is indeed possible to breastfeed and remain competitive at the highest level.

These super-mums acknowledge that the challenges of late-night feeds, disrupted sleep, pumping milk, and eating for two can be daunting. Nonetheless, some female athletes have discovered that managing their careers while raising a child can lead to significant emotional well-being rewards. Agbégnénou, for instance, surprised herself by making a quick return to competition after childbirth and winning at the world championships with her 10-month-old daughter, Athéna, in tow.

To support breastfeeding athletes, cooperation from coaches and sports administrators is vital. The International Judo Federation (IJF) allowed Agbégnénou and three other women to nurse their babies at competitions in the past six years, with arrangements made to ensure minimal disturbance to other athletes’ preparation. The IJF is now developing specific policies for judokas who are pregnant or postpartum, acknowledging the increasing trend of athletes balancing their careers with family life.

Furthermore, the Paris Olympics’ chief organizer, Tony Estanguet, is exploring the provision of facilities for nursing athletes at the Games. He believes that athletes who are young mothers should have access to their children for their well-being and happiness, indicating a shift towards more inclusive support for breastfeeding athletes.

Being a pioneer in breastfeeding while competing has been an empowering experience for some athletes. Helen Glover, a two-time Olympic rowing champion, gave birth to twins during the COVID-19 outbreak, breastfed them, and returned from retirement to compete at the Tokyo Games. She emphasizes the importance of providing choices for athletes, as every individual’s journey through childbirth, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can be unique.

Some athletes have received assistance from Milk Stork, a U.S.-based transporter that ships milk pumped by working moms when they are away from their babies. This service has supported athletes at various international sporting events, including the Paralympic Games and the Olympics.

Overall, while progress is being made, there is still work to be done in supporting breastfeeding athletes. However, the fact that such conversations are taking place is encouraging, and women no longer feel compelled to retire from sports to start a family. The landscape is changing, and female athletes are continuing to compete, proving that motherhood and athletic excellence can coexist harmoniously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breastfeeding athletes.

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