Olympians Face Tough Choice: Competing or Caring for Their Babies

The Olympics are upon us again, a reality that feels surreal as the world continues to navigate a global health crisis. Following a postponement in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Games are returning, though not without significant changes. A major alteration this time around affects the audience: international spectators will be barred from attending, including family members of athletes. This restriction also extends to the infants of breastfeeding athletes and coaches, forcing some Olympians to choose between their competitions and their children.

“This policy poses a serious challenge for athlete moms and coaches,” said Emma Collins, CEO of a company advocating for working mothers, in a recent conversation. “The anxiety of competing while separated from an infant is simply unacceptable.” Many athletes share this concern. For instance, long-distance runner Mia Johnson, who recently gave birth to her four-month-old daughter, voiced her belief that having her baby present is crucial for her performance. Similarly, renowned athlete Lisa Brown has hinted that she might consider skipping the Olympics if her young daughter can’t accompany her.

There is hope that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will reconsider their policy regarding infants and young children. In the meantime, organizations like Milk Stork are stepping in to offer solutions for breastfeeding athletes and coaches by providing a service that ships breast milk back home. Milk Stork is the first company dedicated to this purpose, aimed at easing the logistics for working mothers on the go. For international shipping, mothers simply need to pump and freeze their milk, while Milk Stork handles the rest, including providing labels and necessary paperwork.

The additional complexities of shipping from the Olympic Village are not lost on Collins, who acknowledges the hurdles but is determined to support nursing athletes and coaches. The idea for Milk Stork emerged after Collins faced the daunting task of transporting a large quantity of pumped milk while traveling for work. It was a moment that highlighted the challenges many mothers face, especially those at the top of their sport.

Collins emphasizes that forcing athletes to choose between competing and breastfeeding is not just an issue for the individuals involved; it’s a societal concern. “We need to recognize that our families are not obstacles to our success; they are sources of strength,” she stated. To further support nursing athletes, Milk Stork has teamed up with a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting athletes who choose motherhood during their careers.

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In summary, the current policies surrounding the Olympics are creating significant challenges for breastfeeding athletes, forcing them to make difficult decisions between their careers and their children. Advocacy and support for nursing mothers in sports are critically needed to ensure they can thrive in both roles.