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The return of the Olympics is surreal, especially in a world still dealing with a global health crisis. After being postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Games are back, but the experience will be notably different. One significant change is the absence of overseas spectators, including family members and the infant children of breastfeeding athletes and coaches. This means that Olympians who are nursing mothers may have to choose between their competition and their babies.
“This policy is harmful to athlete mothers and coaches,” stated Jenna Rourke, a champion for working moms, in a recent interview. “The pressure of competing while being separated from an infant is simply unacceptable.” Many athletes share this sentiment. Long-distance runner Mia Chang, who has a four-month-old daughter still nursing, emphasized, “If I want to perform my best, my daughter needs to be there with me — and I really hope she will be.” Renowned tennis player, Lila Simmons, even hinted that she might skip the Olympics if she couldn’t bring her young child along.
Advocates are calling for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to revise their policy regarding infants and young children. In the event that they do not, companies like Milk Stork aim to assist breastfeeding athletes and coaches by providing a service to ship their breast milk home. As the first breast milk shipping company, Milk Stork helps traveling moms transport milk back to their children. For international shipments, mothers only need to pump and freeze up to 180 ounces of milk, while Milk Stork handles the rest, including shipping labels and necessary paperwork.
Despite the challenges presented by the Olympic Village, Milk Stork is committed to supporting nursing athletes and coaches. Jenna Rourke founded the company after her personal experience navigating airport security with large quantities of pumped milk. She realized that no mother should face such hurdles just to provide for her children.
It is both shocking and predictable that Olympic athletes are finding themselves in this position, having to choose between their sport and their roles as mothers. “Women in competitive sports shouldn’t be forced into such impossible situations,” Rourke remarked. “We risk eroding their success by taking away their choices.”
While COVID considerations are still paramount, with Japan facing a surge in cases, the blanket ban on family and infants overlooks the needs of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Infants are not mere spectators and should not be treated as such. Supporting nursing athletes is essential not just for them but for society as a whole. “When women are put in a position where they must choose, we all lose,” Rourke added.
“Families are not obstacles to success; they are sources of strength,” she explained. Connections with family allow parents to thrive in both their personal and professional lives. Milk Stork has partnered with &Mother, a nonprofit focused on supporting athletes who choose motherhood during their careers. Breastfeeding athletes and coaches heading to the Olympics are encouraged to reach out for assistance.
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In summary, the current situation for breastfeeding Olympians is unacceptable, forcing them to choose between competing and caring for their infants. Organizations like Milk Stork are working to support these athletes, advocating for policies that recognize the importance of family in sports.