Paris 2024 Olympics committee introduces the Village Nursery to support athlete moms

In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, in partnership with the IOC and the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, introduces the Village Nursery to support mother athletes returning to competition after childbirth.

Maternity leave in elite women's sports has always been debated. Many athletes have made inspiring comebacks after giving birth, reclaiming their places at the top of their respective fields and winning new titles. Despite these inspiring returns, there is always lingering skepticism about whether athletes can return to high-level competition after a pregnancy break. While their physical health is undoubtedly important, new mothers often face the challenge of balancing their responsibilities as parents and pursuing their passion for sports.

The need to be present for their babies can conflict with the demanding schedules and environments of professional competition. For instance, events like the Olympics traditionally ban children from entering the athletes' village where participants and coaches stay during the event, making it difficult for new mothers to stay close to their infants. However, an initiative by the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, the Village Nursery, in partnership with the IOC and the Paris 2024 Organizing Committee, represents a historic step forward. The Village Nursery, located in the Village Plaza, has private and shared spaces for breastfeeding, a family lounge for playtime, and a changing station, accommodating up to six family members.

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This initiative supports female athletes, allowing them to balance their roles as mothers and athletes. This move is an effort to level the playing field for athletes who are also mothers, acknowledging the unique challenges they face. While it may be surprising that it took this long for major sporting events to address these needs, the move is a positive change, reflecting the growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and support for all athletes. This slow but steady change results from voices that have long advocated for such changes.