Sport contacted all WSL clubs about how they use these rules to shape their maternity provision.
Manchester United highlighted “a culture change” where players have all they need to “make an informed choice” about whether they wish to wait until their career is over before considering having children.
They said the measures they have established on top of the regulations, including personalised plans for areas such as nutrition, psycho-social and wellbeing, physiotherapy and sleep help “break down barriers” for expectant mothers.
For her part, Bizet Donnum praised United for their support, explaining she has also been given “so much freedom” to spend time with her husband, who plays and lives in Toulouse, France.
The pelvic floor physio however, did catch her by surprise.
“I didn’t have a clue about pelvic floor!” Bizet Donnum said. “But then when I got pregnant, the doctor at Manchester United introduced me and [the physio] has been game-changing for me.”
Arsenal and West Ham pointed out how they have built on the rules to offer bespoke support for pregnant players – including Sweden international Amanda Ilestedt at the former and Katrina Gorry among others at the latter – while Tottenham and Brighton spoke of how their maternity policy adheres to WSL, Fifa and FifPro guidance.
As for Bizet Donnum, alongside her joy at becoming a mother this year, she is also counting down the days until able to play football again.
“I am so excited to come back,” she said. “It’s hard when I’m watching the games and wishing I played.
“But then it’s one season I am missing. After my career, will I look back and think: ‘Damn, I didn’t play that season’ or will I just be happy that I’ve had a kid?”
