"It's kind of a new chapter for me but something that I'm really happy to be a part of - something I really want to push that more women do in the game, and that they come back and are still able to play football. Because yes, football is a short career but also having a family is something that a lot of people want to do, and they shouldn't not have to do it because of playing football. Thankfully we are getting to a stage where more women are having children and then getting back into the game, which is lovely to see."
"I was sort of like 'what if I don't come back as the same player? What if my body doesn't react positively to having a baby?' But I think women's bodies are incredible. What our bodies can go through and bounce back I think is amazing, and I think should be shown a lot more."
Hannah Blundell returned to top-level football seven months after delivering her daughter Romi by caesarean section on 31 March. She came on as a substitute in Manchester United's 3-2 WSL win at Brighton, marking the first time a Manchester United player in the professional era has played after giving birth. Her comeback occurred 533 days after her previous appearance. Blundell joined United from Chelsea in 2021, was a regular starter for three seasons, and started as United won the FA Cup in May 2024. Blundell expressed hopes that more sportswomen will have the opportunity and support to return after childbirth and praised the resilience of women's bodies.
Read at www.bbc.com
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