Santos FC Player Ketlen Wiggers Navigates Motherhood and Football with New CBF Support
Ketlen Wiggers, a prominent player for Santos FC and the club's all-time leading scorer, has shared her experiences balancing professional football with motherhood, particularly after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) introduced a new policy. This policy allows breastfeeding athletes to have their child's and a caregiver's travel expenses covered by the federation when accompanying the team. Wiggers recently traveled with her eight-month-old son, Lucca, for a game, marking her first experience away from him for a match. She described the new measure as a significant victory for women's football, providing crucial support and peace of mind for players who are mothers or plan to become mothers. Wiggers detailed the initial challenges of breastfeeding Lucca, including managing an oversupply of milk and experiencing pain, but expressed gratitude for the support she received. She highlighted the increased responsibility that motherhood has brought, fundamentally changing her priorities and daily routine, which now revolves around her son's well-being. The player emphasized the profound importance of breastfeeding for Lucca's health and development, viewing it as a special bond between mother and child. While acknowledging that Lucca has started solid foods at eight months, she continues to breastfeed him multiple times daily. Wiggers intends to have Lucca accompany her on future away games whenever feasible, recognizing the unique and memorable experience it provides for both of them and for the team.
The CBF's new policy supporting breastfeeding athletes represents a progressive step in professional sports, acknowledging the dual roles many female athletes must manage. By covering travel expenses for infants and caregivers, the federation addresses a significant logistical and emotional barrier that previously may have hindered players' careers or their ability to continue breastfeeding. This initiative aligns with broader societal shifts recognizing the importance of parental support in the workplace and could serve as a model for other sports organizations globally. The policy's success will be measured by its long-term impact on player retention, performance, and the overall inclusivity of women's football, potentially fostering a more sustainable environment for female athletes to balance family and career aspirations.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.