When we first started talking to Dearica Hamby about her impending baby #2 and starting the next WNBA season just a few weeks postpartum, the thing that struck us was grace and grit. We all know how much it takes out of you —physically and emotionally— to bring a baby into the world, but to do it with the pressure of professional sports, training and media adds a new layer to the equation. Dearica knows first hand how important it is for moms to advocate for themselves, no matter what they do or where they are in their postpartum journey, and we were so proud to sit with her to hear about her experience and what we all can do to better support moms.
Keep reading for more on what the WNBA Champ, All-Star and new mom has to say about pumping while training, and what has changed for her this time around.
Willow: We’ve read the studies that show being a pregnant is basically liking being an endurance athlete. As a professional athlete, we are curious about your take on the similarities between basketball and motherhood?
Dearica Hamby: For me the similarities between basketball and motherhood are the ability to adapt and adjust. No possession in basketball is the same and no day in life is the same for me. I never know what to expect throughout my day having two young kids and I have to adapt to the curve balls life throws at me while prioritizing my kids!
Willow: We talk a lot about the duality of motherhood at Willow - the idea that a mom is just a much of person as she is a mom, and how the two roles play off each other. How do you see your career and being a mother coexisting?
DH: I am very fortunate that my job allows the flexibility of me having my kids beside me for the journey. During the season my days are long but being a WNBA player gives me time off outside of the season to focus on being a mom. I enjoy that my kids also get enjoyment out of watching me play and seeing mom “do her job” on the court, too.
Willow: The “fifth trimester” is the timeframe that many parents don’t talk about, and it’s the time when many parents transition back to working outside the house. What was that transition back to the court with the LA Sparks like and what suprised you the most during your “fifth trimester?”
DH: The team has been so open and available to me. I think it’s new for them but they are so on top of making sure I have what I need before a problem even arises. I think at times moms feel the burden of anticipating a problem and solving it to make other people more comfortable. It’s refreshing to know that I am supported by my team and that they are proactive in finding me solutions without judgment.
Willow: Without judgment! We at Willow envision a world where every mom has a stronger support system at every stage of the journey. We still working on creating that world. How do you absorb or use the criticism and judgment that comes from being a mother and an athlete? Does it drive your ambition?
DH: I wouldn’t say I have ever felt criticized but I will say I have been told my career hasn’t been what it could have been because I started my family. There might be some truth to that but, for me, basketball is such a small piece of my life. My family and kids are the rest of my life so the trade off is worth it.
Willow: Going back to being pregnant is basically like being an athelete.You were pregnant during the 2022 Finals— ummm, what? Can you tell us a little bit more about how that felt physically and what you did to keep yourself grounded mentally?
DH: At the time it was happening, I wasn’t aware of it. I didn’t have the answer to what was happening physically. I just knew I was in a fog and I didn’t think I was playing as well as I had been. I spent a lot of time talking to my coaches and friends. Once I was able to share the news with them, I was able to mentally accept what was happening and shift my focus.
Willow: You welcomed baby boy Legend in Spring 2023. What do you think about when you imagine him watching you play when he gets older?
DH: I’m so excited for this. In a world where it feels like man vs. woman, I hope I can show my son the proper way to hold a woman to the highest standard and he’ll see what that looks like in his mother and being around so many amazing women. I’m most excited for the bond he’s creating with his big sister and him getting to watch her thrive in whatever she decides to do.
Willow 360™ Wearable Breast Pump
Willow 360™ Wearable Breast Pump
Willow 360 is designed with a zero-gravity latch to give you 360° of leak-proof mobility. It's the hands-free breast pump that changed the game.
Willow Go™ Wearable Breast Pump
Willow Go™ Wearable Breast Pump
With hospital-grade suction and a 100% comfort rating, Willow Go pumps quietly and discreetly (no dangling tubes, bottles, or external motors) so you can do it all.
Willow: As a new mother of two, what advice do you have for other moms?
DH: I would say do what works for you. Everyone and Google thinks they have the right answers on raising kids and how to be the best mom….but go with what makes your heart whole.
Willow: And, we have to ask…what are your pumping and feeding must-haves?
DH: A pumping must-have (for sure!) are my Willow pumps. I have both! A feeding must-have is also a bib because Legend is greedy and doesn’t slow down when he eats. I guess that’s a good thing!
We partnered with Dearica Hamby to raise awareness around the PUMP Act and the advocacy that all working moms need. Head to our definitive guide to learn more about the PUMP Act and what it means for any parent returning to work.
