Hoops and Boobs: The Breastfeeding Mama's Playbook
Maybe it’s because we’ve always got boobs on our brain, but basketball seems to have a lot in common with breastfeeding. Consider this: both are high-energy activities that demand strategy, agility and appropriate holds. That’s right: we’re talking hoops and boobs. So while you may know these terms from the court, here we translate them for breastfeeding life.
Assist
When your partner hands you the baby to breastfeed in bed and then whisks them away for a diaper change. Also when they bring you coffee.
Bank shot
When breast milk ricochets off of their sweet little foreheads. Because sometimes their latch is no match for your letdown.
Carry
How you transport the baby from place to place. May involve a wrap, baby carrier, or your own beautifully toned arms.
Double dribble
When you dribble, stop dribbling, and dribble again. Particularly common during long meetings. Unexpected that time you flew for work and sat behind a crying baby.
Fast break
When your friend comes to see your new bundle of swaddled joy and you see the chance for a quick shower. Because you’re in your pjs and it’s been four days. Or five.
Free throw
What you do with the dog’s chew toy /tv remote /lost hairbrush /clean laundry when you sit down on the sofa to breastfeed.
Lay-up
When your let-down requires lying down. Also known as the reclining position.
Pump fake
When your pump batteries die and you have to strategically position your scarf so you can hand express on the plane next to that guy from work.
Rebound
What happens when your little one is breastfeeding and gets distracted and then pops off, then on, then off again. Then on.
Travel
Going somewhere—which now requires a small RV just for your pump bag, extra batteries, bottles, cooler packs, and wipes.
Double foul
When you have a long layover or cancelled flight and there’s no dedicated place to pump at the airport.
Mamava designs solutions to empower breastfeeding and pumping parents on the go, like our freestanding lactation pods, Mamava’s lactation space locator app, and other helpful resources.
More breastfeeding resources
Returning to work? Here’s a primer to get the pump party started.
These situations may require professional breastfeeding support.
The info you need to store, freeze, and thaw your liquid gold with confidence.
Common pains-in-the-boobs can get you down and challenge your breastfeeding goals.
Don’t panic. Do continue breastfeeding.
Your go-to guide to weaning when you’re ready.
How to breastfeed with confidence, no matter what sticky situation you find yourself in.
The eight best breastfeeding positions (according to moms).
Rumor, fact, or folklore? Test your breastfeeding know-how with this quiz.
A brief history of human infant feeding—breast, bottles, and formula—through the ages.
Every breastfeeding mom on the go needs a breast pump. Here’s how to get one.
Stop Googling! Here are three breastfeeding myths we can bust right now.
Five practices that help moms with preterm babies breastfeed.
A breastfeeding mom’s guide to fasting for religious observance.
Four thousands moms weigh in on how they feed their baby.
Seventeen breastfeeding moms share their hard-earned wisdom and messages of support for new moms.
Five facts about breast milk to delight your inner nerd (and help you breastfeed).
Mamava’s boob whisperer and certified lactation consultant can help when the flowing gets tough.
Breastfeeding and basketball have more in common than you think.
Breastfeeding benefits babies and their mamas.