Breastfeeding can be very rewarding — but it's also quite demanding and difficult. Moms who breastfeed often have to pump as well, not only to create a supply of milk for their babies but to help relieve pain in the chest. That means that new moms need to juggle yet another task. Since moms can do everything, they manage. But most people don't know what really goes into the process.
Take Coach Adia Barnes. The 44-year-old powerhouse is the head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team. Prior to, she played at the University of Arizona and in the WNBA. Athletics comes naturally for her — she's actually the daughter of NFL player Pete Barnes.
Adia also has two children with husband Salvo Coppa. Her youngest, a daughter named Capri, was born last September.
Prior to, they were the parents of son Matteo. Throughout her second pregnancy, she still worked during a majority of it. "People think I’m crazy," she said, per AZDesertSwarm. "I'm gonna be judged after someone writes about this, but so I’m delivering on, hopefully, Sept. 15. And so I'll take about two weeks off. I know people are like, 'You're crazy.' I am probably crazy. That’s why I coach."
Adia might not have gotten judged for her decision to work throughout pregnancy, which many women do choose to do (or have no choice but to work). But she did get some heat recently after pumping during a championship game. Many moms opt for a private room, but sometimes, you can't be choosy.
During Sunday night's NCAA championship game in San Antonio, Texas, Adia spent part of her halftime pumping breast milk. Reporter Holly Rowe noted why she was a bit late at one point and made a big deal out of it. And that's because most people would have no idea how hard Adia is really working. Pumping takes a lot out of you.
"For those of you who think this is too much information, let's normalize working mothers and all they have to do," Holly said, per People. Adia opened up about it as well, saying that it's been a welcome challenge having a new baby and working full-time. She expressed that she did her best to make the transition easy for her team.
"I had a baby right when season started," she said. "And took like a week off, it says I took a month off but I did not," she said. "I was on Zoom calls four days after having a C-section so it was hard. But my team loved on me. I missed a couple of weeks, I got a little sick, they fought for me. I came back. They were patient. I'm happy."
Adia realizes that she's a visible mom and is trying hard to use her platform to help other women. That could be why she had no trouble talking about managing both work and family. "I represented moms, I have a baby here," she said, per People. "I hear her crying ready to feed."
"You can be a coach, you can do it at an elite level," she continued. "You just have to have a village like I do. I represent Black females, don't get here too often and don't get opportunities. But I had an opportunity today on the biggest stage and represented a lot."
Adia's willingness to showcase both sides of herself is very important. It's proof that moms don't have to choose, but if they do get both done, a lot of planning and prep needs to happen. It's more rare for a man to decide to quit his job for a baby, but it's often expected for women.
Women everywhere are taking notice of Adia's decision to talk about pumping and breastfeeding while at work. Many actually felt like Adia coming in late was a highlight. It showed that she used her time appropriately and wanted to provide for her daughter while also providing for her team.
One of the ways that it's been made slightly easier for Adia is the fact that her husband happens to be an assistant coach. So that makes her team even more of her extended family. And bringing Matteo and baby Capri to games is more of a personal experience for the whole family.
Adia is also a good reminder that more workspaces should be friendly for pregnant and nursing women. Far too often, women come back to work and have to struggle to make time for both. Babies are a lot of work, and it's kind when employers care about their employees to a level where they want them to be comfortable.
While many moms who pump may relate to Adia, it's one of the first times that such a feat was announced publicly. A lot of people still don't fully understand pumping or why it's important. Any sort of awareness can work wonders, especially in the world of athletics.
It's sad to say, but so often, jobs of motherhood are understated. Even breastfeeding in public has become an issue, as people refuse to see breasts as something that'll naturally feed a child. That means that so often, new moms need to bend over backward to try to be good mothers while also constantly worrying about what other people will think or say. That's another reason why Adia showing up a little late was so powerful.
If anyone loves their team, it's Adia Barnes. She's put in so much time and effort toward being the best coach that the Wildcats can have. But it doesn't mean she should be uncomfortable or not provide for her child while on the clock. Her being a little late showed that she wouldn't rush when it came to something so important. New moms need to be able to prioritize their needs, and their baby's needs, first.
