The female anatomy is the epitome of resilience. This is especially true when it comes to motherhood. Through all the changes before, during, and after pregnancy, your body adapts to creating and caring for new life.
Plus, people involved in sports have grueling training schedules and balance exercise with their duties as mothers. It could be said that motherhood is the ultimate endurance sport.
Just ask real-life wonderwoman Alyssa Nakken, the first pregnant female coach in MLB. Nakken says that while she's in the San Francisco Giants' dugout, she's breaking the glass ceiling and proving that it's possible to grow professionally even prenatally and postpartum while working around the clock as a mom.
“Being a professional baseball coach is a lot of work. We play 162 games a year. If we make the playoffs, we can do more than that,” Nakken said.
Throughout her pregnancy, Nakken never missed a beat of coaching on maternity clothing that would fit her baby. and Major League Baseball.
“It was great to have a product that molded to my body as it changed during pregnancy and childbirth,” says Nakken.
Nakken has partnered with Nike to expand its maternity collection, offering new products for pregnant people. Among its many highlights, the new Nike (M) Swoosh Bra is a wearable, pump-compatible sports bra that provides lactation support and leak protection when breastfeeding.
“The Swoosh Bra is truly amazing because it’s so versatile, helps with nursing, and can be pumped around the clock,” says Nakken.
And when she speaks 24/7, she really means it. Her coaching duties are no joke. Baseball games last over three hours, but that doesn't stop her enthusiasm.
“There were several games where I was in the dugout pumping because my kid needs to eat every three hours. And the bra is so supportive that she never questions whether she should do it or not because she knows no part of her will fall out,” she says.
Shop the best Nike maternity gear recommended by Alyssa Nakken:
1. Nike (M) Swoosh Sports Bra — $80.00
Nike's new Wearable Pump Compatible Sports Bra features wearable pump compatibility, breastfeeding support, rib and cup adjustments, and leak protection.
To give moms the flexibility they need, they're leak-proof thanks to special moisture management material that helps prevent visible milk leakage.
And as your body changes, so will your bras. It features adjustable cup capacity along with a flexible, adjustable bottom band that expands as your stomach changes.
The bra's padded foam straps can relieve pressure points, while the mesh layer provides breathability and maintains wearable breast pump support during exercise.
- Secret Nursing Abilities
- adjustable
- medium support
- Comprehensive sizing
2. Nike Rayna Easy-On – $140.00
Changes in your body during and after pregnancy include your feet. The EasyOn shoe is Nike's first shoe made with moms first in mind, designed with insight from pregnant and postpartum moms.
Supportive, stable, comfortable, easy to wear and suitable for low-impact movements such as walking and everyday wear.
Bonus: You can also adjust the width of your shoes to suit the degree of swelling in your feet during or after pregnancy.
- Easy slip-on design
- Adjustable to suit foot swelling
- supportive and stable
- Not suitable for high intensity/high impact exercise.
3. Convertible Diaper Bag – $152.00
Moms on the go need a dependable diaper bag. The Nike (M) diaper bag is a versatile accessory you can use at any time.
Featuring multiple storage pockets, easy-to-clean interior material, and an insulated pouch for snacks (or bottles), this bag is a must-have for all family outings and adventures.
- ample storage space
- Easy to clean internal surfaces
- insulated pouch
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