Bouncing Back from Baby

An Interview with
WNBA's Sheryl Swoopes

By Elisa Ast All

Some women seem to be shining stars: lots of talent, good looks, a successful career and a family, too. One woman whose star shines even brighter than most is Women's National Basketball Association player Sheryl Swoopes. The first woman to have a Nike shoe – the Air Swoopes – named after her, Swoopes has remained one of the league's top players even after giving birth to her son, Jordan.

A member of the Houston Comets, Swoopes is not one to sit on the sidelines. That's why when she found out she was pregnant with Jordan at age 25, she committed herself to playing basketball and staying in shape throughout the pregnancy. She had no morning sickness or any other symptoms that hindered her lifestyle. "My pregnancy was great," she says. "I did everything as I normally would: traveled, worked out, played five-on-five. I enjoyed being pregnant."

Upon learning she was unexpectedly pregnant, her biggest fear was telling her agent and other WNBA associates about her condition. She kept her special secret throughout the first trimester "in case something happened," and then shared the news. "I was nervous about what everyone would think, but they were all very supportive," she says.

Her pregnancy proceeded without a hitch: She didn't even have extra cravings for her favorite ice cream – pralines 'n' cream. She did have a pet peeve, however. "I didn't want anybody touching me at all," she says, laughing. "I got very uncomfortable after month seven."

Swoopes and her husband at the time, football player Eric Jackson, attended Lamaze and breastfeeding classes. When she was induced because her baby was getting very big inside of her, Swoopes tried to use the Lamaze breathing techniques but became frustrated. She then realized the true meaning of the expression No Pain, No Gain. "It was so painful," she says. "I got an epidural and it was the best thing ever invented."

Five hours later, Jordan was born. Swoopes cried tears of joy when he was placed in her arms and "forgot about the pain immediately," she says. "I was so glad about the way it happened – I wouldn't trade that experience for the whole world."

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