Serena Williams has opened up about her struggles with postpartum emotions and how it is affecting her career. Last week, Williams experienced the worst defeat of her career at the Silicon Valley Classic where she scored a 6-1, 6-0 loss to Brit Johanna Konta. Williams took to Instagram to explain how her concerns about motherhood affected her sportsmanship.

SLIDESHOW: Met Gala 2018 – 23 Best Dressed Stars 

Last week was not easy for me. Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff, but I just was in a funk. Mostly, I felt like I was not a good mom. I read several articles that said postpartum emotions can last up to 3 years if not dealt with. I like communication best. Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal. It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby. We have all been there. I work a lot, I train, and I’m trying to be the best athlete I can be. However, that means although I have been with her every day of her life, I’m not around as much as I would like to be. Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art. You are the true heroes. I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week–it’s ok–I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on

“I felt I was not a good mom,” Williams wrote. She also expressed her relief upon finding that she is not alone in her postpartum emotional struggles. “Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal.” Williams also shared her research about postpartum emotions, stating that these issues can last for up to three years post-birth if not dealt with properly. Williams has been advocating for postpartum physical and emotional side effects since she gave birth to her daughter last September. She suffered a number of health emergencies after her delivery and has been advocating for more attentive medical care for postpartum mothers since then.

50 CELEBRITIES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

While the star athlete was open about her emotions, she ended the post on a positive note, assuring any mothers reading that, “finding that balance with kids is a true art.” Williams added, “if you are having a rough day or week — it’s ok — I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!” Williams’ openness with her struggles as well as her optimism that she — and every mother — can bounce back is sure to go a long way with public awareness for postpartum emotional issues.

Read more about:
avatar

Article by Samantha Rosalbo

Samantha has a B.A. in English Literature and the written word has always been her passion. When she's not reading or writing, Sam likes to consume and discuss all kinds of nerdy content and enjoy time with her friends and family. She lives in New York and is always ready for adventure.

Leave a comment

Subscribe to the uInterview newsletter