We all know Serena Williams as a formidable athlete who also happens to have the best date nights. But in a raw and emotional IG post, the pro tennis player got real about her struggles with “postpartum emotions” since the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. last September. 

“Last week was not easy for me,” Williams wrote. “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.”

She went on to add that she’s read several articles about the lasting effects of postpartum emotions if they are not dealt with and how much she values communication. “Talking things through with my mom, my sisters, my friends let me know that my feelings are totally normal,” she explained. “It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby.”

 

 

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!

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Williams also said that she’s still working a lot and training to be the best athlete she can be, which means she doesn’t spend as much time with her daughter as she’d like to. And she knows she’s not alone in feeling this way. “Most of you moms deal with the same thing. Whether stay-at-home or working, finding that balance with kids is a true art,” she wrote. “You are the true heroes.”

The athlete ended with an inspiring message for every mom. “I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week–it’s ok–I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!”