Sports

Serena Williams reveals struggles with ‘postpartum emotions’

Published

6 years ago

August 7, 2018

Serena Williams was in a “ funk ” last week because she felt her hectic schedule was not leaving her enough time to care for her 11 – month old daughter , the 23 – time grand slam champion , said in a social media post on Monday .
The 36 – year – old American pulled out of the Rogers Cup in Montreal on Saturday , citing “ personal issues ” , days after she was beaten 6 -1 6 – 0 by Johanna Konta in the first round of the Silicon Valley Classic, the most lopsided defeat of her career .

“ Last week was not easy for me . Not only was I accepting some tough personal stuff , but I just was in a funk, ” Williams said in an Instagram post .
“ 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 . ”

Williams said feeling overwhelmed was a normal part of being a new mother and encouraged anyone struggling through a rough patch to stay positive .

“ We have all been there . I work a lot , I train , and I ’ m trying to be the best athlete I can be , ” she said .

“ 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!”

( Reuters / NAN )