Serena Williams has told fans she’s still suffering with ‘postpartum emotions’ 11 months after the birth of her baby.
The tennis ace welcomed daughter Alexis Olympia with husband Alexis Ohanian last September.
36-year-old Serena, who almost died giving birth, revealed she still battles with the feeling she isn’t doing enough for her daughter and that she’s failing as a mum.
The former World No 1 opened up about her experience with motherhood in a brave Instagram post, alongside a stunning picture of her posing on a cliff at sunset.
She wrote: "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."
Serena continued: "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."
She then finished with some words of advice to her fellow mums: "I’m here to say: if you are having a rough day or week–it’s ok–I am, too!!! There’s always tomm!"
The post quickly racked up thousands of likes from supportive fans with many praising her for her honesty.
"Beautifully said," said one.
"You are an amazing mum. My daughter is 18 and still feel that way at times," added another.
While a third told her: "You never get over the feeling that you can do more for them."
In an interview with Vogue, Serena revealed she’d been bedridden for six weeks following Alexis Olympia’s birth following an emergency c-section.
"First my C-section wound popped open due to the intense coughing I endured as a result of the embolism. I returned to surgery, where the doctors found a large hematoma, a swelling of clotted blood, in my abdomen. And then I returned to the operating room for a procedure that prevents clots from travelling to my lungs," she said.
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