Serena Williams has opened up about her post-partum struggles.
The 36-year-old tennis star and her husband Alex Ohanian welcomed daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. 11 months ago and Serena has admitted that she often feels she is not doing enough for her child.
In an emotional Instagram post, 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. It’s totally normal to feel like I’m not doing enough for my baby.
"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 [my daughter] 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!!! (sic)."
Serena has been open about the ups and downs of motherhood, previously revealing how she almost died after giving birth.
She said: "I almost died after giving birth to my daughter, Olympia. 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 traveling to my lungs."
Serena Williams’ post-partum struggles
