Serena Williams: ‘I felt like I was not a good mom’

In a frank post on Instagram, tennis legend and new mum Serena Williams revealed that she has been in a funk and was concerned about ‘postpartum emotions.’

On July 31 Williams lost out at the San Jose Silicon Valley Classic and hints that it may have been due to postpartum depression.

“Last week was not easy for me,” she shared with her 9 million followers. “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.”

The 36-year-old said she had been reading articles on postpartum emotions and learned that they can last up to three years if not dealt with.

“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… 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.”

Williams acknowledged that most moms would be dealing 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!”