Serena Williams, who welcomed her second child with husband Alexis Ohanian last August, is opening up about the realities of life after childbirth.
The 42-year-old tennis icon took to Instagram to share a heartfelt video detailing her journey navigating postpartum fashion and embracing her changing body.
Watch the video:
Her candid post garnered an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike. Deborah Roberts applauded Serena's honesty, commenting, "Serena, I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. You'll rock that skirt."
Others commended her for shedding light on the unglamorous aspects of postpartum life. One supporter noted, "Kudos for sharing the raw reality of postpartum, not just the polished Instagram version," while another expressed admiration for Serena's perspective on body image, stating, "You don't have a problem, you have a beautiful body. Women are paying to achieve what you have."
Over the past few months, the Wimbledon champion has been transparent about her fitness journey, diligently hitting the gym as she adjusts to life with her second daughter alongside older sister Olympia, now six.
Reflecting on her postpartum experiences, Serena recalled the challenges of regaining her athletic physique after Olympia's birth in 2018. Despite adhering to a strict vegan diet, she struggled to shed excess weight due to the unique demands of breastfeeding.
"I was vegan, I didn't consume sugar," she recounted. "I maintained a completely healthy diet... but my body didn't respond as expected. Every body is different."
Serena also shared the emotional decision to stop breastfeeding, confiding in her daughter Olympia as she navigated the transition. Despite missing the intensity of professional tennis upon her return to the court, Serena found solace in her evolving priorities as a mother.
Her post-baby comeback at Wimbledon defied expectations, culminating in a remarkable finals appearance despite her world ranking of 181 at the time. Serena officially retired from competitive tennis in August 2022, concluding her illustrious career on her own terms.
Since retiring, Serena has embraced new ventures, focusing on entrepreneurship, motherhood, and expanding her presence across various media platforms, including YouTube.