For years, Serena Williams has been defying the odds and expectations of what mothers can achieve while also being elite athletes. From winning the Australian Open just eight weeks after becoming pregnant to competing at the highest level post-C-section and pulmonary embolism, her accomplishments are remarkable. Williams recently shared in an essay for Vogue that her experience with breastfeeding was one of the many challenges she faced after welcoming her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017.
In many ways, her struggles resonate with those of countless nursing moms returning to work after childbirth. A recent survey revealed that 59% of mothers found breastfeeding tougher than anticipated, with 23% describing it as utterly exhausting. Additionally, 16% of respondents indicated they stopped nursing due to work or school obligations. Williams herself concluded breastfeeding after about eight months, needing to ramp up her training. Interestingly, 62% of moms in the same survey reported discontinuing breastfeeding by the six-month mark.
In a memorable moment from the 2018 HBO documentary Being Serena, Williams’s coach, Max Turner, told her that she couldn’t reclaim her top player status until she ceased breastfeeding. While she expressed her love for nursing, she also shared her eagerness to stop so she could return to the competitive tennis scene.
Though Williams’s experience mirrors that of many mothers, her journey stands out. Anyone who has breastfed can relate to the unique challenges and triumphs involved. Personally, as a mom of two boys, I understand the anticipation of resuming exercise after giving birth.
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In summary, Serena Williams’s journey through motherhood and breastfeeding highlights both the challenges and triumphs many women face. Whether you’re an athlete or a busy mom, you’re not alone in your experience—there are resources and communities available to support you along the way.