Being a star athlete is hard work, but nothing compares to the challenges of motherhood. Serena Williams gave a sneak peek into what her 4 a.m. looks like as a breastfeeding mom to 5-month-old daughter Adira, and whew, we feel for her!
“My 4am wakeup. I want to go back to sleep 😖,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion, who shares Adira and 6-year-old Olympia with husband Alexis Ohanian, wrote on TikTok. But it wasn’t her baby who woke her up…it was her boobs!
Pumping Mom
In the video, Williams explained, “It’s been a long time since I’ve woken up at 4 a.m. having to pump, but whoops!” Waking up to rock-hard breasts filled with milk that needs expressed is one of those unique motherhood situations that is indescribably painful. Usually, it happens when your baby first starts sleeping through the night, but it could also happen if your baby drank less milk that day, if you forgot to pump, or if they have transitioned to solid foods. No matter the reason, it is not comfortable — and impossible to just sleep through. It’s another reason moms are champions.
Williams is wearing a black nursing bra with a pump attached as she films herself in the early hours of the morning. Her hair is up in a ponytail, and she has a little pimple cream on her cheek. So, basically, a completely real depiction of moms. “This is my 4 a.m.,” Williams adds, as she pans the camera down to show off the pump. You can also see her adorable gold necklace with Adira and Olympia’s names.
“Alright, we got thirty more minutes, and I’m going back to sleep,” Williams says in the clip. Hopefully she can get some more rest before her girls wake up!
Many people praised her intimate video. “I love your realness! And you are beautiful,” one person commented. Someone else wrote, “Life of a mom. Thanks for keeping it real.”
“mannn! i dont miss the soaking my mattress days,” another person wrote, referring to your sheets getting wet from leaky breastmilk.
Postpartum Journey
The former Olympian has been open about her postpartum journey with Adira. Back in August, Williams Tweeted, “My new fragrance is ‘old spoiled milk’. #momlife” Ugh! Milk stains are unfortunately common, especially in the first few weeks postpartum — but that doesn’t make it any more enjoyable.
Last month, Williams shared a sneak peek of life after she attended the CFDA Fashion Awards. Despite looking glamorous at the event, she changed into a regular mom costume at home: a nursing bra and tank top, with pillows propping up her newborn, her wig halfway off, and a pump and heating pad nearby.
“My 2023 included having a baby,” she captioned the video. “After having a baby it kind of feels like you got hit by a bus. Not only your body, but your mind too. (well, at least for me).”
“Here’s to 2024! …… And getting my mind and body back!” she added.
She’s staying positive, and that’s the only thing you can do!
These celebrity moms have shared their journey with breastfeeding as Black women.
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