Naomi Osaka on Motherhood & Postpartum Struggles

Being a world-class athlete is demanding enough, but what happens when you add motherhood into the mix? Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka is getting real about the immense pressure, identity shifts, and emotional challenges that come with being a new mom while maintaining an elite career.

The Pressure to Be ‘Amazing at Everything’

Osaka recently shared in interviews that her return to tennis after welcoming her daughter, Shai, in 2023 was met with ‘really tough’ pressure. She felt an intense need to excel not just as an athlete, but also as a mother, admitting, ‘I wanted to do well and be amazing at everything.’ This desire to juggle it all perfectly is a sentiment many mothers, especially high-achievers, can deeply relate to.

She highlighted how mothers often place this immense expectation on themselves, calling it a ‘really tough ask.’ For Osaka, a significant lesson learned was the importance of asking for help. Initially hesitant due to her pride and not wanting to ‘inconvenience people,’ she’s come to understand that accepting support is not a burden but a necessity.

Opening Up About Postpartum Depression

Beyond the general pressures of motherhood, Osaka has also bravely revisited her experience with postpartum depression (PPD). Clinical research indicates that PPD affects about one in seven women, manifesting as persistent sadness, anxiety, and difficulty bonding with the baby. It’s crucial to remember, as noted by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, that these are treatable medical conditions, not personal failings.

Osaka finds discussing PPD still emotional, often preferring to write down her feelings privately. Her openness is particularly significant, especially within communities where maternal mental health struggles are often under-discussed. By sharing her story, she contributes to normalizing these conversations for women navigating demanding careers alongside new motherhood.

Finding Balance: ‘Everything Has Its Place’

Despite the challenges, Osaka emphasizes that motherhood has also brought immense joy and a new perspective. She describes her daughter as ‘a light’ and has found emotional relief in learning to let go of perfectionism. Instead of striving for an impossible balance, she’s embracing the idea that ‘everything has its place,’ allowing different aspects of her life to take precedence at different times.

This mindset shift, while seemingly simple, can be revolutionary for mothers juggling careers, relationships, and personal well-being. Osaka’s vulnerability serves as a powerful reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that the journey of motherhood is complex, involving exhaustion, healing, and profound personal growth.