Serena Williams is inspiring women to love their bodies with new postpartum photo

A woman faces several changes postpartum and much of these changes go beyond the physique and affect new moms mentally and emotionally as well. Having several bodily changes, feeling different and having new roles and responsibilities to take on becomes immensely overwhelming at times and moms can go into postpartum depression or face other lows. During such times, when self-esteem can be at rock bottom, it is essential to encourage moms to embrace who they have become and support them continuously. American former tennis player Serena Williams shared a post on Instagram doing just that with her postpartum body, boosting moms’ perspectives.

The athlete, who recently gave birth to her second daughter, Adira, a few months ago, shared how giving birth and being a mom is beyond beautiful and worth the experience. She shared a picture of her in a bikini with her daughter, feeling proud about her postpartum body and all its changes. In her caption, Williams shared the delight of being a birth giver and sustainer of a new life and the profoundness motherhood holds. "Loving yourself is essential. I find that I have to remind myself of that self-love through all different stages in my life,” she wrote. The athlete further explained that even though her postpartum body is not "picture-perfect" and perfectly fit, she still loves it.

"Right now, I love that my body is not picture-perfect. I love that I smell like milk—that milk sustains Adira," she continued. She added how having different changes recreate her body postpartum is a unique experience to be embraced and accepted wholeheartedly. “I love getting to know a new version of my body. It is a change, but it’s a change that has been well worth it,” Williams said. While the athlete acknowledged having several changes and being with those changes during the initial months postpartum, she also stressed the need to care for one’s body.

"So start this week knowing that you are loved and that starts with you. Okay, now I’m about to go to the gym, Serena," she concluded. Williams shared the imperfections of motherhood and highlighted that it is these imperfections that make the journey worthwhile and meaningful. Through her words, she also expressed the need not to give up on oneself and to give time postpartum before getting back to fitness and recovery. With hundreds of thousands of likes, every fellow mom felt Williams’ reminder reach their hearts. Many people moms and others, commented on the athlete’s post, agreeing with her.

@jordaneking said, “Beautiful mama, strong woman, forever and always.” @afrogirlfitness commanted, “I was just writing about how you're nurturing yourself postpartum. Motherhood looks good on you, Serena.” @kymberlytraveler noted, “Your body is perfect! Thank you for teaching us to love ourselves.” @queenofgreen wrote, “You’re making me feel that I too can bounce back with miraculous measures.” @erin.gallag.her shared, “I love every word of this post. You are stunning. Thank you for loving yourself. It helps us all do the same.” @tashainwanderland wrote, “The reality of motherhood! I love it and I love that you’re sharing your journey! You’re gorgeous just the way you are!”