Naomi Osaka opens up about fighting thoughts that she ‘won’t be a good mom’
Naomi Osaka has reflected on battling self-doubt and difficult thoughts as a new mother. The four-time Grand Slam tennis champion gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Shai, in July 2023. She shares Shai with her partner, rapper Cordae. On Sunday (22 October), Osaka shared some insights into her personal life with her fans to mark turning 26 earlier in the week. In an extended post on X, formerly Twitter, the Japanese athlete wrote about taking stock of her life so far, and wondering whether or not she’s taken the “correct path”. “I often try to retrace my steps to figure out how did I end up here,” she explained. “I know I say this often but I truly still feel like that kid playing on public courts in Queens, NY. “Randomly I wonder if I’m doing OK, is there a correct path to take in life or have I veered off onto the scenic route for a little bit? However, I’ve now come into the mindset that I can only keep moving forward and everything that will be, will be.” Osaka then shared her specific feelings of worry about her capabilities as a parent. “Something I had to conquer recently is fighting the thought that I won’t be a good mom,” she wrote. “So many doubts raced through my head I had to swat them away like mosquitoes. “Looking into Shai’s eyes and holding her I always think, ‘Wow this little person depends on me so much, I have to do better.’ It’s such a strange feeling watching your kid grow, you blink and they’re double the size in a few months. “Gratefulness reminds me to breathe and take in the little things (and the big ones).” Osaka ended her post by expressing her gratitude for having “another year” and for the people who support her. Osaka’s last competitive match was at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in September 2022, before she withdrew from the tournament due to abdominal pain. She announced her pregnancy in January 2023 shortly after stating that she wouldn’t be competing in the Australian Open later that month. Last month, Osaka spoke about her year away from playing tennis and mentioned how other female tennis stars’ longevity has influenced her desire to keep competing. “The whole process, it felt long and short at the same time,” she told the American sports news channel ESPN. “When I stepped away, it was Tokyo, that was the last tournament I played. I just remember watching the Australian Open and being very devastated, because I’ve never missed an Australian Open. “When I was watching Serena and Venus [Williams], I was thinking, ‘Ah, I probably no way will ever play at their age’, but sitting here, I’m like, ‘You know what? I might do that actually.’” Read More ‘Truly heartbroken’ Rebecca Adlington reveals late miscarriage Should we stop putting the clocks back? What the experts think ‘I lost over a stone on Ozempic, but now it’s run out what am I to do?’ ‘Truly heartbroken’ Rebecca Adlington reveals late miscarriage Should we stop putting the clocks back? What the experts think ‘I lost over a stone on Ozempic, but now it’s run out what am I to do?’
2023-10-23 17:24
Rebecca Adlington says she’s ‘truly heartbroken’ after late miscarriage
Rebecca Adlington has said she’s “truly heartbroken” as the British swimmer announced she had a miscarriage at 20 weeks pregnant. Adlington, 34, said she went for her 20-week scan earlier this week and was informed her baby had no heartbeat, adding she and husband Andy Parsons, 31, “will forever love and remember” their daughter. She wrote on Instagram: “I don’t really have the words right now but unfortunately we went for our 20-week scan this week and they discovered no heart beat [sic].” Adlington added that she gave birth to the baby – who the couple named Harper – on Friday (20 October) and “we held her, and had time with her”. The two-time Olympic gold medallist thanked the staff at the Wythenshaw hospital in Manchester for their “incredible” kindness and care, and Parsons for his “selfless support, love, and help”. “I don’t have the strength or words right now and don’t feel ready to share this news,” Adlington continued. “However, I can’t pretend to be okay or fake a smile. I can’t have people ask me how pregnancy is or when I am due as I still look pregnant. I don’t have the strength to tell this news individually.” The former I’m a Celebrity contestant announced she was pregnant on 1 October, sharing a photograph of her family taken at Disneyland Paris. Former track athletes Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill and Greg Rutherford, ex-hockey player Sam Quek, former swim champion Adam Peaty, and presenters Angellica Bell and Helen Skelton shared messages of support in the comments section of Adlington’s Instagram post. Ennis-Hill wrote: “Oh Becky I’m sending you and your family so much love. I’m so sorry xxxx.” Rutherford said: “Sending love to you. So sorry to read this Becky xx.” Quek also wrote: “Becky, I know no words will ease the pain… my entire heart is with you all.” Peaty’s message read: “I’m so sorry to hear this, my prayers are with you all” alongside a heart and praying hand emoji. Adlington previously revealed she had a miscarriage 12 weeks into her pregnancy last August, sharing the news on Instagram at the time. The mother-of-two wrote: “It’s such a devastating time but important in times like these we remember we aren’t alone and have so much support. “Long way to go but I’m in the right place,” she added. “Once I’m able to leave hospital I’m extremely grateful I get to go home and give my 2 little ones the best hugs!” Adlington, who has also appeared on Celebrity MasterChef, shares one son, Albie, two, with Parsons. She also has an eight-year-old daughter, Summer, from her first marriage to swimmer and personal trainer Harry Needs. You can contact the Miscarriage Association helpline on 01924 200799 or email the charity at info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk. The helpline is open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. For more information, help and support regarding pregnancy loss, you can contact Tommy’s on 0800 0147 800. To contact Petals to enquire about the charity’s counselling services, you can call 0300 688 0068 or email counselling@petalscharity.org. Read More Should we stop putting the clocks back? What the experts think ‘I lost over a stone on Ozempic, but now it’s run out what am I to do?’ Consistent lack of sleep may increase risk of future depressive symptoms – study Should we stop putting the clocks back? What the experts think ‘I lost over a stone on Ozempic, but now it’s run out what am I to do?’ Consistent lack of sleep may increase risk of future depressive symptoms – study
2023-10-23 15:18
Phillies would have a surprisingly massive advantage over Astros in World Series rematch
If the Phillies and Astros meet in the World Series again, Philadelphia will have one leg up on the AL West winners.
2023-10-23 07:48
Rob Thompson finally waves white flag on key struggling player
Rob Thomson and the Philadelphia Phillies are demoting Craig Kimbrel in the wake of his immense postseason struggles against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
2023-10-23 02:52
Bryce Harper says what all Phillies fans are thinking about Bryson Stott after Game 5 performance
The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in Game 5, in part due to the two-way play of Bryson Stott. Bryce Harper was quick to offer high praise.
2023-10-22 22:22
JT Realmuto's NLCS Game 5 home run was unique for one big reason
The Philadelphia Phillies have hit a bunch of home runs in the MLB playoffs, but JT Realmuto's in Game 5 was different.
2023-10-22 11:51
Pepper X: Eating world's hottest pepper was euphoric, says creator
Ed Currie describes eating peppers "all day long", and his record-breaking feat.
2023-10-22 08:48
Phillies at crossroads with Craig Kimbrel after back-to-back losses
Craig Kimbrel has blown two straight leads, leaving the Philadelphia Phillies tied 2-2 with the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS. Now what?
2023-10-22 07:21
7 recent NBA lottery picks who are already out of the league
Some NBA lottery picks don't end up panning out. Here are seven recent high draft picks who didn't make it.
2023-10-22 02:25
Clubhouse quotes and insights to how Alek Thomas, Diamondbacks defeated Phillies in Game 4
The Arizona Diamondbacks stunningly defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 4, and have positioned themselves for a stunning National League Championship Series upset.
2023-10-21 22:28
3 Phillies to blame for blowing it in Game 4 vs. the Diamondbacks
The Philadelphia Phillies dropped Game 4 of the ALCS to the Diamondbacks because of unclutch pitching, errors, baserunning miscues and more.
2023-10-21 12:45
Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks say narrative has changed ahead of Game 4 against Phillies
After a crucial Game 3 victory, the Arizona Diamondbacks enter Game 4 with renewed hope against the Philadelphia Phillies. But with a bullpen game looming, it won't be easy.
2023-10-21 08:17