For Naomi Osaka, becoming a mother did not mean putting her own needs aside. Instead, it changed the way she thinks about self-care, mental health and life. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has been open about her struggles with anxiety and pressure, has shared a simple but powerful message: “Taking care of myself is part of taking care of my daughter.” Her words show why looking after yourself can also be an important part of being a good mother.
What did Naomi Osaka mean when she said self-care is part of motherhood ?
Osaka became a mother in July 2023 when she welcomed her daughter, Shai, with rapper Cordae. Her journey into motherhood came during a major change in her life. She had stepped away from tennis for more than a year and was also trying to understand what she wanted from her career and her life.For Osaka, self-care is not about putting herself before her daughter. It is about making sure she is in a good place so she can also be there for her child.In her conversations about motherhood and mental health, Osaka has spoken about setting boundaries, taking time for herself and paying attention to what she needs. That can mean taking a quiet moment, meditating, getting enough rest when possible or simply saying no when something feels like too much.Her message also pushes back against the idea that mothers must always put themselves last. Being a mother does not mean a woman has to ignore her own feelings, needs or identity.Osaka’s approach is simple. A mother can love her child deeply and still need time for herself. In fact, taking care of her own mental and emotional health can help her be more present for her child.
How did becoming a mother change Naomi Osaka’s view of tennis?
Tennis had been a huge part of Osaka’s life for years. She became world No. 1 and won four Grand Slam singles titles, including the US Open in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2019, 2021 and 2022.But success also came with pressure. Osaka made headlines in 2021 when she withdrew from the French Open after explaining that media duties were affecting her mental health. She later stepped away from tennis for an extended period.Becoming a mother gave her another chance to look at her life from a different point of view.Osaka returned to professional tennis in January 2024 after giving birth. The comeback was not easy. She had to rebuild her body, return to the demands of professional sport and deal with the normal ups and downs of competition.But motherhood also helped her understand that tennis was only one part of who she was.Winning was still important to her, but it was no longer the only thing that defined her. She could be a tennis player, a mother and her own person at the same time.That change in thinking also helped Osaka become more open about her emotions. Instead of feeling that she always had to appear strong, she became more comfortable talking about difficult moments and asking for support.
Why are boundaries so important to Osaka as a mother?
Osaka has spent much of her career in the public eye. Her matches, interviews and personal life have all received huge attention. That level of attention can be difficult for anyone, and motherhood has given her even more reason to protect her private life and mental space.She has spoken about how hard it once was for her to say no because she worried about disappointing people. Over time, she learned that she could not make everyone happy and did not have to accept every demand placed on her.That lesson became an important part of how she approaches motherhood.For Osaka, boundaries can mean choosing when to work, taking time away from social media, protecting family time or simply refusing to take on something that could leave her overwhelmed.These choices are not about shutting people out. They are about knowing when she needs to step back.Her experience also sends an important message to other mothers. Saying no does not mean you care less. Taking a break does not mean you are lazy. Asking someone for help does not mean you have failed.Sometimes, protecting your own peace is what allows you to give more of yourself to the people you love.
What can mothers learn from Naomi Osaka’s mental-health journey?
Perhaps the biggest lesson from Osaka’s story is that mental health should not be treated as something people have to hide.She has spoken openly about anxiety, pressure and the challenges that came with being a top athlete. She has also talked about wanting her daughter to grow up in an environment where talking about feelings is normal.Osaka has encouraged the idea that children should be able to express themselves, ask for help and understand their emotions. She has also talked about simple habits such as meditation, quiet time and spending meaningful time with family.For her, these lessons are not only things she can tell her daughter. They are things she can show her through her own actions.When a mother rests when she needs to, she shows her child that rest is important. When she talks about her feelings, she shows that emotions are normal. When she asks for help, she teaches her child that nobody has to deal with everything alone.That may be one of the most important parts of Osaka’s message.Motherhood does not have to mean losing yourself. A woman can still have dreams, a career, friendships, personal goals and time for herself while being a loving and devoted mother.Osaka’s journey shows that self-care is not about choosing yourself instead of your child. It is about making sure you are also cared for.For the tennis star, that balance has become part of the mother she wants to be. Her words, “Taking care of myself is part of taking care of my daughter,” capture that idea in the simplest way. Taking care of yourself is not taking love away from your child. Sometimes, it is what helps you give that love with more patience, energy and presence.