Tennis star Sania Mirza has always been known for her candor—on the court and off. In a heartfelt conversation on YouTube, the former Grand Slam champion opened up about one of the most deeply personal chapters of her life: motherhood. Speaking about the emotional, mental, and logistical challenges she faced after becoming a mother to her son Izhaan Mirza Malik, Sania offered an unfiltered view of parenting, postpartum struggles, and navigating single motherhood following her divorce from cricketer Shoaib Malik.
“It’s Never 50-50”: Sania on the Unequal Reality of Parenting
Sania Mirza didn’t shy away from calling out the unrealistic expectations society places on women, especially mothers. Reflecting on her experience, she candidly admitted that parenting duties are rarely shared equally:
“It is never 50-50 between both parents… I breastfed for 2.5 to 3 months. That, for me, was the hardest part of pregnancy. I’d rather be pregnant three more times than go through that feeding business again.”
She explained that it wasn’t the physical toll that overwhelmed her, but the emotional and mental exhaustion that came with it. As a professional athlete and a working woman, Sania felt trapped by the sheer time and attention breastfeeding demanded.
“They are so dependent on it. It ties you down. The time commitment, the sleepless nights, centering every activity around feeding—it drains you. But I did what was needful.”
Postpartum Guilt and the Pressure of “Being a Perfect Mom”
Sania went on to recall one of the most emotionally challenging moments of early motherhood—leaving her son for the first time when he was just six weeks old to attend a professional commitment in Delhi.
“That flight was the hardest flight I’ve taken. I was crying before I even boarded the plane. I kept saying I couldn’t do it. Looking back, I realize I was being dramatic because women do this all the time. Kids are fine. But we give ourselves this massive mom guilt.”
Her honesty struck a chord with countless working mothers who juggle careers, personal goals, and the unrelenting expectations of motherhood. Sania acknowledged that while society often glorifies the “supermom” narrative, it overlooks the emotional cost and self-sacrifice that women endure.
“We beat ourselves up constantly. We are judged if we leave our kids, judged if we stay home. It’s a no-win situation sometimes.”
Parenting After Divorce: Co-Parenting in the Public Eye
Although Sania did not go into details about her separation from Shoaib Malik, the backdrop of her reflections paints a picture of strength. Raising a child in the public eye, especially after a high-profile marriage and divorce, comes with its own set of pressures. Despite the personal challenges, she has continued to prioritize Izhaan’s well-being, balancing co-parenting responsibilities while nurturing her own career and identity.
“My son is the center of my world. But I’m also more than just a mother. I’m an athlete, a daughter, a businesswoman, and a human being with needs and dreams.”
Redefining Womanhood and Motherhood
Sania’s words challenge the traditional narrative of motherhood. By opening up about her emotional vulnerability, the struggle to find balance, and breaking free from guilt, she reinforces the idea that mothers don’t have to be martyrs to be good parents.
She’s not just speaking for herself—she’s speaking for millions of women across the world who feel burdened by the silent expectations society imposes.
Takeaways from Sania’s Conversation
- Parenting is rarely balanced—mothers often bear the brunt emotionally and physically.
- Mom guilt is real, but women need to give themselves grace.
- Support systems and honest conversations are essential for working mothers.
- Post-divorce parenting comes with added emotional labor, especially under public scrutiny.
- It’s okay to say it’s hard. That doesn’t make you any less of a mother.
