Serena Williams Gets Real About Loving Her Post-Baby Body in a Candid Bikini Photo

In a new Instagram post, the tennis superstar shared an ode to her post-baby body, after the birth of her second child with husband Alexis Ohanian last year.

“Loving yourself is essential,” Williams began. “I find that I have to remind myself of that self-love through all different stages in my life. Right now I love that my body is not picture perfect. I love that I smell like milk – that milk sustains @adiraohanian I love getting to know a new version of my body.”

The post features a photo of Williams in a textured halter-top style bikini, standing on the deck of a yacht. In one arm, she carries baby Adira, who looks sweet in a teal T-shirt and pale yellow bloomers featuring a heart-shaped pattern.

“It is a change, but it’s a change that has been well worth it. So start this week, knowing that you are loved, and that starts with you,” Williams continued. Then she quipped, “Ok, now I’m about to go to the gym .”