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Sania Mirza opened up about the emotional challenges of breastfeeding and the heartfelt reasons behind her retirement to focus on motherhood.
Sania Mirza on her journey through motherhood, her challenges with breastfeeding
Tennis icon Sania Mirza recently opened up in an honest and emotional conversation with podcaster Masoom Minawala, reflecting on her journey through motherhood, her challenges with breastfeeding, and what ultimately led her to step away from professional tennis.
While fans speculated on the reasons behind her retirement, Mirza revealed that stepping back was not just about physical limitations — it was also deeply rooted in a desire to be present for her son, Izhaan. “One of my main reasons was to spend as much time with my son as possible. He’s at an age where kids need that sense of stability and a parent around. I didn’t want to miss out on those moments,” she shared.
The six-time Grand Slam champion recounted the emotional turmoil of leaving her newborn for the first time. Izhaan was just six weeks old when she flew to Delhi for an event — a moment she now sees as a turning point. “It was the hardest flight I’ve taken. I cried, I didn’t want to go. But I’m glad I did. If I hadn’t, I don’t think I’d have had the strength to leave him again for work,” she said, recalling how she pumped breast milk mid-flight and returned to Hyderabad the same day. “He was fine. I was fine. I had shed a few tears here and there, but I was stronger for it.”
Mirza credited her mother for encouraging her to take that first step. “My mother said, ‘What’s wrong with you? He’s just six weeks old, he won’t even notice.’ And she was right.”
While she described her pregnancy as “a dream,” Sania admitted that breastfeeding was far more emotionally taxing. “I breastfed for nearly three months. That was the hardest part for me — not the physical demands, but the emotional and mental toll. I used to say, ‘I’d get pregnant three more times, but this feeding part — I just don’t know.’ It tied me down, especially as a working woman.”
The constant feedings, lack of sleep, and the pressure of being the sole provider for her baby’s nourishment began to feel overwhelming. “Everything revolved around his feeding schedule. It wasn’t just physically exhausting, it was mentally draining.”
Three months in, she returned to her paediatrician and told him she couldn’t continue. “He suggested trying for another month, but I told him I was at my breaking point. The emotional weight of knowing a tiny human depended entirely on me was heavier than I had expected.”
Despite the hurdles, Mirza continued to stay active — both physically and professionally. She revealed that she was still playing tennis the night before giving birth on October 30, 2018, and was back to working out just three weeks postpartum.
Why Is Breastfeeding Emotionally Challenging for Some Women?
Breastfeeding can be a complex experience, influenced by both physical discomfort and emotional strain. According to Dr. Gazala Khan, lactation consultant at Motherhood Hospitals, Pune, many women struggle with pain from sore nipples, low milk supply, or difficulty getting the baby to latch.
“Postpartum hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and stress make the process even more overwhelming,” Dr. Khan said. “Add to that societal expectations and lack of support, and it’s easy to see why many mothers feel exhausted and emotionally drained.”
In some cases, physical factors like inverted nipples or prior surgeries can add to the challenge. “Seeking support from a lactation expert early on is essential,” she advised, emphasizing that every mother’s journey is valid, and no one should feel guilty for choosing what works best for them and their child.
