Naomi Osaka and Cordae.Photo: Naomi Osaka Instagram
Naomi Osakais opening up about her pregnancy experience so far.
“We have been discussing names. I would say that we are going for something more unique than traditional,” the mom-to-be shares.
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Naomi Osaka posing with her bump in Japan.Naomi Osaka Instagram
Osaka was expecting to “have aton of cravings” throughout her pregnancy, but has been surprised to find, “I haven’t craved anything out of the ordinary.”
She credits the ease of her pregnancy so far, in part, to her “greatsupport system.”
“There are several mothers in my life, all at different phases of motherhood. It’s been nice having them share recommendations and tips along the way,” she says.
Naomi Osaka’s meditation collection with Modern Health.Modern Health
The four-time Grand Slam singles championteamed up with Modern Healthto come out witha collection of children’s meditations. Each meditation is geared to a certain age group and they are designed to help kids learn about mental health and wellness as the CDC’sYouth Risk Behavior Surveywarns of an unprecedented youth mental health crisis.
“I love that I am able tohelp create resourcesfor kids that weren’t available or common when I was a kid,” says the athlete, who began advocating for mental health after her decision tovoluntarily withdraw from the French Openin 2021.
“I hope that kids are able to learn how to manage their feelings and emotions at an early age so that they can continue to use these tools later in life.”
Cordae and Naomi Osaka at the WBA World Lightweight Championship title.Cassy Athena/Getty
Like other new parents, Osaka wants a better world for her own child to grow and thrive, and that work begins with herself.
Licensed child clinical psychologistDr. Sharon Adusei, Clinical Strategy Lead of Outcomes & Quality at Modern Health — which recently released its third new podcast series titled theJourney of Parenting, packed with actionable tips covering topics such as parent self-care, addressing challenging behaviors, understanding child anxiety, and boosting self-control skills in kids — tells PEOPLE how significant it is when stars like Osaka speak out.
“As kids and teens develop, they look toimportant figures in their life, some of which can include star athletes, family members and peers. What these important figures then model for kids and teens about the journey of mental health and how to care for your well-being and emotions sets the stage for what they internalize for their own mental health practices,” Dr. Adusei explains.
Naomi Osaka.Kelly Defina/Getty
As far as her next chapter goes, Osaka is looking forward to getting back to tennis, this time with a new fan cheering her on.
“I can’t wait to have my kid in the stands at tournaments,” she tells PEOPLE. “I feel like having them there watching will be extra motivation.”
source: people.com
