After keeping the news quiet for over a month, Ashanti and Nelly revealed yesterday that they welcomed their first child on July 18. Ashanti, whose baby boy is named Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, shared her first postpartum picture on Instagram later the same day, and she looked absolutely stunning posing in her underwear.
“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol,” the “Only You” singer wrote. “I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!”
The new mom kept it real about postpartum life, which includes stretchy underwear from Frida Mom. “This is what postpartum looks like I’m loving these super cozy @fridamom shorts!” she continued. “I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, boy. ????”
In the photo, Ashanti poses in front of mirror with one hand on her hip. She’s wearing the high-waisted disposable underwear with a white sports bra, with nothing but a silky blue robe over the top. A sparkly necklace and silver bracelets complete the stunning look. She looks absolutely gorgeous!
Slide 2 features a video of Ashanti praising her body (because moms are so awesome!). “Four weeks postpartum,” she says, zooming in on her stomach. “You have no idea what this body can do.” Yes, queen!
People loved the body positivity. “Thats a beautiful body. One of the best experiences a woman could have is childbirth. Congratulations!!” one person wrote. Someone else commented, “You look gooood! I love when women are in their natural state after having a baby!!!”
“I love that you are showing the reality of what a post baby body looks like. And you look amazing at that! ????” another person praised.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ashanti revealed how her son “KK” came in “just a little early,” which meant Nelly had to fly in last minute to make it for the birth. “Having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time, I cried it was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time,” Ashanti said. “Having a vision of this moment for so long…it was such an electrifying feeling.”
She also shared how her life revolves around her baby boy now. “My son definitely dictates everything now, he is the priority overall and I don’t care what it will take, what I have to do, I’m just going to give everything and my all to my son,” the “Baby” singer told the outlet. “This little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”
Even so, Ashanti knows the importance of moms taking time for themselves too. Her parenting advice is “Follow your gut instinct and keep strong no matter what the obstacles bring.” She explained, “Your child absolutely feels your energy. Make sure that the baby feels secure and safe and you have to have space for you as well. Don’t get too lost into the world of the baby. I think that it’s really important to create a balance.”
She is already so confident and wise in motherhood, and it’s a beautiful thing.
Before you go, check out these celebrity moms who refused to get on the ‘lose the baby weight’ train.
