BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Hilary Duff Celebrates Labor With Powerful Photos From Her Home Birth

“This is hard work…every way a woman brings a baby in is…So cheers almighty mothers. You make mountains move daily.”
save article
profile picture of Nehal Aggarwal
By Nehal Aggarwal, Editor
Updated July 14, 2021
Actress Hilary Duff opens up about her home birth.
Image: Getty Images

Hilary Duff is opening up about her labor and delivery experience.

The actress and mom welcomed her third child, a daughter named Mae James Bair in a home birth on March 24. She announced the pregnancy in October 2020. On July 13, she took to Instagram to post an intimate and powerful series of photos, taken by birth photographer Lauren Guilford, documenting the experience.

“Feeling ready to share some photos of Mae Mae’s birthday!!!” she wrote in the caption. “For me to feel safe during birth and get to where I need to go, it’s crucial to have the right support system. The perfect amount of space, counter-pressure, humor, stillness and people that support my power. My hubby is the most calm anchor in the room when I feel like climbing the walls and my little Molly is an extraordinary doula who sat with me when I needed to be still and quiet.”

“My own mama was there to make all the snacks and watch with a big nervous smile as her baby brings her a new grandbaby earthside. The help that I have to support my other children while I am not able is maybe the most comforting thought of all. All hands on deck. Forever,” she continued. “This is hard work…every way a woman brings a baby in is. From getting pregnant, to c-sections, hospital or home births, the breastfeeding journey (oy vey that one gets me every time) and raising these little beings responsibly to be stand up, confident, kind citizens of the world. It’s completely consuming. A tedious, magical, miraculous adventure…So cheers almighty mothers. You make mountains move daily.”

Duff is also mom to a 2-year-old daughter named Banks, who she shares with Koma, and a 9-year-old son named Luca, who she shares with her ex-husband Mike Comrie.

While talking to Dr. Elliott Berlin on the “Informed Pregnancy Podcast,” Duff explained Luca wanted to be there for the birth, but “it happened so fast, he missed it.” While he isn’t in the photos, Duff explains he was there shortly after the birth, and she wanted him to see what childbirth looks like.

“It was kind of important for me because I’m really big on being open and honest with him about how strong women are and what childbirth looks like,” Duff said. “He knows all about periods and it’s important for me to normalize that conversation with him for all the women that are going to be in his life.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

castor oil on wood table
Is It Safe to Drink Castor Oil to Induce Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman at doctor's office
Baby Is Coming: What to Know About Cervical Dilation
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
doctor examining pregnant woman's belly for membrane sweep
What Is a Membrane Sweep—and How Can It Induce Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
evening primrose oil
Is It Safe to Induce Labor With Evening Primrose Oil?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
mother who just gave birth holding newborn baby in hospital bed
Expert Tips for How to Prevent Tearing During Birth
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
couple packing hospital bag for birth
Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman doing exercises to induce labor
Exercises to Help Induce Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
What Does It Mean to Have a Breech Baby?
What Does It Mean to Have a Breech Baby?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman with IV in arm during labor
The Lowdown on Using Pitocin During Labor
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
close up of newborn baby sleeping on mother's chest after labor and delivery
The Best Labor and Delivery Gowns for Comfort and Convenience
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting in bed
How to Do Perineal Massage to Prepare for a Vaginal Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting at home
What to Know About the Transverse Baby Position
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting in bed holding belly
What Does Baby's Fetal Station in Labor and Delivery Mean?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
mother holding newborn baby after giving birth in hospital
What Happens Right After Baby Is Born?
By Liz Callahan Schnabolk
man helping woman through labor and delivery
9 Ways to Support Your Birthing Partner During Labor and Delivery
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman in labor with eyes closed
A Quick Guide to HypnoBirthing and Its Techniques
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman in active labor in hospital bed
What Is Active Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
smiling same sex female couple sitting together and looking at one of their pregnant bumps
What You Need to Know About a Mucus Plug
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting at home looking at ultrasound photos
What Is Considered a Full-Term Pregnancy—and Why Does It Matter?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman going through labor in hospital
What Does Back Labor Feel Like?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.