Hilary Duff has shared a very personal collection of photos taken during the home water birth of her baby girl.
The former Disney star said Tuesday that she was “finally ready” to show the private images nearly four months after welcoming her third child, Mae James.
“A tedious, magical, miraculous adventure…,” she described the experience of having and raising a child. “So cheers almighty mothers. You make mountains move daily ♥️.”
In one photo, Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, is seen holding her shoulder and belly as she closes her eyes with tears streaming down her face.
A few shots show the actress stripped of clothing from the waist down as her BFF-turned-doula, Molly Bernard, guides her through difficult moments.
“For me to feel safe during birth and get to where I need to go, it’s crucial to have the right support system,” Duff wrote on Instagram. “The perfect amount of space, counter-pressure, humor, stillness, and people that support my power.”
The “Younger” star, 33, added, “My hubby is the calmest 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.”
Duff’s “Younger” co-star Molly Bernard supports her as a doula during the birth. Lauren Guilford Photography
The “Lizzie McGuire” star’s mother, Susan Duff, was also present to “make all the snacks and watch with a big nervous smile as her baby brings her a new grandbaby earthside.”
The “Coming Clean” singer has two older children — 9-year-old son Luca, with ex Mike Comrie, and 2-year-old daughter Banks, with Koma. She gave birth to Luca in a hospital but had Banks and Mae at home.
“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, confidant, kind citizens of the world,” she wrote. “It’s completely consuming.”
Duff works to bring baby Mae James “earthside.”Lauren Guilford Photography
Fans and celebs, including fellow new mom Mandy Moore, praised Duff, writing, “Love this and you!! Wowowow.”
Koma sweetly commented to his wife, “My actual superhero .”
A vision board with words of affirmation is posted above Duff’s bath to provide encouragement.Lauren Guilford Photography
The pair tied the knot in December 2019.
