This is what postpartum looks like

The birth of Ashanti and Nelly‘s first child has been confirmed along with its gender and full name.

Yesterday (August 21), a rep for the two musicians confirmed that they had become the parents of a baby boy by the name of Kareem Kenkaide Haynes. They also shared that he was born on July 18 and wrote that the couple were “proud and happy parents” and “are so in love with KK!”

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in an exclusive interview, the ‘Foolish’ singer opened up about the baby’s name and said: “His dad named him with a lot of pride.” She shared that their child’s middle name is a tribute to her father’s name while the name Kareem – meaning generous, kind and dignified – spoke to the couple.

She also recently shared an Instagram post of her wearing disposable undergarments following childbirth and opened up about becoming a mother. “Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings! This is what postpartum looks like I’m loving these super cozy @fridamom shorts! I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby,” read the caption of her post.

“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,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “This little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”⁠

Ashanti also shared some advice for fellow mothers and mothers-to-be: “Follow your gut instinct and keep strong no matter what the obstacles bring. 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.”

In other news, earlier this month, Nelly was reportedly arrested for possession of ecstasy pills and being without insurance.

According to NBC News Nelly, real name Cornell Haynes II, was arrested in Maryland Heights, a suburb of St. Louis in the US state of Missouri, on Wednesday (August 7) at 4:45am.