“You have no idea what this body can do,” Ashanti shared with her nearly nine million Instagram followers in a clip posted on Wednesday, August 21. In the same post, she made a surprise announcement: she and Nelly have welcomed their first baby together, a boy named Kareem Kenkaide—and she’s already four weeks postpartum.
“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol,” Ashanti began in her Instagram caption. “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.”
In the accompanying photo, Ashanti proves that postpartum life can be chic, wearing the aforementioned Frida Mom Disposable Postpartum Underwear Boy Shorts ($13), a white cropped top, and a silk robe, accessorized with a statement necklace.
The singer opened up even more about her journey with Entertainment Tonight, revealing that Nelly was behind her son’s name. “His dad named him with a lot of pride,” she told the outlet. “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. Having a vision of this moment for so long…it was such an electrifying feeling.”
In the same interview, she added, “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. This little boy has my entire soul wrapped around his finger.”
Ashanti also offered some advice for new and expecting mothers: “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.”
Shop Ashanti’s Postpartum Frida Mom Shorts
