Laila Ali Welcomes Son Curtis Muhammad

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Former boxer and host of American Gladiators Laila Ali and her husband Curtis Conway have welcomed their first child together, a son. Curtis Muhammad Conway arrived on Tuesday, August 26th, weighing in at 6.8 lbs and is 19 inches long. Curtis joins older siblings Cameron and Kelton, 13, as well as Leilani, 9, from Curtis’ previous relationship. A statement from Laila’s rep reads,

"Although mom and baby are both healthy and happy, there were some surprises during labor that altered Laila’s birth plan."

Laila, 30, announced her pregnancy in March by posing on the cover of Essence magazine with her husband. In April, the pair shared that they were expecting a son. In June, Laila revealed her plan for a natural homebirth, imploring other moms-to-be to research all delivery options before making a choice. She also opened up about her and Curtis’ name choice for their baby boy. In August, Laila was the covergirl for the September issue of Pregnancy, posing for a photoshoot and extensive interview.

Source: Laila Ali

Comments

I’ve been waiting for this announcement! Can’t wait to see his photos! Congrats to them!

- Becky's Daughter on September 11th, 2008

What a blessing for them. I am glad to know that Little Curtis is healthy and the family is doing great. Can’t wait to see him and what is sure to be a great smile. Smile. Congrats Laila!

- Nita on September 11th, 2008

I forgot that she was due now! I’m sorry it sounds like maybe she didn’t get the birth plan she was envisioning. But, I’m very glad everyone is happy and healthy

- MB on September 11th, 2008

For me, her pregnancy flew by!!! Congratulations to the Ali-Conway family!!! Can’t wait to see pictures. I’m sure he’s absolutely adorable. =)

- jashmom on September 11th, 2008

the baby was born in late august–i wonder why the delay in reporting it?

i was starting to wonder when the baby was going to arrive–glad to know he’s here, healthy and safe!

congrats!

- ashley on September 11th, 2008

Oh wow congrats.Thats my 9yr daughter birthdate.

- tan on September 11th, 2008

Congrats to the family!!

- Sasha, USA on September 11th, 2008

Congrats to Laila & Curtis! I bet he’s adorable. Too bad she didn’t get the birth experience she hoped for, but at least Curtis is here and healthy. Hope we see pics of the little guy soon!

- Amanda on September 11th, 2008

wow! the 2nd celebrity mum this week who made it days postpartum without us knowing! congrats to laila!

- Gigi on September 11th, 2008

I’m surprised they were able to keep it quiet this long! I thought she was still pregnant all this time. Congratulations.

- Marilyn on September 11th, 2008

Congrats to the family. Glad everyone is doing fine and that they had a few days of privacy before announcing the birth. Can’t wait to see the little guy.

- Rosy J on September 11th, 2008

i am happy for them them son was born on mine birthday august26th i am happy to let them son have mine birthday me

- samantha on September 11th, 2008

I too, had hoped for a natural birth. And I too, experienced “surprises” during mine. Mainly that she was posterior. I ended up having an emergency c-section.

I am TOTALLY in favor of women hoping for a natural birth. But I know how dogmatic I was about it, and I think it’s better if you keep an open mind the whole time. It has taken me almost a year to get over and accept my daughter’s birth. It’s been a real lesson in letting go.

Glad to hear that everyone is healthy. That’s the important part!!

- sally c on September 11th, 2008

COngrats to her and her family.

- Bryana on September 11th, 2008

Why do some mothers insist on a natural birth when they will ultimately have no control in the delivery room? It’s the health of the baby that matters and that doctors care about–not the mothers wishes or “ideal birthing plan”. It’s not all about what you want anymore, welcome to motherhood! Nothing irritates me more than moms like this.

- Kim on September 11th, 2008

Might not have been the home birth she was planning on, but at least she has a healthy son accounted for, and she’s healthy and accounted for, too. At the end of the day, I don’t care how many times it’s said, that is what matters most.

Congrats to her and Curtis on finally getting little Curtis Muhammad here.

I think he and my newest cousin share the same birthday…I think. Although I think she was born early Monday morning, even still, there’s only a day/few hours between them, lmao.

- FC on September 11th, 2008

I’m all for natural births…but I think this is just is a perfect example of the fact that hospital births are not necessarily barbaric or impersonal….and if things don’t go according to plan, there is no better place to be.

- Cyndy on September 11th, 2008

Congrats to Laila and family!

Cyndy-I totally agree. Hospitals are the place to go for medical emergencies! Thankfully, I had a successful homebirth and did not need any medical assistance. I know that’s not always the case, which is why hospitals are definitely a good thing for those that need (or want) them.

- Jesse on September 11th, 2008

I think what Sally C said was right on point. You have to be open minded about childbirth. None of us have control of when the baby decides to come nor how s/he gets here. To be staunchly against homebirth or a hospital birth is naive and selfish. Birth is really about the baby, not about us adults. I am due the first Monday in October and would like for my child to be born naturally, but anything can happen. I must be open-minded and just pray that my child is born HEALTHY. That’s all that matters in the end.

- TeeTee on September 11th, 2008

Congrats to Laila and her husband!

I do think it’s interesting that she was so definite on having a natural homebirth and that she would breastfeed, when the truth is that you can make plans, but you never know what’s going to happen in childbirth and after. In my opinion, you need to keep your choices in mind, but go with whatever gives you the safest outcome. The important thing is to end up with a healthy baby and healthy mom–childbirth isn’t all about the mother, it’s about the baby, too. Obviously. I’m due in a week and a half with my first, and I’m hoping for a nice, easy birth in the hospital, but I have no idea how it’s going to go. However, I trust my medical team, and I’m sure it will all be fine. Just like Laila and Curtis.

- Pencils on September 12th, 2008

they often say easy pregnancy difficult birth. difficult birth easy baby. easy bith difficult baby.

- emma on September 12th, 2008

Congratulations to Laila and Curtis on this new arrival.

- Bancie1031 on September 12th, 2008

TeeTee,
You may want to consider your own health as well. To make a blanket statement such as “all that matters in the end” is your baby’s health not only discounts your physical and mental health, but is potentially setting you up for a rough post partum time if you are not ok for some reason but your baby is healthy.

Healthy babies are very important. I’m grateful every single moment of the day that my two girls are healthy, but I’m tired of the health of the baby being placed paramount to the the health of the Mama.

Physically or mentally unhealthy Mamas have a hard time taking care of babies, whether the baby is healthy or not. That is a fact. Take it from someone who has been there.

- Angela on September 12th, 2008

I am right with you Angela, I am still there mentally a year later. For the lady who is putting it all in the hands of her medical staff needs to be ready then for a c/s. hospitals are for sick people. you should watch “the Business of being Born” produce by Ricki Lake. The hospitals and birth has changed drameticly and its b/c we give up all our patient rights to the doctor’s. We need to start standing for our rights as patients.

- sarah on September 12th, 2008

You can still give birth in a hospital and also be an active patient. If you have a good Dr. it’s definitely possible. Also, if you have a good Dr. you would NEVER give up your patient rights. And if you think your hospital is full of “sick people” find a new one. That is what being an active patient is!

- SH on September 13th, 2008

I also want to add that I was thanking my lucky stars for being in a hospital with my 3rd baby. My first 2 children were born without a hitch – I was at a hospital, but only for about 2 hours for each of them, and didn’t even have an IV in…no drugs, born totally natural. With my 3rd, (also born naturally) if he was born at home or 100 years ago he would have been a stillborn and I would have also died. Every birth is different. You have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst. IMO, being at home just puts risk on the baby if something happens and you can’t get to a hospital quick enough.

- SH on September 13th, 2008