‘Dear White People’ Star Ashley Blaine Featherson Announces Birth of Her First Child

Ashley Blaine Featherson has stepped right into a recent role — motherhood. This weekend, the “Dear Black People” actress shared the news of her daughter Aspen Dior’s birth on InstagramIn a carousel of photos, Featherson gave her followers a glimpse into an intimate family moment, posting photos of herself and her husband, Darroll Jenkins, welcoming their daughter into the world.

“Aspen Dior Jenkins… Life has never been sweeter. Love has never been deeper” – Actress signed post“There is not any denying that she was sent from heaven.

These are the BEST days of our lives.”

As one of many ladies across the country who’ve turn out to be pregnant through fertility treatments equivalent to in vitro fertilization (IVF), Featherson, 36, has been open about her journey to motherhood. During an appearance on “Cool Mom Podcast” actress opened up about some of the “reproductive obstacles” and frustrations that include a diagnosis of “unexplained infertility.”

“Then I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility, which is the most frustrating thing for anyone because it’s exactly what it sounds like: ‘Ma’am, we don’t know what to tell you; we don’t know why this isn’t happening,'” she said. Lizzy Mathis, host of the podcast, said: explaining the start of her IVF journey. “It’s very frustrating.”

The star explained that after a 12 months of attempting to conceive together with her husband, Featherson’s gynecologist really helpful she see an infertility specialist, who then encouraged the star to start freezing her eggs and creating embryos. In addition to her fertility struggles, the actress revealed that her husband’s battle with kidney disease also inspired the couple to try in vitro fertilization. Knowing that her husband would soon need a kidney transplant, Featherson and Jenkins followed their doctor’s recommendations and underwent fertility treatments, which the actress admits was difficult.

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“I felt like my body was failing me and no one could tell me why,” the actress said in an interview. Instagram rollsharing how she ultimately discovered a brand new appreciation for her body’s capabilities through IVF. “I did what I thought I would never be able to do; I underwent countless injections, countless medications, surgeries, brain MRIs, all to be on the other side, living inside this miracle with our baby girl.”

According to the American Society for Reproductive MedicineIn 2022, an estimated 91,771 babies were born through IVF, up from 89,208 in 2021. Now that just about 2% of births within the United States are through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF, experts praise the treatment’s success rate.

“In many ways, in vitro fertilization is one of the great triumphs of modern medicine,” added Dr. Zev Williams, director of the Columbia University Fertility Center, in line with CNN“One of the things that’s important to know is how common this is. About 2 percent of births in the U.S. are the result of in vitro fertilization. More than eight million babies have been born through this technology.”

Understanding the emotional and financial toll of undergoing these procedures, Featherson has been open about her IVF journey to support other women fighting infertility. But now that her daughter is here, the actress says she’s most enthusiastic about “raising someone amazing” and seeing motherhood from a distinct perspective.
“I’m glad I can connect with my mom in a different way and better understand her journey, who she is and all she’s done for me,” Featherson said. Being“I’ve been through so much with my reproductive system. I’m so grateful. I’m so proud of my body. I feel the most blessed I’ve ever felt, right after my wedding day.”