Congratulations are in order for Janet Jackson, who has just given birth to her first child – a baby boy named Eissa Al Mana.
In a statement yesterday, 'The Best Things In Life Are Free' singer's rep told People magazine: 'Janet Jackson and husband Wissam Al Mana are thrilled to welcome their new son Eissa Al Mana into the world. Janet had a stress-free healthy delivery and is resting comfortably.'
Though she is 50-years-old, she is the youngest Jackson member of the family. She first broke news of her pregnancy in May 2016, almost one month after postponing her 'Unbreakable' world tour because she and Wissam were 'planning our family', explaining in a Twitter video to her fans that she needed to 'rest up – doctor's orders'.
The fiercely private star, who only announced her marriage to Al Mana a year after it occurred in 2012, has previously opened up about her desire to have a family.
Aged 44, she told Access Hollywood: 'I'd love to have a family. But really, it's in God's hands. So, if it's meant to be, I'll have one. I hope it does.'
And it has, so fair play to her.
Another mother keen to discuss the joy of parenthood is Mad Men star January Jones, who recently opened up in an interview with Red magazine about her decision to become a single mother at the age of 33-years-old, seemingly proclaiming her son better off without his father.
'I don't believe in regret. I just try to be a better person. Try to be a better mom,' she said.
The 38-year-old actress, who welcomed her son Xander Jones in 2011, has decided not to reveal the child's father, choosing to surround her child with alternative male role models.
She explained: 'Xander has a lot of bro time with the neighbour's dads and my dad, who is super young. It's good to have strong women around a man to teach him to respect women. He doesn't have a male person saying 'don't cry' or 'you throw like a girl. All those s--tty things that dads accidentally do.'
Despite trying to date following Xander's birth, Jones says that the majority of the time she'd rather be at home sleeping or hanging out with her son. 'I just don't feel I need a partner,' she added.
Sounds like bliss to us, and good on these women for making and owning their own reproductive decisions.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
