Australian wellness entrepreneur and KIC co-founder Laura Henshaw has announced the joyful arrival of her first child, a baby boy named Atlas.
A Joyful Announcement on Social Media
The 32-year-old shared the happy news with her followers via an Instagram post on Saturday. The photograph captured a radiant Henshaw lying in a hospital bed, cradling her newborn son who was wearing a delicate blue knitted hat. Her husband of four years, Dalton Henshaw, was pictured with his arm wrapped lovingly around her.
The new mother penned a heartfelt caption for the image, simply stating: 'Our whole world, baby Atlas.' The post was swiftly flooded with congratulatory messages from her well-known friends and colleagues in the public eye.
Celebrity Friends Send Their Best Wishes
The comments section became a hub of excitement and support. Former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Molly Rogers wrote: 'Can't wait to meet him!!! Congratulations Dalt & Laurs xxxx.' Australian musician G Flip added a succinct 'Congrats mates,' while AFL WAG Bec Judd and The Bachelor star Brittany Hockley also offered their congratulations to the new parents.
Opening Up About Her Elective Caesarean Decision
Earlier this year, Henshaw made headlines for candidly discussing her decision to have an elective caesarean section. On an October episode of her KICPOD podcast, which she hosts with Steph Claire Smith, Henshaw detailed the various reasons behind her choice, opting for a planned surgical birth over a natural delivery.
This openness, however, attracted a wave of negative and unsolicited opinions on her social media. The reaction was later discussed on the Shameless Podcast, where hosts expressed shock at the vitriol directed at Henshaw. One host read out a particularly harsh comment which stated: 'She only wants to get a C-section to keep herself 'tidy' for her husband.' Another critic accused her of being 'too precious to push.'
Despite this backlash, Henshaw received an overwhelming amount of support from her community. Many followers praised her bravery and defended her right to choose what was best for her body and her baby. Supportive comments included messages like 'Proud of you for doing what's right for you my honey,' and 'You do what is best for you Mumma! Your body, your choice.' A third supporter wisely noted: 'Doing what is right for you, with guidance from your medical team, is perfect Laura.'
Laura Henshaw first announced her pregnancy in June. The birth of baby Atlas marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Henshaw family, one they have entered with clear-eyed choice and immense joy, despite facing unwarranted criticism along the way.
