First look at Keisha Castle Hughes’ new baby
Can you imagine - 17 and a new baby. She looks beautiful though.
On the pregnancy: Keisha: [I was used to having irregular periods], so I was more than four months pregnant [when I found out for sure]. It was really weird because I’d been playing this pregnant woman [Mary in The Nativity Story] for three months and then all of a sudden I was pregnant. I remember thinking, ‘Maybe I’m imagining it.’ I just got so caught up with Mary.
Brad: ‘I had always imagined starting a family at the age of 24 or 25. So when Keisha first told me that she might be pregnant, I didn’t know what to think. I was a bit blown away. I just wanted to go to the doctor and find out for certain. Then, when we did find out, having it confirmed, I was over the moon.’
On media attention due to her age: I just didn’t expect it. I suppose I was living in a bit of a fantasy world in my head. I thought, ‘I’m going to tell everyone, and everyone is going to celebrate.’ Absolutely everyone in the country had something to say about it. I thought, ‘At the end of the day, I am going to be the one looking after this baby in the middle of the night and it doesn’t affect you.’
People overseas were really supportive. I had lots of letters of support from people I had worked with in America and friends over there. Then we came home and it was just like a small town. I expected there would be a small story inside the paper about it, not that it would be all over the front pages and on the six-o-clock news. It was hard for my friends because everyone was talking about it on the radio and it made them angry. And it was hard for my family because things that were said were reported completely out of context.
People have said to me, ‘You are only 17, what will happen to your life?’ But I’m not like most 17-year-olds. I have only lived 17 years, but I have already done so much. In the last four years alone I have done more than a lot of 40-year-olds have. I’m about as ready for this as I could ever be.
Yes, I was scared when I found out I was pregnant. But if I got pregnant when I was 27, I would have been scared too because it is a huge step.
Being ‘over it’ by week 39: Most of the time I felt really good, although by week 39 it was driving me nuts. I was over it. I used to go shopping all the time for the baby, but by then I didn’t want to go near another baby shop.
Her labor: Keisha was a week overdue when her three day labor began. After two days of mild contractions, the third day was tougher, but Keisha labored at home until her contractions were six minutes apart. Keisha says, ‘I was planning to have a water birth at home. I wanted so much for it to be natural and I didn’t want any pain relief.‘
However, after a morning visit to her OB, the decision was made for Keisha to be admitted to the hospital. She says, ‘They had booked me into Middlemore Hospital under another name. The plan was to smuggle me in. I was going to pretend I was having a contraction and hold a pillow over my face as I went into the hospital so that no one would recognize me…by the time I got to the hospital I was screaming for the epidural.’
On the birth: After two hours of pushing, the baby’s head was deemed to be at an awkward angle and preparations began for a c-section. Keisha wasn’t happy, but says she understood. ‘At that point I was really upset because everything was going so wrong. But I knew that I would do anything to make sure my baby was healthy. If someone had said to me at that point, ‘The only way she is going to come out healthy is for you to chop off your head…I would have chopped off my head.’
Happily for her, Keisha did not end up needing the c-section, but the birth was still difficult. She had a high forceps delivery [this means the forceps were applied when the baby's head was not fully engaged -- many doctors prefer to do c-sections instead of using mid or high forceps].
Immediately after the birth, Felicity-Amore’s breathing was compromised by a wrapped cord, so she was taken away to be checked. Keisha says, ‘I was really upset by then because I thought, ‘I have done all of this work and I can’t even hold her.’ Then they brought her over and it was just the most amazing moment. For the last three days I had been in the worst agony of my life and right then I forgot every single minute of it. I just thought, ‘I’d do this all over again.’
On names: ‘When I first found out I was pregnant, I liked less conservative girls’ names like Fifi or Lulu.’ ‘Dog names,’ Bradley interjects. ‘But then we came up with Felicity, which we both liked. We didn’t really talk about names for a long time after that. Then, when she was born and they asked me what her name was, I said, ‘Felicity-Amore.’ She just looked like a Felicity and it seemed right. I didn’t even know it meant ‘happiness’ until a few days later when Mum looked it up in a book. And Amore? Love, of course!’
Brad as a dad: Keisha raves about Bradley — he even gets out of bed in the middle of the night to bring Felicity-Amore to Keisha to breastfeed, so she doesn’t have to get up!
For Brad though, it took awhile to believe that he had a daughter. He says, ‘When we finally brought her out to see [our mothers] I broke down and cried. I was just so emotional.’
On names: ‘When I first found out I was pregnant, I liked less conservative girls’ names like Fifi or Lulu.’ ‘Dog names,’ Bradley interjects. ‘But then we came up with Felicity, which we both liked. We didn’t really talk about names for a long time after that. Then, when she was born and they asked me what her name was, I said, ‘Felicity-Amore.’ She just looked like a Felicity and it seemed right. I didn’t even know it meant ‘happiness’ until a few days later when Mum looked it up in a book. And Amore? Love, of course!’
Brad as a dad: Keisha raves about Bradley — he even gets out of bed in the middle of the night to bring Felicity-Amore to Keisha to breastfeed, so she doesn’t have to get up!
For Brad though, it took awhile to believe that he had a daughter. He says, ‘When we finally brought her out to see [our mothers] I broke down and cried. I was just so emotional.’
Baby blues: The midwife came to me on day three and said, ‘You might have a baby blues day soon,’ and I thought, ‘I feel fine.’ Of course, the minute she left I was a mess for the next 12 hours. I felt like I couldn’t do anything right. I’d change her nappy and it wouldn’t fit properly. Then I’d feed her and she wasn’t latching on properly. Brad was saying, ‘What’s wrong? Why are you crying?’ and I’d just keep crying and saying, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong.’ Then the sun came up and I was fine again.
No sleep: I’d be up checking, checking, checking, being paranoid. I remember when one of my friends had a baby she said it was like that in the first few weeks. And I said, ‘If I had a baby I would just sleep the whole time and I probably wouldn’t even wake up for it.’ But it’s so true because this little person relies on you and I know if anything happened, it would be my fault.
On family: At the moment, I think, ‘What would I do if I wasn’t at home and I didn’t have the support of my mum and my family? I think it helps that I’m not at home by myself during the day. I’m lucky.
On staying in: When I was pregnant, people would come up and touch my stomach. I don’t really want to have to deal with people wanting to touch Felicity-Amore all the time. It’s just an invasion of your personal space.
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POSTED IN: Actresses, Celebrity Babies
42 opinions for First look at Keisha Castle Hughes’ new baby
Beautyfull Grant
Jun 11, 2007 at 20:34
i really didn’t know Keisha until i seen the movie The Nativity Story… but in that said i think that today and the futre days of being a teen and haveing babies young and being with older men is kind of 1920’s, people don’t see it as a crime anymore… so i think your very lucky Keisha, and Bradley of course, lol! and i hope that Falicity-amore has a very happy life in her life time as you.
Robert Stover
Jun 15, 2007 at 05:26
Hello from Texas, Keisha! As a teacher, I used Whale Rider to show my fifth graders that they could accomplish anything they wanted with hard work and dedication. You were a role model for them. When the news of the pregnancy hit the media, I was not sure I could continue to have them look at your life as an example but now I know, whatever life brings you, you will supercede it and your beautiful baby proves that the best will always win out. Here’s to your continuing success and happiness. So glad stardom has allowed you to stay your sweet and wonderful self. Bradley, you are one lucky fella!
Brittany
Jun 19, 2007 at 19:02
Your Baby is so so so so beautiful. She’s so cute I wish you lots of luck raising her. I also wanted to say I love The Nativity Story. It was awesome!!
Samantha
Jun 24, 2007 at 18:09
Keisha,
Your baby is so beautiful and I hope the best for you and Bradley. I know everything will work out for you guys so don’t let anything get in your way. I believe you are such a talented actress and i love your work. the Nativity Story was beautifully done. I hope to see more of you on the big screen. You seem to be such a great mother already, i can see it in your smile and eyes and so does Felicity, she has your eyes by the way. Keep up with the good work and good luck on your long journey into motherhood.
Bobbert
Sep 17, 2007 at 10:02
0mg that baby is foul. I just don’t understand why girls get pregnant. In my village in Louisiana, no one ever gets pregnant. I was on this website trying to find pictures of humpback wales from my fave film and discovered that not only did Pie-face get pregnant with her boyfriend at the age of 12, but her child is a cross breed with a prune. I feel sick. Goodnight.
Wow
Sep 18, 2007 at 22:36
Hahahahahahahahaa!!!
Are you serious?
Sep 18, 2007 at 22:58
Keisha
Sweetie….nobody wants to tell you the truth. You ruined your bleepin’ career. Period. You get knocked up at 16 and try to convince your fans it was a good decision? Your role model status has been flushed down the toilet. Even if you are not aware of it, young girls will follow your example and get pregnant before they finish highschool, just like you! - the only difference is that they don’t have the kind of money you have to raise their kid. You had the world in your palm…..so tragic. At least you have a goofy white boy to fall back on when your career falls apart. Just kidding Keisha, good luck to you. LOL.
Ridiculous
Sep 18, 2007 at 23:27
What a great role model for young disadvantaged Maori girls. Way to justify your RIGHT to make a baby. You go girl! Keep it up Keisha so we can continue teen pregnancy across the United States.
Ridiculous
Sep 18, 2007 at 23:38
Keisha
Sweetie….nobody wants to tell you the truth. You ruined your bleepin’ career. Period. You get knocked up at 16 and try to convince your fans it was a good decision? Are you smoking crack too? Your role model status has been flushed down the toilet. Even if you are not aware of it, young girls will follow your example and get pregnant before they finish highschool, just like you! - the only difference is that they don’t have the kind of money you have to raise their kid. You had the world in your palm…..so tragic. At least you have a skinny white boy to fall back on when your career falls apart. LOL. Keep up the good work Keisha and keep makin’ those babies. You make under age New Zealand crack whores proud!
Ridiculous
Sep 18, 2007 at 23:40
Keisha
Sweetie….nobody wants to tell you the truth. You ruined your bleepin’ career. Period. You get knocked up at 16 and try to convince your fans it was a good decision? Are you smoking crack too? Your role model status has been flushed down the toilet. Even if you are not aware of it, young girls will follow your example and get pregnant before they finish highschool, just like you! - the only difference is that they don’t have the kind of money you have to raise their kid. You had the world in your palm…..so tragic. At least you have a skinny white boy to fall back on when your career falls apart. LOL. Keep up the good work Keisha and keep makin’ those babies. You make under age New Zealand whores proud! :)
Tara
Oct 6, 2007 at 16:20
That baby is gorgeous. No denying that fact, regardless of how bitter a shriveled prune with a teeny dick you are. As for getting pregnant at 16… is it ideal? Of course not. Is it the end of the world? No. She presents herself as a mature young woman who complicated her life and is living up to her responsibilities. You want to talk about young girls having babies… talk about those that MY tax dollars are paying for.
Hey
Oct 25, 2007 at 09:05
You have a beautiful baby, but people must respect personal privacy. Congratulations.
Anna
Nov 6, 2007 at 00:30
AAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! HOW CUTE!!!!!! Keishaz Daughter is Beautiful… To those who think that being a young mother is wrong let meeh tell you its nott….. age does not define the person….. their attitude and personality does…If having a child at 24 or any appropriate age you think is right makes a mother than you need to research your facts again…. everyone matures different n i think she has matured more than most 20 yr olds have…. Brittney Spears in Example is how old and how has she cared for her child??? if you see pictures of her with her son you will see that when she was driving her sons head was literally hanging out of the child seat…. and she drives with her son on her lap…. i mean come on…. you think Keishas a bad mother….. think about it…… Im Proud of Keisha and hope nothing but the best for her and her lil’ family
Felicity
Nov 7, 2007 at 17:10
What age is appropriate?She seems more mature than Britney or Paris Hilton. (I could continue the list with other famous people)
Tania Guerrera
Nov 27, 2007 at 13:15
Children are a blessing always. Congratulations on the baby and the career.
Congra
Nov 27, 2007 at 14:26
So cuteeeeeeeeee!!
Congratulations!!
Sally Lopez
Nov 30, 2007 at 22:04
This young woman has an opportunity to use what she has learned through filming The Nativity Story and playing the role of Mary to raise this little girl as best as she can. She could have gotten an abortion no one would have found out but she chose to bare this child and keep moving forward. God bless you.
tosally
Dec 1, 2007 at 13:54
Sally, having a child in real life isn´t the same! I think she´s doing well but don´t compare!
Jessica
Dec 2, 2007 at 13:53
Why are people so rude , just leave her alone. Kiesha good luck to you and your baby. A baby is a blessing no matter what mistakes caused it to be , a baby is a blessing inspite of your mistakes. I just Proud and Glad you kept her , love her and care for her . And as for everyone who has somthing bad to say about ….. are you perfect ? until you are and never make mistakes i suggest you mind your own business and worry about your own life.
God Bless
Alissa
Dec 3, 2007 at 07:20
I had my first child when I was 19, no matter your age, it was your decision, the reality is you look happy with your baby girl.
Lauren
Dec 12, 2007 at 23:22
I remember reading about you and the new baby and getting teary eyed. I think you are wonderful and I hope to God you don’t take what the rude people from up above have said. God blessed you with Felicity Amore for a reason. Some people just can’t bare the fact that they weren’t blessed with something so beautiful. Aside from a few jerks you have touched many people’s heart. The best of luck o you and your family.
Barbara
Dec 14, 2007 at 18:33
(Um, can’t anyone spell anymore?)
My daughter was born “5 years premature” and now is a 21-year-old senior in college, and frankly, is an amazing human being who has much to contribute to the world. I have never regretted her being in such a hurry to join us.
I think the world of Keisha Castle-Hughes. She clearly has something special within that makes her stand out as mature, capable, a success; and not just as an actress. You can tell she has the spirit within to succeed at whatever she does. (… As long as she stays away from substances and doesn’t let fame or fortune destroy her perspective.) She does seem to have fully stepped up to the parenthood-plate. Good for her.
And it’s just silly to make fun of a baby! Obviously Felicity is a gorgeous child!! (The hyphenated name “Felicity-Amore” is a bit much, but clearly reflects her parents’ feelings about her presence in their lives.)
I wish them all the best. God bless them - and all young people who try to make a go of premature parenthood.
S/O of a S/O - what would Mary & Joseph have eaten, What would the Shepherd's eat? - Page 2 - AmityMama.com
Dec 16, 2007 at 14:29
[...] Originally Posted by Cuddlemama Is the girl who played Mary in this film the one who caused a huge stir by getting pregnant intentionally and giving birth at like, 15 or 16? ~L Yep, here’s an article about her and the baby Beautiful, beautiful baby!!!! Doesn’t look like the pregnancy was intentional; she said she didn’t even find out she was pregnant until she was 4 months along. First look at Keisha Castle Hughes’ new baby [...]
daniella
Dec 21, 2007 at 01:22
dont believe what any of those stupidass people that say that you ruined you career and that they say that girls will follow your example and get pregnant…well thats not true. girls get pregnent everyday and it doesnt depend on one person to make every girl want a kid… i think its awsome that you have a baby…its a wonderful blessing! hopefully you and ur baby and boyfriend have a good life. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!2008…cant wait!
alexandrea
Dec 23, 2007 at 15:54
Omg! i cant believe she had a baby. i am a huge fan. she was great in the nativity story she really brought to life what God did for us. I hope her new life with her baby will be full of joy and laughter.
Jondy Blackbear
Dec 23, 2007 at 17:40
i really don’t think it’s anyones business! i mean its Keisha and Brads baby no one elses. i mean come on if you were pregnant you wouldn’t want anybody posting it in tabloids, newspapers, and talking about it on the radio. would you? i would. anyway i think its wonderful that shes’ pregnant i mean i had a kid even younger i was 14 when i had my kid. well thats my opion on this matter. tata
Alex
Dec 27, 2007 at 15:47
i only can say: beautiful baby.
she was pregnant, she had a baby girl, she´s her baby, and that´s the only one thing anybody could say: beautiful baby.
Whetu
Jan 2, 2008 at 15:55
I must say, all the people on here who have written derogatory comments seem to have a focus on the role-model issue. From my point of view, Keisha has shown that she was not trapped into this by an overbearing spouse. She has been decisive and empowering to young women, showing that we not only have options but can choose our own future as well.
My daughter is 6 months old and I hope she will look to Keisha for guidance because taking each moment as it is and looking at a baby as a miracle, not a burden, is something the world has lost.
To Keisha, I offer my rather late congratulations and best wishes for the future. Felicity-Amore is beautiful.
All the way from Texas
Jan 6, 2008 at 12:20
When did the world become so self righteous that it should dictate puritanical values onto clearly sound individuals? If K C-H wants to be a mom, and has become one then who among you ill wishers can reverse that and take away what she has already done? You go Grrrrl! People need to stop blaming “society” for their role model shortcomings. Raise your own damned kids and stop depending on the media to do it. K C-H has done more in her short life that the majority of us. Everyone of us has dreams, too bad that some of our goals have become to kill others’ dreams and spread hate. At the end of the day none of us has a hand in raising or providing for F-A. So send your best wishes and love. Keep the bad stuff to yourselves. They are far from destitute and can figure life out on their own…
I love Y’all, best of luck.
danny
Mar 2, 2008 at 17:10
this is so kute mahn i luv tha baby shez so kute
nd keisha ur juzt so pretty mahn uze make a niice famaly ecept foa ur bf nar jokez qee streight uhp mean maorii mean….katch u uhp i hav 2 qo 2 my next klass im aht skool…from renee and danny
Danny
Mar 3, 2008 at 19:11
Ewwww Watar UglY Kunt….
Robert Sessler
Mar 5, 2008 at 11:47
This is to Keisha
I would like to know, did you really give birth to the baby on the ending to the movie, the nativity story? I am just asking thats all. Please respond to the e-mail address I posted thank.
Qute baby girl :)
emma
Mar 16, 2008 at 21:42
hey,
congrats on the baby. being a young mum myself i know the crap people say. but its great to see how happy you are with your beautiful little daughter. i have a son who is 6 weeks and hes one of the best things to happen to me. have fun and enjoy motherhood!
Tammy
Mar 17, 2008 at 00:47
good on ya girl, what a beautiful baby girl you guys are honestly blessed. don’t listen to what any one says about you having a baby at your age, i had my first when i was 16yrs old and now i have 3 children and im only 19yrs old people looked down on me but i just keepet my head high at all times. young mums are just as good as older mums, at less being a young mum you have plenty of energy to do things with our children.
Kerry
Mar 28, 2008 at 08:08
Dear Keisha,
you’re baby is so amazingly beautiful.
i am 16 years old and i have been pregnant for 3 months now. before i read this story of you and your baby i was very afraid of what was going to happen, but now i can see how much you love your child and nothing has gotten in the way of you and brad raising your child and not listening to what anyone thinks.
that inspired me to do the same, i don’t give a damb what people think and i am going to have my baby and i’m going to love and cherish him/her forever.
you’re a very talented actress Keisha and i hope to see more fantastic movies from you.
Eliza-Molly
Apr 7, 2008 at 04:33
I think Keisha Castle-Hughes is an amazing actress, and I think everybody who’s nitpicking on the whole ‘role-model’ issue needs to stop being so backwards. I didn’t even know she’d had a baby until this morning (a year after it happened) and I don’t think anything less of her. In fact, it just makes her even more respectable. She’s incredibly mature for a 17 year old, whereas when I look at Jamie-Lynn’s pregancy I think “how lame and sad”, because her mother has obviously tried to cash in on the whole pregnancy. So good on yer’ Keisha.
P.S. Hyphenated names are awesome. I should know. I have one.
dsrfeys
Apr 10, 2008 at 20:06
hi
arianna
May 26, 2008 at 07:45
she is good at acting!!:) and i want to meet her so bad to ask her about whale riders!!
and it is none of you guys bisness what goes on in her life!!! she dont know you!! like what “eliza-molly” said that is her own bis not yours!!
arianna
May 26, 2008 at 07:50
we should have a vote about her its eather we dont care and respect her and her baby,or,we hate her and her choises!!! i vote the respect her because its her choise and as long as she can seport her choise and resalt!! ceep voting!!
norma
Sep 17, 2008 at 18:01
hello ”pai” thas who your allways goin to be to me i think your a woderfull mom and a amazing actres love your work.
Joe
Nov 24, 2008 at 14:25
The Whale Rider was one of the best movies I have ever seen and I am 64. I hope your family stays together. Unreal actress. Thank you
Krystal
Nov 30, 2008 at 23:36
I see absolutely no reason why Keisha wouldn’t be a great role model. She is a spirited, successful young woman who has accomplished more in her teens than most of the assholes on this site who said negative things about her would be able to in a lifetime. She certainly seems more than capable of raising her daughter in a loving, nurturing family. Keisha, I wish the best of luck to you and yours.
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