TV star Jeannie Mai Jenkins shocked fans when she announced that she was expecting her first child with her husband, Jeezy. This was so because of Mai’s longtime resolution not to have kids.
The Real co-host Jeannie Mai Jenkins has come full circle with the idea of becoming a mother and experiencing motherhood. There was a time she never thought motherhood was something she wanted.
However, Jeannie had the sweetest news to share when she debuted her growing bump on “The Real” in 2021. She also got honest about her previous choice of not wanting a child. Here’s all to know.
The Terms In Her Former Marriage
Jeannie Mai Jenkins’ personal life made headlines in 2018 when she called it quits with longtime spouse Freddy Harteis. The two were married for ten years and had no children together.
Jeannie would later reveal on the TV show that the crux of the matter had boiled down to her and Harteis wanting different things. While Harteis wanted kids, Jeannie was keen on her choice of not wanting to become a mom.
She explained that when she and Harteis started dating, they were young and so in love, and this must have clouded his choice of wanting children. However, after a long time as a couple, Harteis realized he indeed wanted children.
Leading up to their divorce, Jeannie updated fans on the state of things and only prayed for a resolution. After the two were legally separated, the “How Do I Look?” alum shared that she wished Harteis nothing but the best.
Why Jeannie Mai Jenkins Did Not Want Kids
For the most part of her teenage years and adult life, Jeannie dealt with the trauma of being sexually abused when she was in her formative years. The lasting trauma also transcended her choices that made Mai conclude she did not want Kids. The star relayed:
“As a child, when you are taken from things that feel good and whole and safe, it’s hard to see anything being trustworthy moving forward.”
Jeannie had been on the receiving end of sexual misconduct from a family member when she was nine. However, she revealed that her mom did not believe her when she opened up.
This would go on to play a significant role in her trust issues and the fact that she felt like she could not trust herself to take care or protect a child. The Emmy-winning TV host added that she was still scared of that thought but has been able to face her trauma and change her mindset.
Why Jeannie Decided She Was ready For Motherhood
Jeannie had a change of heart, and now she is mom to a baby girl. However, it was a process that she was willing to walk through with her rapper husband, Jeezy.
A few weeks after her pregnancy reveal, Jeannie took to her “Hello Hunnay With Jeannie Mai” podcast, where she laid it bare about her change of heart. The 43-year-old stated that it all started after her relationship with Jeezy.
The star felt relief when she got to know the star rapper and also found out that there was no pressure on her to have kids. However, as the relationship blossomed, her desire to start a family with the love of her life took form. She added:
“I’m so thankful because I’ve never felt this ready. I’ve been through so much, and I’ve survived and I’m shining. My heart is ready. I was meant to be a mom.”
Jeannie also shared her many reasons on “The Real,” one of which was that Jeezy made her realize she had never felt safe in her life. However, she also noted that it was a mutual phenomenon between them, and they both decided to create happiness for themselves.
Inside Jeannie Mai Jenkins’ Motherhood Journey So Far
Jeannie Mai’s baby is still an infant, so the celebrity mom is still learning her way through it. However, she did share tidbits about her journey to becoming a mother.
A few weeks after having her child, Jeannie took to Instagram, where she stated that her fourth trimester was the most challenging part of her pregnancy. The star also wrote of her postpartum, noting that nothing prepared her for the experience.
Jeannie Mai Jenkins welcomed her baby girl, Monaco, on January 11, 2022, and chronicled the baby’s arrival on Instagram. The meaning behind the baby’s name was also revealed on “The Real;” the city of Monaco was where Jeannie decided her new chapter.