Lauren Brant and Barry Hall faced a wave of criticism over the weekend after sharing a series of intimate home birth photos to announce the arrival of their fourth child, Clay. The couple posted images showing them cradling Clay in a birthing pool illuminated with red lights, and Lauren cuddling the newborn on a bed with a bowl of placenta nearby.
The caption read: “CLAY. Our son was born 20.7.24 at 8:33pm into our loving arms at home. It was magic. We are all in the most beautiful bubble of love and are being held and supported by our incredible community. We look forward to sharing our home-birthing story with you.”
While the post was meant to celebrate the joyous occasion, it quickly drew criticism from commenters who felt the photos revealed too much.
“The birthing pool is too much… reminds me of a horror movie,” one commenter wrote.
“I’m happy for you but I don’t get the need to make it all so graphically public,” another said. “You’re not superheroes & women have been having babies since time began.”
Another commenter added, “Seriously. Isn’t anything private anymore? Why don’t you keep that moment within the family? Billions of women have babies. We all think it’s special, but guess what. It’s only special to your family.”
Despite the negative feedback, many fans were quick to praise the couple’s post.
“So beautiful. Congratulations,” wrote Simone Holtznagel.
“Congratulations!!!! He is so perfect,” added Bachelor in Paradise star Tara Pavlovic.
“Omg you finally did it!! You got a dark-haired baby! Definitely worth trying a fourth time for!!” wrote radio host Emily Jade O’Keeffe. “I love him, he’s so freaking cute! His brothers are going to be smitten. Sending you and Barry all the love and baby smells xx.”
The couple had announced their pregnancy earlier this year, with Lauren, 34, sharing photos on Instagram in January of Barry, 46, and their three sons pointing at her growing baby bump. The couple are already parents to three sons: Miller, six, Houston, four, and Samson, two.
In June 2021, Lauren and Barry revealed during an emotional interview on A Current Affair that they had secretly married in February and were expecting their third child.
The mixed reactions to their latest announcement highlight the ongoing debate over the sharing of personal milestones on social media and what is deemed appropriate for public viewing.
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