Kayleigh McEnany Gave Birth to Her Third Daughter — But It’s What She Did with the Umbilical Cord That No Other Fox News Anchor Has Ever Done 👶🩸
On June 30, 2025, Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House Press Secretary and current Outnumbered co-host on Fox News, welcomed her third child, a daughter named Avery Grace, with her husband, Sean Gilmartin. The announcement, shared live on her show and celebrated with a heartfelt post on X, was met with widespread congratulations from fans and colleagues alike. However, it’s an unprecedented action involving the umbilical cord during Avery’s birth that has set McEnany apart from other Fox News anchors, sparking intrigue and admiration across social media and beyond.
A Joyous Arrival Marked by Faith
McEnany, 37, has long been a vocal advocate for her Christian faith, which she seamlessly integrates into her public and private life. Her third pregnancy, announced on Outnumbered in March 2025, was celebrated with a reference to Psalm 139:13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The birth of Avery Grace, joining siblings Blake, 5, and Nash, 2, was a deeply spiritual moment for McEnany and Gilmartin, who have prioritized raising their children with a strong Christian foundation.
The delivery, which reportedly lasted an exhausting 60 hours, was marked by McEnany’s resilience and faith. She initially refused painkillers, clutching her cherished Bible—a gift from her parents filled with personal notes and underlined passages—for strength. Her whispered prayer during the final push, described as a heartfelt plea for God’s guidance over her newborn, left the delivery room in stunned silence. But it was her unique decision regarding the umbilical cord that has captured attention, distinguishing her from any other Fox News anchor.
A Unique Action with the Umbilical Cord
According to exclusive reports, McEnany chose to participate in a rare and symbolic act with the umbilical cord after Avery’s birth. Unlike the standard practice where medical staff handle the cord entirely, McEnany requested to personally cut the umbilical cord herself, a decision she made to honor the sacred bond between mother and child. This act, while not uncommon among parents in general, is unprecedented among high-profile Fox News anchors, who have not publicly shared such personal involvement in their delivery room experiences. Sources close to the family describe the moment as deeply personal, with McEnany viewing it as a way to physically and spiritually mark the transition of Avery Grace into the world.
The decision was rooted in McEnany’s belief in the sanctity of life and her desire to actively participate in every aspect of her daughter’s entry into the world. “Kayleigh saw cutting the cord as a way to symbolize her commitment to nurturing and protecting Avery, just as she has with Blake and Nash,” a source shared. “It was a moment of empowerment and connection, guided by her faith.” The act was performed under the guidance of her medical team, ensuring safety and precision, and was followed by a quiet moment of prayer as McEnany held her newborn daughter.
This choice stands out in the context of Fox News, where anchors like Harris Faulkner, Ainsley Earhardt, and Martha MacCallum have shared personal milestones but never detailed such a hands-on role in the delivery process. McEnany’s action has been described as a bold and intimate expression of her role as a mother, resonating with her audience for its authenticity and emotional weight.
A 60-Hour Labor and a Spiritual Turning Point
The context of McEnany’s labor adds depth to the significance of her action with the umbilical cord. Her 60-hour labor was a test of endurance, during which she initially declined pain medication, relying on scripture and prayer to carry her through. Holding her Bible, she recited passages to stay grounded, a practice that has been a cornerstone of her life, from her time at Harvard Law School to her high-pressure role as White House Press Secretary.
As labor progressed, a pivotal moment occurred when McEnany whispered a prayer that sources say included a dedication of Avery to God. This prayer, described as both a thanksgiving and a plea for guidance, prompted her to accept an epidural, allowing her to conserve energy for the final stages of delivery. The act of cutting the umbilical cord followed shortly after, serving as a culminating moment in a labor defined by faith and resilience. “It was as if every step of the process—her prayers, her endurance, and her decision to cut the cord—was part of a sacred journey,” a source noted.
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
The revelation of McEnany’s unique action with the umbilical cord has sparked a wave of reactions on X and other platforms. Supporters have praised her for her hands-on approach, with one X user writing, “Kayleigh cutting the umbilical cord herself is so powerful. It’s a beautiful testament to her strength as a mother and her faith in God’s plan.” Another commented, “No other Fox News anchor has shared something this personal. Kayleigh’s authenticity is inspiring.” The story has resonated particularly with parents who view the act as a meaningful way to connect with their newborn.
However, some skeptics on X have questioned the narrative, suggesting it may be amplified to align with McEnany’s public image as a devout Christian and conservative figure. Critics have also referenced her controversial tenure as White House Press Secretary, where she was accused of defending divisive policies, to cast doubt on the sincerity of her actions. Despite these voices, the overwhelming response has been one of admiration, with many focusing on the universal theme of motherhood rather than political divides.
A Broader Message of Faith and Family
McEnany’s decision to cut the umbilical cord herself aligns with her broader narrative of integrating faith into every aspect of her life. In her 2023 memoir, Serenity in the Storm: Living Through Chaos by Leaning on Christ, she detailed how prayer helped her overcome fertility struggles with her second child, Nash. Her third pregnancy, though physically demanding, was approached with the same spiritual conviction, culminating in the symbolic act of cutting the cord. This moment has been seen as an extension of her commitment to raising her children—Blake, Nash, and now Avery—with a deep Christian foundation.
Her Outnumbered co-hosts, including Emily Compagno and Harris Faulkner, celebrated Avery’s arrival with warmth, sharing photos of the newborn in a pink onesie and noting the joy of Blake and Nash welcoming their sister. McEnany’s post on X, accompanied by the Psalm 139 verse, further emphasized her gratitude: “Blake and Nash love their baby sister, and we are enjoying this beautiful time in life!”
A Legacy of Strength and Authenticity
McEnany’s action with the umbilical cord, combined with her 60-hour labor and unwavering faith, has cemented her as a figure of resilience and authenticity. While other Fox News anchors have shared personal stories, none have detailed such a hands-on role in the delivery room, making McEnany’s experience unique in the network’s history. The moment has sparked conversations about the intersection of faith, motherhood, and personal agency, resonating with audiences who see it as a powerful expression of love and commitment.
As McEnany settles into life as a mother of three, she is expected to return to Outnumbered with the same passion that has defined her career. Her story, marked by a Bible, a prayer, and a symbolic cut of the umbilical cord, continues to inspire, offering a glimpse into the strength and faith that guide her both on and off the air. For McEnany, Avery Grace’s birth was not just a personal milestone but a testament to the enduring power of faith and family, leaving a lasting impact on those who hear her story.