sooo cute...i just love the cover shot

Max is so cute, and Christina looks so in love with him. Congratulation to her and Jordan.

Very cute! Now I want to see Nicole's baby Harlow!!

He is adorable!!!!! I think he looks like her a lot in that first picture<3<3<3 Congratulations again Christina!! :)

Yay! I can't wait to go get my people magazine now!

I see both parents in his looks, but more of christina in him. She looks pretty with makeup like this too.

Oh my goodness, he looks like a little doll, and a lot like Jordan. This is great, beautiful pic.

awwww! little chubby cheeks!

Awww finally!! Lil Max is so precious! Can't wait to read the interview. :)Now, come on Harlow!! I'm dying to see what she looks like!

Yay! Thanks so much for posting these pictures! Max is adorable! I know they change so much this early, but I do think he looks a lot like his mommy. Can't wait to hear more about the article! :)

Aww, he's so cute! Christina looks beautiful as well. :D

Max is adorable and Christina definitely has that motherly glow!

Max is sooooooooo cute! Christina is just glowing in those pics.

What a cutie pie!

I can't wait to see a close-up of that nursery. It looks out of this world!!!

I know Brooke, it looks amazing! I think she has one of those round cribs. And that half-moon...wow!

She looks beautiful here and Max is just precious. I think he's a nice mix of both parents.

So classy! I love the muted makeup and lighting. They've got a beautiful son!

Wow. He's a beautiful baby. She looks wonderful.

LOVE that her makeup is natural, love the shots... I will DEFINITELY be getting this week's People!!

STUNNING. Christina looks fantastic.

He's such a doll!

I'm really surprised to see Max before Harlow - I didn't think Christina would want him to be photographed - but this is great! Can't wait to see the rest of the photos.

In the second picture he looks like his Daddy SO MUCH!!!

Gorgeous photos of both of them! I wish I could have a celebrity photographer (with access to photoshop) take pictures of me and my son! I'm so jealous ... Can't wait to see more of baby Max (and his mama :)

Yea! So happy to see pics of this little guy! I think he looks alot like this Daddy! Christina looks lovely and so over the moon with her son.

gorgeous baby!!! and gorgeous mama!!

he is so cute....as is all baby's when their born...i think that he looks like his mom

What a beautiful baby! of course with a mother like Christina, how could he be anything but beautiful? She looks so happy with her precious son, congrats Christina & Jordan!

i think max looks like both of his parents christina look stunning heathly and happy.

Beautiful. I think he looks exactly like his daddy in the second pic.

Sweet photos. The baby is adorable and Christina looks great! And that nursery looks amazing!

Awwwh he is soooo cute, she looks gorgeous, very cute pics. I can't wait to see Harlow and him again in three-six mths. =)

How precious. Max looks like both his parents

Christina looks breathtaking with natural makeup. She always has.

so cute!!!! what a good looking mom too. i love the front cover, ill be buying it, cant wait till nicole ritchie shows off little harlow

What are you guys seeing? I never understand when people say that a newborn baby or any baby under 6 months old looks like their parents. All babies of a particular ethnic background look alike. Even when people say what a gorgeous baby, what are they seeing? It's a infant, not Cindy Crawford?

What a beautiful little boy. Looks so much like mama. Brings back memories.

wow Max is so cute!!!! Christina is going to make a fab mom

LolaCola- Look closely at the second picture, I think he looks very, VERY like his dad to me- especially his mouth.

When people say a "gorgeous" baby, I think they are meaning cute. All babies are gorgeous in my opinion (not just looks wise, but they are just small packages of innocent love!)

Ok, you can tell Im clucky! LOL.

So Cute.. I hope there more pics.. I would have thought that Nicole would be the first to show off her kid. cause Christina seemed more private.

i'm so looking forward to Max growing up.

baby Max is ADORABLE!! i think he looks more like his mommy :)

Christina looks amazing!

Yeah, babies just look like babies to me as well. Beautiful, but sort of all the same. I'm so happy to see pictures of little Max, nonetheless. Beautiful mom, baby, and nursery!

I can't believe people are coming on a baby site and asking why people are calling babies beautiful. Anyway, Max is a beautiful baby.

I disagree that all babies are beautiful. It usually takes at least a few weeks for them to look actually human. I think Max is cute, but I've seen some ugly newborns

I was so dissapointed that you took the photos down! As soon as I saw the title of the post I got all excited. I did however find them at another site. He is soooooooooooooooooooooooo cute! I love his precious little lips...too cute. Hes just lovely and Christina looks beautiful. They should have done a family portrait.

Sarah's note: Sorry, but we need to be legal about things. They'll be back up as soon as People gives us the okay.

6:30 pm -- We've been given permission to post the cover.

Saw the photos on here before I got to post, but anyway... Max is so handsome! I love his little outfit in the photos, and of course mama Christina looks fabulous! Can't wait to see the rest in the magazine when it's released Friday. :)

Beautiful baby and beautiful mama!!!

But seriously on the posters that are talking about whether newborns are beautiful or not.... can there be any more catty people out there? I am at the point where I won't be reading the comments anymore. It doesn't matter WHAT the topic is, there is always one person that has to ruin for everyone by saying something!! For example, the post on Jessica Alba turned into a race debate... Brad and Angelina riding bikes with their children, here come the "helmet" - "non-helmet" people.... etc., etc...

Its ridiculous! Why not just say something positive and MOVE ON! No opinions are needed whatsoever...

And this will be the last time I post a comment on a photo/article for CBB.... I love the CBB site otherwise!!!

I TOTALLY AGREE JOY.

I really dont get some people always putting a negative spin- something I didnt think possible for a "newborn baby post"?!!!

HE'S precious!! I did see the other picture, and the cheeks and mouth area seem to look a lot like christina. I can't wait to seem him get a little older, that way we can really tell who he looks like. I'm so happy for her. I've been a major fan of hers since she started out and makes me all warm and fuzzy inside to see her with her new baby :)

He is too cute! And Christina looks (of course!) gorgeous!

I am a little creeped out by that big moon in his nursery ... I would be scared to wake up and see that. :)

I agree Joy. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.

Joy, talk to the people who post the comments if thats the case. They're the ones who are picking and choosing what is seen.

Then again, if it gets people to look at the website...

Sarah's note: There's plenty of truly nasty stuff that doesn't get published. We didn't find LolaCola's comment to be that way. Looking back, her initial comment obviously was not perceived as she intended it, but it's done and I don't have an issue if people respond to her question. It was definitely tame compared to some of the other stuff I see on the back end of the site, trust me.

Lovely! I can't wait to see the other pictures! Max is 1 week younger than my new son Ryan. It'll be cute to see them "grow together". I'm soo cheesy. Can't wait to see Harlow!

Oh and part of the fun of newborns is seeing which parent they look like. I'm usually fantastic at it but have lost my mojo. Why? Because here I sit looking in my 5 week old's face everyday and can't for the life of me figure out whether he looks like me or his dad! With my older son and most other babies I've seen, it's completely possible to tell which parent they look like right off. Maybe because I'm obsessed with it, lol.

I like her make-up here too.

Baby's are the most incredible works of art. Each one is so incredibly individual and perfect. How can anyone not see that in a beautiful newborn baby!

terri- I disagree that babies all look basically the same. True, a lot of them do look alike, especially during the newborn stage. However, there are a few that look very unique. Suri Cruise is one example. From what I've heard, she was only 3 1/2 months old in her debut pictures (because Vanity Fair is a monthly magazine, rather than a weekly one, it took a few months after the photos were taken for that issue to be completed and published)....and she was very unique looking (and I mean that in a good way)!

All of that said, I, too, am surprised that Nicole hasn't shown Harlow yet. I mean, from what I've heard, there's quite a demand for pictures of her! Then again, they do seem to be keeping her at home for the time being, so I guess they don't have to worry about the paps going crazy for a pic of her (and thus don't have to worry about releasing pictures of her to "release the pressure"). Anyway, I wonder if Harlow will be in next week's People?

Awwww finally a pic!!! Little Max is such a precious little boy. He looks alot like Jordan, but I think he has Christina's hair..lol. He's way to beautiful for a baby! Now we need to see little Harlow =).

Hope we get to see Harlow soon.

I think Max looks normal and there's nothing wrong with that. All mothers would think that their babies are the most beautiful in the world but a nurse in a maternity ward may not see anything special.

I think people are being way too sensitive. All I remarked on was the fact that most infants look alike. There was nothing catty in my comment but of course someone made it out to be that way. Kate and iluvallbabies at least you answered my question without turning it into a big deal. Joy if you didn't like my comment all you had to do is not refer to it and just comment on Max, you are the one who turned it into a negative comment with your reply. A simple "I think babies are beautiful because they are full of innocence" would have sufficed.

There is a difference between a discussion and an argument and I think CBB has done a good job of not letting discussions turn into all out brawls. I asked a simple noncontroversial question that was simple to answer or ignore. I only responded to defend my original post but I'm hoping it's not a mistake submitting this because I don't want to add fuel to the fire.

Just curious, why do people keep bringing up Harlow in Christina Aguilera threads? She's not Christina's child.

Sarah's note: Probably because Harlow was born the day before, and they think if Christina thinks it's an okay time to show Max, maybe Joel and Nicole will show Harlow soon too.

I understand Sarah, but it's in every post. Even before the babies were born, you always see posts about Nicole in Christina threads. I don't know if Christina and Max get brought up in Nicole threads, because I don't read Nicole threads.

The more you look at max, he has a lot of jordan. The nose, eye shape, and lips remind me of the dad. As he gets older, he will resemble his dad a lot I think.

strippedfan- I think, before the babies were born, it was because Christina and Nicole were due really close together. Now that the babies have been born, I think it's because of the reasons Sarah stated.

That said, this exact same thing happened for quite awhile after (and even before, I think) Suri and Shiloh were born. People kept bringing up Suri in posts about Shiloh and vice versa.

I think people just like comparing celeb babies who were born (or celeb mothers who were/are due) around the same date, and/or are in very similar situations (Suri and Shiloh, for example, are each part of two of the most watched celebrity familes, and each has had conterversory issues. For Shiloh, those issues were/are the infamous "blob" comment and the rumors that her mother doesn't love her as much as her siblings. As for Suri, well, don't even get me started!).

Anyway, I personally see nothing wrong with the "Now I want to see Harlow!" comments. At least they are not claiming that Harlow is cuter than Max, or vice versa (not that they could, since we haven't seen Harlow yet), like people often do with Suri and Shiloh.

Now, I saw Max, now I really can't wait to see Harlow! I like these photos, not to fond of the mean moon in the nursery, lol.

I never understand the people who get mad at the comments section. You do know it's optional right? You don't even have to see it if you don't click on it? Very bizarre. Personally I think CBB does an amazing job of allowing interesting debate! And I am not totally sure yet because the picture is so small...but I think i like the moon :)

he is a cutie, but the moon in the nursery is scary looking.

I really like the cover photo too. Love babies. Just so precious and adorable.

I love the cover. He's sooo adorable!!

I'm surprised to see the lack of comments about it, but I don't think we have any right to criticize Christina and her chosen c-section. After all, she was under the care of a physician who was responsible for her as a patient and would not have allowed harm to her or her child. It's her body and we have to assume her decision was well thought out and best for them!

Sarah's note: It was a pre-emptive strike, because I just updated the post with the interview. ;) The previous comments are all just talking about the photos. They'll be plenty of comments to sort through re: the interview in the morning!

I was a bit surprised that it's possible to get a desired C-section here after 36 weeks. I had my daughter in Europe and she was breech, and although going into labor would have necessitated an emergency c-section, the doctors held off as long as they could. I didn't dilate and had no contractions and I really don't mean to be critical with this posting, but I do find it interesting that doctors are willing to plan to deliver babies during the 37th week. Obviously Max is a beauty and looks like he was done baking, but I wonder if all doctor consider this an option...

i will only say that i am surprised her doctor would be willing to deliver at 37 weeks. i know it is "full term" but rarely are babies' lungs developed by then.

and brannon - the reason people have issues with the comments is that the comments that are posted are picked - not all comments are posted. plus the level of criticism allowed seems dependent on what celebrity is being mentioned.

Sarah's note: Re: the comments, it definitely does depend on a lot of different factors, which staff member is putting thru the comments, etc. And you guys know you can always email me if you have an issue or question -- sarah@celebrity-babies.com.

Well at least she was honest about wanting a c-section, I think a lot of celebrities that get it done, do it by choice. Looks like the rumors of her wanting a planned c-section, was correct. Max looks just like jordan, and the older he gets the more noticeable it will be IMO.

Max is a cutie pie.
As far as beautiful babies go- My mother is a Neo Natal Intensive Care nurse, and she is something of a baby addict. She loves all babies because they are babies, but she is pretty choosy about which babies she coos over. If she says a kid is beautiful, they have "knockout" potential. Her tastes generally run towards kids that look like Shiloh or the Gerber baby.

I'm afraid of tearing also. I've heard vaginal births can be far more painful to recover from. I don't see anything wrong with her choosing a c-section. Max is healthy, and that is what's important.

I disagree with the above, but again, it's only my experience, and every woman's is different.

My son was a planned c-section due to him being breech, and I had a really tough recovery. It was hard even to nurse him, because to hold my arms up hurt, and to rest him on my belly to eat felt like fire.

My daughter was a VBAC and I was up and about shortly after. The only negative with that experience for me was my lochia was definitely heavier the first week with the vaginal birth. But I felt fully recovered within two weeks, while with my son it was four weeks before I felt like myself.

Yeah, I got a second degree tear, but for me, it was better than having my abdominal muscles cut open again. It's a trade-off and you have to decide what's best for you.

Anyhow, that's just my experiences, just speaking from having given birth both ways and being able to compare them.

I agree with Gabriella, it's nice to have a celeb just be honest and say, 'This is what I chose for myself and why.' There are celebs like Tori and Gwen who have c-sections because they need them due to breech or stalled labor, but there are others who have them just because. I don't agree with it myself, but I can really respect a woman who says 'This is the choice I made' and then be comfortable enough to say why. Good for Christina.

Max is just gorgeous. I am surprised that they would ok a c-section at 37 weeks, but he seems just fine. I definitely felt the same way about nursing as Christina did - I couldn't believe my body was feeding him. It was a great feeling.

I love the nickname Yolky!!

A baby's lungs are indeed developed at 37 weeks and Christina's doctor would not have taken a chance of delivering him if it were not safe. My son was delivered by c-section at 36 and a half weeks and is totally fine. I was nervous about him needing to be delivered earlier than expected and my doctor reassured me that he would be fabulous and my health was more important. (pre-clampsia) And he is fabulous.
Max is a cutie pie. I love her nursery, I want a half moom for my baby's room. :-)
Christina looks wonderful and Jordan seems like a very nice Dad and husband. Congrats to all of them.

P.S.
My Mom is a nurse and she loves the babies and would always tell me that they aren't ALL cute and I always thought she was nuts, until I grew up and started having children of my own. Just the other day I saw a baby, 4 months, same as my son and I had to catch my breath because he had a big little nose and very big ears. Bless!! He was such a sweetie, but I am with the group that not ALL babies are beautiful. However, I think Max is a doll and can't wait to see more pics of him.

Vaginal tearing can be awful. I had third-degree lacerations twice. 42 stitches with the first baby. 51 with the second baby. The tearing was so severe the doctor ordered me another 2 days hospital stay. I couldn't walk. Yet I couldn't sit down.

My OB who had a mild heart attack two weeks before my labor and was furious with the attending doctor that one, I was allowed to be in hard labor for 4 days without being given a C-section and 2-why didn't they cut me to try to minimize the stitches? I delivered at 38 weeks gestational, which is what is now consider 40 weeks. I bet Christina carried until 37 weeks gestational which would put her at 39 weeks from last menstrual period.

I don't have a problem with planned C-sections. I wish someone had given me the option the first time around. I found labor hard (no drugs and wasn't even offered, maybe they didn't because of my age - 16 at the time) and I did not suddenly forget about all the pain when I saw my son's face. I told my husband that the next baby, I would have a C-section or if I must do labor I want as much drugs as they can throw at me.

Christina has little cutie pie. I love the moon. It's very "Where The Wild Things Are".

She seems to have been under the care of a competent doctor, so with that in mind I would trust in her choice to have an early c-section.

However, the reasons she gave don't sit well with me.

Pregnancy is a time when you sacrifice your body for the sake of your child. At least it was for me. I wouldn't care if I had some "vaginal tearing" with my first baby, because I would do anything for my child. I guess I'm just trying to understand her reasoning. If there are no complications, I don't understand how the risks of a vaginal birth would outweigh those of a c-section - which is considered major abdominal surgery and there is also an increased risk of placental rupture - a risk to the baby.

In addition: (and I'm not exactly sure as I have never had a c-section or any type of major surgery) isn't the recovery from a c-section a lot more grueling and invasive than the recovery from a vaginal birth? I tore a little bit with my first baby but everything seemed to go back to normal within a few weeks down there.

I'm not trying to be rude or overly critical. I just was curious to hear some other women's perspectives.

Also, she didn't want any surprises? Welcome to motherhood... you can't control everything :)

Christina's choice to have an elective C-section is her business. I love her frank honesty about things though. She pulls no punches and I love that. I don't necessarily agree with her choice to have an elective C-section but it's her body and kudos to her for being so honest.

Regardless, Christina & Jordan seem very happy and their son is healthy and beautiful.

i just love christina. what a sweet interview. i wish her, jordan, and max all the best!

Jem, my c-section recovery was definitely tougher. It was mostly issues with my belly. I lot of people don't seem to realize they actually take OUT your uterus, etc before they get everything nicely put back together again. I was in an incredible amount of pain, and the drugs they gave me made me feel so out of it. I also had A LOT of blood loss. My incision took a long time to heal properly too, and like I said above, it was impossible to find a comfortable nursing position that first week.

That being said, it wasn't a horrible situation, I didn't feel guilty about it afterwards, etc. But it was enough for me to know that I needed to try for a VBAC with my next delivery, and like I said above, that is what I did with my daughter, and for me, it was a better experience.

Again, just my personal experience.

I can't wait to see his nursery! It looks amazing even from the tiny pic on the cover.

It sounds like she was concerned that her tiny petite frame would cause the complications she mentioned and her doctor probably wanted to do it at 37 weeks so there would be no chance of her going into labor and having to have an emergency one. If her doctor thought it was safe than more power to her. While I would never want to be cut open if I didn't have to be, I think every woman has a right to choose their birthing method whether it be a c-section, home birth, water birth, epidural, hypnotherapy, etc.

She sounds like she will be a great mom. I remember watching her on MTV Diary years back with her little brother and she seemed so motherly to him.

Everyone has different fears - some fear labor, some fear breastfeeding, some fear holding their babies for the first time, some fear having to have a C-section, some fear an epidural, some fear "natural" delivery, and some fear vaginal tearing. To each their own. The important thing is that she talked to her doctor about her concerns, and the doctor addressed them so she was the most comfortable. A comfortable, relaxed and happy mom means a happier delivery, a happier family, and a better overall situation for the baby.

Being in the medical field, I can tell you that most babies are fully developed by 37 weeks, and there are tests your doctor can order to assure lung maturity before delivery. Doctors will not deliver a baby prior to full development unless the risks of the mom staying pregnant outweigh the risks of delivering prematurely.

I haven't read all the comments on this, I can imagine that a lot of people are/are going to be super critical of her. Especially for having a c-section when she did and why she did. I don't normally get into all that kind of stuff but I'm disappointed to read that. I'm one of the most impatient people, and I wouldn't have ever thought to choose a c-section. I had a very large baby and ended up going past my due date. I don't like her excuse about vaginal tearing either. I like her and am proud of all she's accomplished but this disappointed me.

The interview was great, though I got a little squeamish when she talked about her fears of vaginal tearing. That immediately made think of having to get an episiotomy and then being stitched up afterwards. That freaks me out, sorry.

I don't care how many times my mother tells me it never hurt when she had that done, it just leaves me a bit unsettled. But, as long as the baby was fine and I don't feel any of the stitching being done, and everything heals nicely, I think I'd be just fine.

Aside from that, love the photo Daily Mail posted. It's a lovely family photo, including the dogs, too. ;)

I don't get why Christina should need our approval for a decision she made with her doctor. Really, when has it ever been okay for women to approve someone's else's healthcare when there is nothing wrong going on. Its really not any of our business and we should feel happy that she even shared this information with us. She could have said it's personal. Also, Jem I think your comment was kind of out of line. She knows having children means sacrifices and surprises. What does it matter if she had a c-section or not. It doesn't mean she doesn't love her child as much as women who have vaginal births. Can't women just support each other instead of judging each others decisions.

A new baby is always a blessing regardless of how they come into the world.

When I first found out I was pregnant I really wanted a c-section, as I was terrified about all the horror stories you hear. I ready a book called Childbirth without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read which totally changed my outlook on labour & delivery. From then on I wanted a natural birth, for the challenge and experience.

However I had a very long labour that didn't progress past 6 inches and ended up begging for a c section.

For me the contractions were cringey and uncomfortable, not painful; but exhausting after a long period of time. The c-section scar and side effects from the pain killers were far worse than labour pains.

Hoping for VBAC next time...

Big love to Christina, Jordan & Yolky x

Jem, it's not right to insinuate Christina is not as dedicated to her baby as you are because she chose to have a c-section and you had a vaginal birth. I was gung-ho for vaginal births too until reasons out of my control meant I had to have a c-section for the birth of my son. Well, I had to eat humble pie, because it was an incredibly positive experience; my baby was born healthy, calm and not bearing bruising or distress from being squeezed through the birth canal, and my recovery was so swift. I can completely understand why someone would CHOOSE a c-section now. So this is just my experience, but c-sections get such a bad rap and I want people to know that they are also a magical birth experience with many positives. Let's face it, in today's world with today's technology, there are two methods of giving birth, and thank God women have the choice. And if a c-section is what Christina thought was best for her, so be it. Mother and baby are beautiful.

Ok, seriously! Who cares how little Max came into the world? He is a cutie and I checked out the pic at Daily Mirror...OMG!!! BEAAUUUTTTIIIIIFUL!!!!!!

Renee, I didn't think Jem's comment was out of line...? My thought was that she was comparing her personal experience to Christina's, and asking the commentators for their ideas about what she was questioning. I was happy to answer above and I wouldn't have if I thought she was being rude. It read more like a questioning thought process to me...

Anyway, apologies if I misunderstood. But I thought we were just engaging in discussion using Christina as a jumping off point. I have no interest in arguing with people, just in talking about our different experiences and how we made the decisions we did, our thoughts on our labor and birth experiences, etc.

It's so weird to see women get "disappointed" in how other women choose to bring their babies into the world. What does it matter, really? It's not something to get worked up over. Everyone has their choice. I think what matters most is that parents love their children and bring them up well. I would rather see a mom bring a child into the world with a C-section and raise him right than see a mom give a vaginal birth and neglect, abuse, and/or lose custody of her child.

It really makes me think of what Carrie Underwood said in her song So Small, "When you figure out love is all that matters after all, it sure makes everything else seem so small."

I was not trying to judge Christina. I was mostly just commenting on how things have changed. In the past c-sections were done only when needed, and the fact that you can have an elective c-section for reasons other than the baby's or mother's health kind of mystifies me. But hey, people will go under the knife for other things that puzzle me these days as well. Look at plastic surgery.

Max already looks like his dad! Normally i cant tell but its really clear that this little guy have his dad's nose! I love the picture with the dogs its like a family portrait!

Good for Christina! If she wanted a c-section that's her business. I personally hated my emergency c-section at 38 weeks, I had a horrible recovery. My baby girl was 8lbs 6 ozs, I am only 4'11 and 100lbs, smaller than Christina, so I know my little girl was not coming out "natural" like my other 2 children. Hopefully, if I can do it again, I want a v-bac!

You know...I think that everyone has their "reasons" for wanting a c-section or..having to get one for medical reasons or a combo of both. I personally have HSV contracted from an ex-boyfriend about 15 years ago. I am now 6 months pregnant and my OB has given me the option to either take medication close to the birth to see if it helps control an outbreak, or..schedule a c-section. At first I was anti-c-section and my husband was dead against it as it's surgery and that is scary etc. The more that time goes on though...I am now considering a planned c-section. For reasons having to do with HSV and also my own personal fears about labor/pain and tearing etc. I am really having mixed feelings, but I do not think I am less of a woman if I do indeed decided to get a planned c-section. I don't think anyone really has the right to judge people as far as their own personal birthing choices. It's really their business and if Christina felt better about doing it that way, then more power to her!

I think mothers in general can be very judgemental. Why are you formula feeding? why did you go back to work? why did you start solids early? Every mother is doing her best to care for their baby the best they know how. Its not like we are asking, why did you do drugs while pregnant?

That said, it does make you wonder how educated the mothers that have these elective c-sections are on the whole process of childbirth? Hearing that tearing can be bad, and reading books on the birthing process can be totally different things. Every women can choose how they want to do things. I just feel that the way Christina says BFing is a miracle, is how I feel about natural childbirth.

She has a beautiful baby and is certainly lucky to have the means to raise him with every opportunity.

Maybe this is too much of a no-brainer, but if you wouldn't say it to Christina's face, do you need to say it ABOUT Christina here?

(And yes, I would ask her my question above to her face, I am pretty nosey)

Perhaps the reason so many are "upset" or voicing their opinions about Christina's decision to get a c-section is because she did it 3 weeks early. Babies should come when THEY want to, not when mommy or daddy decide they want him/her to come (there are exceptions to this, such as when medical intervention is needed). I think Christina's reasoning for letting Max be born so early is just silly. Luckily, all seems to be well with little Max but still, that's not a risk most people would take because they're impatient. At least I wouldn't. All that being said and the whole situation being done and over with... I say, Congratulations Christina your son is gorgeous:)

Regarding how educated these moms are on childbirth, I'm sure she did research on her own, but Christina has a doctor with a medical degree who helped her make these decisions. I would rather go by what a doctor (or a midwife) says than anyone else.

I don't think its offensive to talk about her decision to elect a C-section, It interests me why people are doing this more and more and doctors are more than willing, I think it is a topic that should be discussed.

I think awareness and education is all important, for instance did her OBGYN discuss vaginal tearing with her, how the doctor could give her a proper episiotomy, (sorry if that is spelled wrong), all of her options to appease her fears or did the doctor just say OK c-section here we come?

We'll never know......but it does fascinate me.

I think she looks great and the baby is beautiful. Good for her for being so honest and forthcoming when she doesn't have to tell anyone anything.

About the elective C-section: yes, she was under the care of HER doctor. Ask a pediatrician and they will 100% be against delivering a baby early via c-section without a medically necessary reason. OB/GYN's job is to look out for their patient, pediatrician's job is to look out for the baby. Plain and simple. Are most babies fully developed and ready to be born by 37 wks? Yep, but some aren't which is why if she were to ask the opinion of her pediatrician, I bet they would have said wait. I get this info from my own children's pediatrician, who is a well respected doctor and chief of staff. Pregnancy is 40 wks for a reason folks.

Realizing this is a sticking topic...
I had a vaginal birth with my first son, and a c-section 11 years later with my second.
Both had their positives and negatives.
The delivery itself for a c-section was a breeze.
But the recovery from a vaginal is much easier, because after all a c-section IS major abdominal surgery. It may be routine for some at this point, but it is still major surgery with greater possibilities for complications.
The emotional feeling birth is, is just amazing, to finally meet this person you've been nurturing and growing for months just takes your breath away no matter how they arrive into the world.
I do find the trend toward c-sections for convenience to be a bit...odd.
I also think the process of laboring prepares us in a way for the unpredictability of life from then on.
As odd at it may sound a c-section seemed almost anti-climactic for me. wam bam..and theres the baby!
As easy and breezy as my c-section was (as much as one can be) I liked giving birth more (13 hour labor, episiotomy and all). For me, It felt more spiritual, more REAL.
That being said I'm old enough I can remember when the debate was whether getting an epidural or pain meds during birth was "cheating" (and yes I had both..)

In the end, like all things with ones body, it's a very personal choice, but one that should not be made lightly.

I am so tired of celebrities choosing elective c-sections rather than doing what is best for the baby and themselves. C-sections are necessary in some situations, but I think they never should be elective. They add health risks to both mom and baby. Why do women choose to risk themselves and their child just to avoid a little tearing? It makes no sense to me, especially when recovering from a c-section is much more difficult than recovery from a vaginal delivery.

He's adorable!!

And who cares how he got here, as long as he got here safe and healthy & that he's loved and cared for properly? You don't get a gold medal for births of ANY kind, so stop judging.

I find it very telling that one of the reasons she had for choosing a c-section is because of the "horror" stories she heard about birth.

Why do we (as women) always turn our birth stories into "horror" stories, and then tell them, in all their frightening detail, to other (pregnant) women?

When I was pregnant, I can count on ONE FINGER the number of positive birth stories I heard. It was from my best friend since childhood, who had her child just a few weeks before my son was due. She basically said "it was hard, it hurt, but it was amazing and if I did it, you can, too".

Everyone else was filling my (already nervous and scared) head with stories of tears, and stitches, and blood, and agonizing pain, and screaming.

Why do we do that to each other? It's no wonder more and more women are choosing c-sections, if we are insistent upon making childbirth into an experience one might view in a horror movie.

I was at a baby shower recently, where everyone started to share their birth stories, and each woman seemed determined to "out do" the last in the dramatic, scary details. I could see the poor mom-to-be turning white.

Do we think that if we tell others how we suffered, it makes us better moms?

For whatever reason, I just wish women would show some compassion for first-time-pregnant women and not always be so quick to scare them.

I say bravo CA for doing what was best for you! And being forthright about it to boot. I think all of us mother's that have given birth have had fear about what's gonna go on in the perineum at birth. There are some women who have a fear that goes beyond the usual. It is a very frightening aspect of vaginal delivery. All 3 of my children were vaginal births and the first birth was a nightmare for 4 months after his birth. Even so, I would have been extremely fearful to have had the surgery (c-section) instead. Even after the horrifically painful experience of that first birth, the thought of c-section terribly frightened me for the 2nd and 3rd. Not one of us can ever speak to the founded or unfounded fears or concerns of another. And certainly I think we could most all agree that it's not a vanity issue at all because c-sections scars are just that, scars.

What a beautiful baby!

I had to have three c-sections due to two breech presentations and one was for failure to progress after 36 hours in labor. I developed painful adhesions on my uterus due to the c-sections. Basically, when my incisions healed, my uterus became attached to my abdomen wall. Three years after my third c-section, my gyn performed a laproscopy and found that I had adhesions. I was finished with childbearing and opted to have a partial hysterectomy. I am now pain free. I would rather have had vaginal tearing and the week of two of pain versus the years of pain that I endured.

I'm staying out of the C-section debate and will not pass judgment on Christina. It's her body, and her decision to make.

I absolutely love the family photo of Christina and Jordan with all four of their "children!" The Mastiff will be an excellent bodyguard as Max gets bigger and starts to walk!

PS: The dogs in the family photo are Stinky, Chewy, and Cocoa. Cocoa is the Mastiff, and Stinky and Chewy are Papillons.

I thought she was due in early January, so I was thinking maybe the c-section wasn't elective. I guess she was actually due the last week of january! Anyways, congrats to Christina and Jordan! Max is so adorable

Episiotomies are even scarier than tearing IMO. I can't imagine being cut down there. The only way I'd want to give birth vaginally would be without an episiotomy or tearing.

Melissa, ummmm yeah celebrities aren't the only ones to choose a c-section over natural birth. Regular women do it too. Whats the difference between that and women being induced before that baby's due date? Really, we can't even have a good debate because women will judge each other so harshly either way. I find that sad compared to someone choosing a c-section.

I think the indicator that her doctor didn't really inform her of the risks of c-section is that she said she "didn't want any surprises."

C-sections have very real risks, and with antibiotic resistant infections on the rise in hospitals, the risks are only growing. There are times when a c-section is necessary, and then the benefits outweigh the risks. But for an elective c-section like this, I think it reflects badly on the DOCTOR, not on Christina. A good doctor will help ease your fears, such as that of pain or tearing, while putting the risks of a c-section in perspective.

Anecdotally, I had one c-section, and my baby almost died because of a drug reaction. I then had two vaginal births, and no tearing at all. That doesn't mean it will be that way for everyone, and the drug reaction is very rare, but still, I think many moms really think that c-sections are risk free and predictable.

TwinMama - Bravo to you that you love and respect your pediatrician so much. Your pediatrician, chief of staff or not, has his or her OPINION. As a medical professional, I can tell you most doctors (OB/GYN and pediatricians) prefer their patients to deliver between week 38 and 39, mostly because babies are born bigger now than, say, when we were born in the 1970s (the average birth weight now is 8 lbs - in the 1970s it was 6 lbs). I say this as someone who has daily contact in a hospital setting with these specialties.

I applaud Christina for making the choice, and opting to be open with the public about her PERSONAL DECISION. Shame on all of you for being so judgemental of someone who allowed you all into a tiny piece of her life ... a decision which she cannot change now, and which sounds like she is happy she made for HER family.

Another thought ... a week is only 7 days long. It is possible that she was 37 weeks 4 days or 37 weeks 5 days, and so on, closer to 38 weeks (considered full-term, regardless of what TwimMom says).

I'm so happy to hear mom, dad and Yolky (he he) are so healthy and happy - and I hope if they do read the judgemental comments here it does not taint their experience as new parents. I wonder which one of you judgemental moms out there have not made what your friends would consider a mistake in your parenting decisions??

I don’t follow CA’s logic here at all, isn’t major surgery and all the inherit risks; plus having someone slice into your stomach and dig and pull until they extract the baby way more invasive than some vaginal tearing? Also her baby seems average sized so why the worry about tearing to the point of electing to have unnecessary surgery? Of all the dozens and dozens of women I’ve known who’ve had vaginal births I only know one who had tearing and that’s because her baby was a massive 12 pounds.

Max is super trooper cute! i don't really agree with her reasons for a c-section but at the end of the day it was her decision and as long as max is healthy none of it really matters i had a tough labour and tore too but thats what its all about..the labour of love and i would do it all again in a second..plus i'm sure everyone here will agree once you see your baby you forget the pain and you realise that it was worth every single minute:-)

I think people should leave her alone about her choice to have a C-section. I didn't have one even though my son had a big head and I tore upwards and my Doctor said if I carried him to his due date I would have had to have a c-section.

The women commenting on her choice to have a c-section need to realize it was her "choice". She's a fellow sister and mother. She's not a bad person for not giving birth vaginally. Not everyone can deal with pain. She has a happy healthy baby and that's the most important thing.

The key word is "choice" and as women we should respect that and the fact that she was honest with her decision.

I had two births, two grade tearing with both births, the tearings were just forgetable. It's just a short sting, that's it. Another short sting for the stiching up.

As for the horror stories: I decided to read only positive birth stories. I read hundreds of them. Best thing I did.

I agree about women sharing their horror stories to a newly pregnant woman. Keep that ish to yourself. All it does is scare the pregnant woman and is not helpful in the least. I say only tell your story if asked by the newly pregnant woman. And be judicious with advice. What worked for your body and baby has nothing to do with her body and baby. I can just imagine all the unsolicited advice and the boring eyes-glazed-over-stories that start with...when I was in labor...she had to endure. You hear that stuff, you just want to be hit over the head with an anvil and woken up once the baby is 2 years old.

doin' a great job there, sarah! can't wait to see the rest of the article =) all babies are beautiful because they are innocent, IMHO.

Honestly who cares how a baby was born? There's a healthy baby and that all that really matters. I've had two births... one was Vaginal and the other was an emergancy C-sec. They both sucked!!!! Whoever said giving birth was the best time they ever had...took the drugs home with them lol. They weren't horrible by any means...just not something I'd want to do on any given weekend!!!

But a question about the celebrity C-sec rate lately. I'm not pointing fingers...please don't think I'm trying to stir the pot, but someone did make a comment about HSV...there is a lot of that going on in Hollywood! I'm wondering if that has something to do with the recent trend of C-secs??? It's not totally out there.

I have a question, and this will be my last one in the thread.

For those of you disagree with Christina having a C-section for whatever reason, will you hold it against her in the long run? I promise I'm not asking this in a snotty way and mean no hostility at all, I'm just curious.

It amazes me how many people are passing judgment on Christina. She had a c-section..so what?? People chose different things that are right for THEM. Not to please the rest of the world that may judge them. Fact is she is a tiny woman and for whatever reasons she and HER doctor chose c-section for her. I say good for her and shame on everyone else that is continuing to pass judgment and criticize. And 37 weeks IS a full time baby people. 36 weeks and younger is considered pre-mature. Max is certainly NOT premature.

I can't believe people can still be so "uptight" about little things. It's her body, her life, her business.

Here in Brazil it's the most normal thing to have a C-section... (And I thought we were hypocrites.) People should learn to take care of their own lives.

Congrats to Christina and Jordan for their little (and adorable) boy!!

I totally agree with all the moms that have voiced their sadness and disapproval that Christina had her baby via c-section at 37 weeks.

I think it is totally careless of a doctor to preform an unnecessary surgery and take a baby 3 weeks before his due date. That baby was born small and for good reason it should not have been born for 3 more weeks! I delivered my son at 37 weeks and he had to spend 3 days in the NICU b/c his lungs were not developed. Shame on that doctor! Christina is a first time mom and did not know any better!

A lot of people are criticizing those who are questioning CA's decision to have a c-section. I do not have a problem with CA having a c-section she's an adult and obviously everything turned out well but I think her rationale for having a c-section is interesting. She's afraid of tearing and yet has no problem allowing a doctor to cut open her abdomen and uterus.
I think our society emphasizes the pain of childbirth but minimizes the pain and recovery time involved in a c-section. Everyone women should do what is best for them but we should have all of the facts.
What about the women who want to have a lot of children. I could not imagine having three or four c-section, I mean what effect does that have on the body.
I do not see myself every having an elective c-section because the benefits do not outweigh the risks.

I just bought this issue of People, and the family photos are so sweet! You can tell both Christina and Jordan are totally in love with their little man. They seem like such a wonderful family. I still can't really believe Christina's a mom though! ;)

It's been said that a lot of celebrities like to have c-sections 2-3 weeks early, because the last few weeks of pregnancy, you tend to get bigger and some of them don't want too. That's how it got started the nickname to posh to push, because victoria beckhams had c-sections a few weeks early too. Also britney said she didn't wanna push, so she wanted a c-section. If christina wanted a c-section not such a big deal, but to go 3 weeks early just cause you're done being pregnant, come on that's part of pregnancy, and a poor excuse for having a c-section IMO. No wonder I thought the baby was a little small, he was 3 weeks early. Personally I would be afraid to take my baby out 3 weeks early, just cause of vanity and been tired of being pregnant, if I was pregnant this long, what's a few more weeks, you know eventually the baby has to come out lol. Personally I don't know many people that have asked a doctor hey I'm done being pregnant let's take the baby out this week lol. I have heard of people scheduling c-sections because baby is too big, or mother having an std and not wanting to risk it, reasons like that, but I guess in hollywood they go by their own rules. Kudos for nicole for not wanting to deliver her baby 3 weeks early, just for the heck of it. I saw the pictures, the baby looks just like jordan especially the nose and mouth.

First of all, I want to point out that Max techincally wasn't early. 37 weeks is considered full-term (in fact, if a woman goes into labor at or after the 37-week mark, most doctors will not attempt to stop the labor). 36 weeks and under is considered pre-term, and anything after 40 weeks is considered post-term.

That said, I also agree with the comments about women scaring other woman with horror birth stories. I remember Britney Spears saying that her mother scared her by telling her awful her birth experiences were, which is why she opted for a C-section with Sean Preston (and Jayden as well, but her C-section with him was probably also due to the fact that a lot of doctors don't like doing VBACs).

When you think about it, Britney's reason for a C-section was basically the same as Christina's (Brit never specifically said she was afraid of tearing, but she DID say that she was scared of having a vaginal birth after hearing her mother's horror stories). I just hope that Britney's mom doesn't scare Jamie Lynne with those same stories!

Anyway, I personally would never choose to have an elective C-section, and I don't approve of any woman having one. However, I am not going to criticize Christina for having one. It's HER body, HER baby, HER choice!

I also want to add that I can actually sort of understand a woman, celeb or not, would choose to give birth at 37 weeks. I know of a woman who was induced at about 37 weeks with her third child. There were absolutely no complications with her or the baby, but the poor woman was absolutely MISERABLE during the last weeks of her pregnancy.

She and her doctor came to the decision that the best thing for HER was to induce her early (while 37 weeks IS technically considered full-term, let's face it, it's still early, as most women don't deliver until 39 or 40 weeks). Her baby was born perfectly healthy, and was even of fairly normal size (in fact, had she not been induced, her baby could have ended up on the large side!).

Basically, what's right for one woman isn't necessarily right for another. It might not be right for some women to deliver at 37 weeks when there is no medical reason to do so, but for others it is.

Oh my gosh will everyone just get over the fact she chose a c-section!? It's her body and her baby...

It's none of our business how her child...emphasis on HER CHILD.. came into the world If you don't like celebrities, why come on a celebrity baby blog? Her son is fine that's all that matters right? Let's leave the decision to the people who matter when it comes to delivery-the mother the baby and the doctor. After all, the doctor is the one with the medical degree after years of education, So I don't see the issue. In fact, I'm thinking most of the ones criticizing Christina are being kind of arrogant about having natural births. I'm starting to think it makes them feel better putting down a celebrity.

I read in another article that she has a 24 hour baby nurse. What is that?

Sarah's note: Just basically what it says...a trained to nurse to help them out. Reese Witherspoon, Sheryl Crow, Naomi Watts and Bridget Moynahan had them too. Usually people just use them for 1-3 months. For example, Christina probably pumps milk for the baby, but the nurse will give a bottle when the baby wakes up in the middle of the night, etc.

I too am a little surprised that they agreed to deliver her at 37 weeks. Simply put, my little sister was born at 36 1/2 weeks, and as an infant had some issues directly related to being early. I had always heard that they wouldn't schedule you before 38 weeks. yeah, so, just surprised, that's all.

As 1 in 4 women have HSV 2 (genital herpes) and 1 and 5 men have it, I think these percentages do have a direct correlation to the rise of elective C-sections. Sure you can take the anti-virals during the last month of pregnancy but it's still no guarantee that you won't have an out-break during delivery which can be very dangerous and deadly to a newborn. Also the anti-virals come with risks themselves. To complicate matters even more, most people don't know they have HSV-2 or don't have symptoms of a re-occurring break-out.

If I had HSV and were pregnant, for me it's a no-brainer to opt for an elective C-section. I'd just leave it up to my OB on which day and at which gestation week I should have it.

Most women (lay women and celebrities) are not going to announce to the world that they have HSV that's why the went with a C-section. I'd much rather people think I was spoiled and selfish than to know that I have a permanent STD.

Congrats to Christina! I elected to have a second c-section because I needed one with my first. My doctors wanted to do it at 39 weeks...not 37....and I even protested THAT :-) So, they gave me a few days so he was only born 3 days early. Recovery is longer with a c-section, but luckily I had no complications either time and everything was fine. Every birth experience is different...all you can hope for are educated parents and doctors with competence and good intentions.

oh magenta.... we must have had the same births! Anyways... my doctor induced me at 37 weeks, and i had 5 week ultrasounds so I knew when they were due exactly. Both were over 9 pounds, and I had shoulder dystocia with the first. I'm about 5'5, and my husband is 6'6"

Both babies were perfect, no health issues and came home immediately. I think that 37 weeks was perfect because there is no way I could have delivered anything bigger than that!

For those of you saying "what's a little tearing?" -- Seriously? No idea what a section feels like but as a recipient of 4th degree tearing and a (late) episiotomy and complications afterwards... not a fun thing. Additionally, my doctor induced me 3 weeks early because of my family history and my son's size (3 brothers in the 10-13 lb range) and I still had complications, so I say - to each their own. If she was scared and traumatized of a vaginal birth, then a relaxed section was definitely a better choice for both of them! ( I wish I had thought of it!)

I've had one cesarean (breech) and two VBAC's. In my first VBAC I had a fourth degree tear, and it was easier to recover from than my cesarean. I'd take that fourth degree tear over the abdominal lacerations, without a doubt.

I'd have to say, CA's doctor didn't seem too interested in easing her fears of tearing. What woman isn't afraid of tearing in a vaginal birth? Then again, my OB's were never interested in unnecessary surgery. My OB and I knew I wanted three or more kids, and I'm glad for my children and myself that I don't have multiple c-section scars to contend with, since the more cesareans you have the more dangerous it is for the baby and the mother.

homefly- Good point about mutiple C-sections...and as a matter of fact Christina DID say in the People interview that she and Jordan want a large family (that part of the interview isn't posted here, but I happened to stumble across it on another site). However, she also went on to say that they plan to adopt at some point. So perhaps she only plans to have one or two more biological children and then adopt one or tow.

Also, maybe she will try a VBAC with her next child (perhaps she won't be as afraid of tearing by the time she has her next baby).

CelebBabyLover, when did Christina say she would adopt? I must have missed it.

I honestly cannot believe an (honest) OB would give the go-ahead to a C-section at 37 weeks to a perfectly healthy woman for fear of a tearing she doesn't even know she would have. Instead, why not encourage her to do exercises to strengthen the muscles of the perineal areal? Or encourage her to find a doula? Or encourage her to research alternative birthing positions that minimize tearing?? Or, better yet, find a doctor that knows how to conduct a woman during pushing so she won't tear. Christina (or, actually, Max) was a victim of her own fears and a victim of a doctor that, apparently, did nothing to put her at ease. She might have known what she was getting into, but I do feel bad for the baby, who did not get any of the well-known benefits of labor... all in all, he is beautiful and healthy, and congratulations to the parents!

My comments were more about newborn babies, rather than babies that are months old. Like I said, all babies are beautiful and I'm thrilled that Christina released pictures of Max being such a huge long-time fan.

As far as her choice of delivery, it wouldn't have been my choice. I'm glad that it went safely.

strippedfan- She mentioned it either in the People interview or in another recent interview she gave (I know she did one with some radio station not long ago, and she may have done a few others as well). Whichever interview it was, that part of that particular interview isn't posted here on CBB, so technically you didn't miss anything.

What happened is that I stumbled across that tidbit on another site (I forget which one at the moment).

Lucy- While I definitely do NOT approve of elective C-sections, I have decided to accept the fact that Christina and her doctor probably made the choice that was best for HER. That same choice might not have be the right one for you or me, but it was probably the right one for HER. Keep in mind that Christina is a very petite person, so she very may have experienced tearing even if she did kegal (perninal) exercises, used a doula, or tried various birthing positions and/or birth methods to minimize tearing.

I must admit, after reading Christina's comments on why she chose a C-section, I am a bit more understanding about why a woman might choose an elective C-section.

Sarah's note: It's definitely not from the People, Ryan Seacrest, or ET interviews since she's given birth...

Okay, I did a little search, and it appears she made the adoption comment in a recent interview with Hello magazine. Here is the quote:

Christina told Hello! magazine (out on Tuesday) the experience inspired her to pen a new album. She said: "I have so much to write about." Max could be the first of many - the star wants a big family. She added: "We may adopt."

Sarah's note: Oh, good. I'll have to pick that up.

Thanks CelebBabyLover! Is Hello on Newsstands in America? Could I find it at Barnes and Noble?

Sarah's note: Yes, it's between $7-8 usually.

Just because you're petite it doesn't mean you have to have a c-section. You can say what you like but i'm proud that I had a natural birth with no epidural etc-in the UK we tend to be a bit more keen to try things without drugs or too much intervention!
I'm petite and tore and it was no biggie - I didn't even realise that it'd happened what with everything else going on down there! If your midwife is constantly assessing your labour and coaching you through your pushing, then tearing can be avoided.
I loved my labour, it felt like a journey with so much meaning, and I knew I was working towards a goal - seeing my baby after 9 months of preparation and anticipation. I agree with Delilah above
a c-section sounds so anti-climactic 'wam bam..and there's the baby!'.
YES it was her personal decision-but decisions have to be made so that the BABY comes off with the best deal, not for the convenience of the mother.