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Jen Lilley Describes Miraculous Birth Story: ‘Thank God We Got To The Hospital’

Jen Lilley Describes Miraculous Birth Story: ‘Thank God We Got To The Hospital’

By Movieguide® Contributor

GAC star Jen Lilley recently opened up about the miraculous birth of her youngest child, daughter Jacqueline “Jackie” Grace. 

When Lilley first went into labor, she and husband Jason Wayne didn’t take it too seriously because for the previous four weeks, the actress had been going through “prodromal labor.”

“Prodromal labor is a little different than Braxton Hicks. They’re real contractions. They hurt as bad as labor contractions, but they’re not consistent,” Lilley explained. “So when the actual night came, I thought it was just more prodromal labor, especially because my contractions did not time out properly.”

After more contractions, Lilley decided it was time to head to the hospital. Once she got there, Lilley was rushed to a hospital bed right away because precipitous labor runs in her family. Precipitous labor is when labor happens in three hours or less. 

Almost as soon as she got settled in a hospital bed, Lilley started having stronger contractions. 

“I felt like the baby was going in reverse,” she said. “So then the head came out, the baby’s head came out and I was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to stop for a second. That’s a lot of relief.’ And she’s like, ‘No, you’re still in a contraction there. Go ahead and push.’ And she flew out. My water broke as she came out.”

“And so I think that the whole birth, the whole pushing part, probably took 10 to 15 seconds… It was so fast,” Lilley continued. “It was crazy.”

The actress also explained that Jackie aspirated during labor, which means she breathed some fluid in when Lilley’s water broke. This meant that the newborn needed to immediately be taken to a warming table to get the fluid out of her lungs. 

Additionally, Lilley started hemorrhaging and required immediate medical attention. 

“If I had this baby in the car or something, I don’t know that she would’ve survived,” Lilley shared. “So it was just one of those things where it was like, thank God we got to the hospital.”

Movieguide® previously reported on Lilley’s newborn:

Jen Lilley and husband Jason Wayne welcomed their “miracle” baby Jacqueline “Jackie” Grace on Thursday, May 12.

The former Movieguide® Awards Gala host is also a mother to Kayden, 5, and Jeffrey, 3, and daughter, Julie, 3.

“Julie was planned, but this was definitely a surprise,” Lilley told People magazine. “I felt very pregnant and I thought, ‘This is very weird.’ I was excited, but also it was so strange. I was in this long customs line in Canada waiting for my work permit, and I’m texting my husband and our nanny via group text, ‘I think I’m pregnant right now?’”

Lilley said she was concerned about the pregnancy through the months leading up to birth. …

“Up until the day of delivery, I was still processing this pregnancy. I had been wanting a baby again, but assumed and hoped it would be through #fostercare since that’s my heart’s constant burden,” Lilly said. “Don’t misunderstand, Jason and I were so excited and thankful for our sweet baby, but to be transparent, it was a bit of a mental struggle for me to feel like I was denying another baby a home by being pregnant myself, and to be super vulnerable, it was hard for me to put a lot of my in front of camera career on hold to go through another year of pregnancy. And then I would judge myself for my attitude about it constantly because pregnancy is a gift and a miracle.”

The actress continued: “So many women can’t get pregnant or miscarry (I’ve miscarried twice, I know the heartache the accompanies such loss even years later) or have to go through IVF which is a truly sacrificial and selfless journey. IVF mommas are warriors! I truly believe that every single child is a gift from the Lord (Ps 127) no matter the timing, but being pregnant was still a lot for me to process. Like I said, I was still processing it the night she finally arrived 😂 Then not only did we get this most amazing baby, but my delivery and birth story was so redemptive, especially in this current season of our lives. I think this blanket says it all. God knew (our) hearts needed you, Jackie Grace. We’re on day 4 of knowing you outside of my womb and you’ve already brought so much joy and peace and light and love into our home. Thank you Jesus that You alone order our steps. And thank You Father for giving us gifts we didn’t even know our hearts desperately needed. Help me and Jason to love every child who enters our home with excellence and grace.”

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.