Ricki Lake Inspires Laila Ali to Have Home Birth

Add Laila Ali to the growing list of celebrity moms who either intend to pursue a home birth, or who have already successfully delivered their babies at home. In a new blog entry to her official site, the 30-year-old boxer and American Gladiators host delves deeper into her earlier remarks on the topic, admitting that she "didn't know that there were so many different birthing options" available to pregnant women. One viewing of Ricki Lake's The Business of Being Born later, however, and Laila says she "knew home birth was for me."

I was so thankful that I learned that it was an option before it was too late. I want to be in full control of my body and give birth to my son the same way women have been doing for thousands of years. Our bodies were made to birth and I trust the process.

Laila expects her little boy -- to be named Curtis Muhammad -- in early September, and says that she intends to deliver without pain medication, assisted by a midwife. With nursery furniture scheduled to arrive this week, Laila said she's excited to begin decorating but will not be "going with a theme." She adds,

I think I will take it slow and build a unique look as I come across items I like. It's gonna be so much fun!

Little Curtis will be the first child together for Laila and her husband Curtis Conway; he will join Curtis' three children from his previous marriage -- 13-year-old twin sons Cameron and Kelton and 9-year-old daughter Leilani.

Source: LailaAli.com; Photo by Bennett Raglin for Wireimage.