“Dancing With the Stars” favorite Derek Hough and wife, Hayley Erbert Hough, are stepping into parenthood with gratitude and emotion. After welcoming daughter Everley Capri Hough on Dec. 29, the couple marked her one-month milestone in a deeply personal way.
To celebrate Everley’s one-month birthday, Hayley and Derek shared a deeply personal home-birth video and a powerful message about childbirth, love, and the strength it reveals.
A One-Month Milestone Filled With Emotion
“I can’t believe it has been one month since I brought our beautiful baby girl into this world. ♥️”
Hayley shared the milestone alongside the video, opening up about how childbirth reshaped her understanding of strength.
She described the experience as both physically demanding and emotionally profound, revealing a resilience she had never fully known before becoming a mother.
“I’ve gone through a lot in this lifetime, physically and emotionally, and thought I understood my own strength.. Until childbirth, and now motherhood, revealed a depth I had never known.”
Hayley Opens Up About Labor & Inner Strength
Reflecting on the experience, Hayley said labor tested her in ways she had never known, yet was anchored by a deep sense of trust. Even at its most demanding, she said fear never entered the space.
“It was one of the most challenging things I have ever experienced, and yet my body and my baby always knew exactly what to do. Even in the most intense moments of labor, I never felt fearful. I felt held. I felt supported. I trusted the strength moving through me. Every sensation was a reminder of the power my body carries.”
She went on to describe childbirth as something far greater than a physical act, calling it a profound connection to the women who came before her.
“I am endlessly proud of myself, and in complete awe of what my body, and all women, are capable of. There is something so incredible about the surrender of birth, remembering what women have done since the beginning of time.”
A Husband’s Support Through Every Moment
GettyHayley credited her husband’s presence as a source of calm and stability throughout the experience, describing his role as essential during labor.
“I am beyond grateful for a husband that never doubted the process. He never doubted me. He had unwavering belief in my strength and was my anchor through it all. He held so much space. He showed up with presence, with a calm strength.”
She added that the bond they shared during birth is something she will carry with her forever. “The love and connection I felt from him was beyond words, a feeling I will hold onto forever. I love you so much, @derekhough.”
Hough also shared his emotional reaction in the video’s comments, praising his wife and reflecting on witnessing childbirth firsthand.
“The most powerful experience I have ever witnessed. I am in awe of you my beautiful wife and of all women who endure bringing life into this world ❤️”
The comment added another layer of intimacy to the post, underscoring the deep admiration and respect he holds for Hayley and for the strength of women everywhere.
A Sacred Arrival & Gratitude for the Birth Team
Hayley also took a moment to acknowledge the birth professionals who guided her through hours of labor, crediting @thesoulfulbirth and @lamidwifeabby for their constant care and calm presence throughout the process.
“This birth was raw, wild, primal, vulnerable, transformative, sacred. In the most sacred space, my daughter arrived earth side, just as she was always meant to.”
When asked whether she would make the same choice again, Hayley said her response came without hesitation.
“I have been asked many times if I would do it again, and without hesitation I would do it a million times over again.”
She ended her message with a tender tribute to her daughter and the profound shift motherhood has brought into her life.
“Happy one month of life, my beautiful Everley! You changed me. You changed us forever. I love you infinitely ♥️”
Together, Derek and Hayley’s story captures the quiet power of love, trust, and transformation as they begin life as a family of three.
