Childbirth is often described as one of the most physically and emotionally intense experiences a woman can endure, and for R&B star Summer Walker, that reality hit closer to home than most. In a candid interview with Mariah the Scientist on her Apple Music 1 show, Over It Radio, the “Playing Games” singer didn’t shy away from revealing the harrowing details of her two birthing experiences — and her surprising willingness to do it all again.
Summer Walker Gets Real About Childbirth: ‘It Sucked Bad’
When asked if there was a notable difference between her first and second deliveries, Walker didn’t hold back.
“The second one, it sucked bad. Real bad,” she admitted. “But, believe it or not, the second birth was shorter than the first one.”
Walker gave birth to her twin sons in just seven hours — a relatively short labor by most standards. However, she revealed that her first childbirth experience was far more grueling, spanning a jaw-dropping 52 hours of labor.
Reflecting on both experiences, Walker was brutally honest about the pain and fear she endured, even confessing that she “almost died both times.” Despite these terrifying moments, when Mariah asked if she would go through childbirth again, Walker immediately responded with a resounding, “Yes.”
Her courage and resilience have earned her praise across social media, with many fans applauding her openness about the real struggles of motherhood — a subject often glamorized in the entertainment industry.
A Look Back: Summer Walker’s Growing Family
Walker welcomed her first child, daughter Bubbles Renee Walker, in 2021 with then-boyfriend and record producer London on Da Track. Their relationship had its ups and downs, many of which played out publicly on social media and even inspired lyrics on her 2021 album Still Over It.
Following their split, Walker found love again with rapper LVRD Pharoh. In December 2022, she announced the arrival of their twin boys. According to PEOPLE magazine, the singer chose a natural and intimate birthing experience for all three of her children, opting for home births — a choice gaining popularity among celebrities seeking more control over their birthing environment.
Home birth advocates praise its benefits, such as reduced intervention rates and a more relaxed setting, but it also carries risks, especially in cases where complications arise. Walker’s revelation about almost dying both times underscores the very real dangers associated with childbirth, even outside of a hospital setting.
New Love: Summer Walker and Rico Recklezz
Romance is also blossoming in Walker’s life once again. In December 2023, she confirmed she was dating Chicago rapper Rico Recklezz. Known for his gritty style and unapologetic persona, Rico may seem like an unlikely match for the soulful R&B singer, but Walker was quick to defend her man against critics on Instagram.
In a passionate post, she praised Rico’s unwavering devotion and grand gestures:
“Ya’ll can say whatever ya’ll wanna say about my man, but let me tell you one thing. When I ask this man to do something for me, he gon’ do it the best, the biggest way he motherf***ing can. He don’t never go small.”
Their relationship has sparked plenty of buzz, with fans speculating that Rico could be the inspiration for some of Walker’s new music — particularly the more confident, self-assured themes she’s teased recently.
Music Update: ‘Finally Over It’ on the Horizon
While balancing motherhood and her personal life, Summer Walker hasn’t slowed down her music career. In fact, she’s gearing up for one of her most anticipated releases yet: Finally Over It, her third studio album.
The project marks the final chapter in her critically acclaimed Over It series, which began with her breakout debut Over It in 2019 and continued with Still Over It in 2021. Both albums explored themes of love, heartbreak, empowerment, and self-discovery — resonating deeply with fans and critics alike.
Fans are eager to see how Finally Over It will bring Walker’s emotional journey full circle. Industry insiders speculate the new LP will include more reflections on motherhood, growth, and healing — topics that have clearly become central to Walker’s life over the past few years.
In a 2024 interview with Rolling Stone, Walker hinted that Finally Over It would showcase a more mature, empowered version of herself:
“I’m not in the same place I was when I made Still Over It. I’ve grown, I’ve healed. This album is about peace, real love, and moving forward.”
Summer Walker: A Voice for Realness in R&B
Summer Walker’s willingness to share the raw, often painful sides of her personal life — from her complicated relationships to her near-fatal birthing experiences — sets her apart in the R&B world. In an industry where many stars present polished, curated versions of themselves, Walker’s authenticity continues to resonate with millions.
Her experiences also highlight the urgent need for more open conversations about maternal health, especially among Black women, who face significantly higher rates of childbirth complications and mortality.
According to the CDC, Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. By speaking candidly about her own near-death experiences, Walker is helping to bring much-needed attention to these disparities.
Final Thoughts
Summer Walker’s journey over the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable. From surviving grueling 52-hour labor to embracing motherhood, navigating new love, and preparing to close an important chapter of her music career, she continues to inspire fans with her honesty, strength, and vulnerability.
As the release of Finally Over It draws nearer, fans can expect even more emotional depth and storytelling from an artist who has truly lived — and survived — the stories she sings about.
Stay tuned for more updates on Summer Walker, celebrity baby news, upcoming albums, and the hottest stories in pop culture!