Kailyn Lowry Reveals How She Navigated Filming Isaac's Birth on "16 & Pregnant"

Kailyn Lowry, best known for her role on MTV’s 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom 2, has reflected on her journey to motherhood and the complicated dynamics of filming her first pregnancy while being a teenager. In a candid interview, Kailyn, now 33 years old and a mother of seven, opened up about the experience of having her first son Isaac at 17, particularly how the filming for the show impacted her birth and the family’s privacy.

Joining 16 & Pregnant

Kailyn Lowry’s journey to appearing on 16 & Pregnant started long before she was cast. Having been a fan of the show herself, she watched the stories of other young mothers like Maci Bookout, Catelynn Lowell, and Amber Portwood unfold on television. As she watched their journeys, she saw how impactful the show could be in telling the real stories of young mothers, and little did she know, her life would soon be documented in a similar way.

She shared,

“I remember seeing 16 and Pregnant season one — Maci, Catelynn, Amber. I remember watching their stories play out in real time, and then I was already pregnant.”

Motivated by her desire to tell her own story, Kailyn submitted a casting application on MTV's website. To her surprise, she was contacted by the production team and selected to appear on the show. This decision marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a public figure, although at the time she was still adjusting to the reality of her pregnancy and navigating the challenges of being a teenager about to become a mother.

Behind the Scenes of Isaac's Birth

As Kailyn’s due date for Isaac approached, she and her then-boyfriend Jo Rivera had already made major changes in their living situation. Kailyn had moved out of her mother's home and was living with Jo and his family, a decision that shifted her life dramatically. This change happened between her initial submission to the show and the actual filming, adding an unexpected layer to her experience as a young mother-to-be.

When Kailyn’s labor began earlier than expected, things quickly became more chaotic than she had anticipated. The hospital had already been made aware of the show’s presence, but when the time came for Kailyn to give birth, there were additional complications. The hospital's policies did not initially allow for the filming crew to be present. In order to get the necessary permissions, Kailyn and the producers made the decision to tell the hospital staff that the film crew was actually her cousins.

She recalled,

“We had to lie to the hospital and say that the producers were my cousins in order for them to be allowed to film ... .”

This clever workaround allowed the crew to be there to document Isaac's birth. However, the situation quickly became overwhelming. Kailyn remembered that the birth room was filled with more people than she could count, making the experience much more chaotic than she had imagined. She described it as a moment where she was "in a daze" with people constantly coming in and out.

“I remember people coming in and out ... .”

The intense public nature of the birth wasn’t lost on Kailyn. While she understood the necessity of filming for the show, the birth of her first child became a public event that she had to navigate while still being a teenager. This chaotic atmosphere left Kailyn feeling emotionally drained but also thankful for the opportunity to share her story. Despite some of the emotional difficulties, she later reflected on how the process helped her grow.

Reflections on the Experience

Looking back on her time filming 16 & Pregnant and the birth of Isaac, Kailyn admitted that there were many things that were out of her control, particularly how her story was portrayed on TV. She recalled some inaccuracies, including the misspelling of Isaac's name and the time frame of events in the episode. However, despite those frustrations, Kailyn recognized the value of having her experience documented on such a massive platform.

She shared,

“But it was kind of also nice ... .”

Although the birth episode aired four months after Isaac's birth, it marked a pivotal moment in Kailyn’s life — one that set the stage for her future as a public figure. The success of the show launched her into a career in reality television, and it gave her the platform to advocate for herself, her family, and the challenges that young mothers face.

Despite the hurdles that came with early fame, Kailyn's decision to tell her story to the world made her a relatable figure to many viewers, particularly young women and mothers. Her openness and honesty about her experiences, even with all the drama surrounding them, have made her one of the most enduring stars in the Teen Mom franchise.

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🧬 About Kailyn Lowry

Kailyn Lowry is a well-known television personality, author, and podcaster. She rose to fame as one of the stars of 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom 2, where she openly shared her journey through teen pregnancy and motherhood. Throughout her time on the show, Kailyn became an advocate for young mothers and co-parenting, making her a relatable figure for many.

In addition to her work on television, Kailyn is a published author, with several books to her name, including Pride Over Pity and A Letter of Love. She also hosts the popular podcast network KILLR, which covers a range of topics including motherhood, relationships, and personal growth. Kailyn, now a mother of seven, continues to balance her public life with raising her children and sharing her experiences through social media and other platforms.