Kayleigh McEnany, the former White House Press Secretary turned Fox News star, has faced her fair share of high-stakes challenges—fielding tough questions from the press, navigating political firestorms, and even undergoing a preventive double mastectomy at age 30 due to a BRCA2 gene mutation. But nothing quite prepared her for the whirlwind of caring for a newborn, a task she tackled with the same tenacity she brought to the podium. With the recent arrival of her third child, a daughter named Avery Grace, born in June 2025, McEnany has shared a heartfelt glimpse into her journey of mastering newborn care through dedicated classes, all while leaning heavily on the support of her husband, former MLB pitcher Sean Gilmartin. What started as a daunting endeavor filled with anxiety transformed into a heartwarming chapter of teamwork, love, and a few laughs along the way.

McEnany, now 37, is no stranger to juggling demanding roles. As a co-host on Fox News’ Outnumbered, a mother of three, and a devout Christian, she’s built a reputation for meticulous preparation and resilience. Yet, when it came to ensuring the best care for her newborns, she admitted to feeling a wave of nervousness. The responsibility of nurturing a fragile new life—especially after the struggles she faced conceiving her second child, Nash—prompted her to dive headfirst into newborn care courses. These classes, often covering everything from breastfeeding techniques to safe sleep practices, became her new briefing room, where she traded policy notes for diaper-changing tips and swaddling tutorials.

The journey wasn’t without its challenges. McEnany candidly shared that her initial fears stemmed from the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn. Questions swirled in her mind: Was she doing it right? Would she miss a crucial cue? The stakes felt higher with each child, especially after her publicized struggles with infertility. In 2023, she opened up about the emotional rollercoaster of trying to conceive Nash, describing months of negative pregnancy tests and the power of prayer that ultimately led to his birth in December 2022. With Avery Grace, her third child, McEnany was determined to be as prepared as possible, enrolling in courses that offered hands-on practice and expert guidance. These sessions, often held at local hospitals or community centers, provided a crash course in the essentials: how to soothe a fussy baby, recognize signs of distress, and even navigate the chaos of sleep deprivation.

What made the experience truly special, however, was the unwavering support of her husband, Sean Gilmartin. A former pitcher for the New York Mets and Tampa Bay Rays, Gilmartin retired from professional baseball in 2022, giving him more time to be a hands-on dad and partner. McEnany credits him as her rock, describing how his calm demeanor and willingness to dive into the parenting trenches turned her anxiety into confidence. Together, they attended classes, practiced burping techniques, and even laughed over their clumsy first attempts at folding a onesie. Gilmartin’s athletic background brought a playful competitiveness to the sessions—he was determined to master the art of the perfect swaddle, often joking that it was like throwing a curveball: all about precision and finesse.

Their partnership shines through in the way they’ve navigated parenthood as a team. McEnany and Gilmartin, who married in 2017 after meeting on social media in 2015, have always balanced high-profile careers with family life. During McEnany’s tenure as White House Press Secretary from April 2020 to January 2021, Gilmartin was often on the road with his baseball teams, making their time together precious but challenging. Now, with their family growing to include Blake (5), Nash (2), and newborn Avery Grace, they’ve settled into a rhythm that prioritizes teamwork. Gilmartin’s move to Tampa, their hometown, has been a game-changer, allowing him to be more present for late-night feedings and early-morning cuddles. McEnany has praised his ability to step up, noting that his support was crucial in helping her complete the newborn care courses successfully.

The courses themselves were a mix of practical skills and emotional reassurance. McEnany learned the intricacies of newborn nutrition, from latching techniques to bottle-feeding schedules. She practiced safe sleep protocols, ensuring that Avery’s crib was free of hazards and positioned correctly. The classes also covered infant CPR, a skill that brought both comfort and a sobering reminder of the fragility of new life. For McEnany, who has always leaned on her faith, these lessons were more than just technical—they were a way to honor the gift of motherhood. She often reflected on Bible verses like Psalm 139:13-14, which she cited in her announcement of Avery’s birth: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This spiritual grounding gave her the strength to push through moments of doubt.

Gilmartin, meanwhile, brought a lighthearted energy to the experience. His teammates used to tease him about seeing his wife on TV, but now he’s the one stealing the spotlight at home. During one class, he reportedly had the group in stitches when he compared changing a diaper to fielding a ground ball—quick reflexes and no hesitation. His ability to make McEnany laugh was a lifeline during late-night study sessions, where they’d quiz each other on newborn milestones while sipping coffee to stay awake. These moments of levity strengthened their bond, reminding them that parenting, like any great adventure, is best tackled together.

McEnany’s commitment to newborn care also reflects her broader approach to motherhood. Despite her demanding career, she’s made it a priority to be present for her children. She’s shared heartwarming stories about Blake, her eldest, who eagerly kissed her belly during pregnancy, and Nash, who took a bit longer to warm up to his new sister. The arrival of Avery Grace, announced on Outnumbered on June 30, 2025, was a joyous milestone, marked by adorable photos of the baby in a pink onesie and Gilmartin cradling her as she yawned. The couple’s openness about their journey—from infertility struggles to the joys of a growing family—has resonated with fans, who flooded their social media with congratulations.

Beyond the personal, McEnany’s story highlights the importance of education and support for new parents. Newborn care classes, often offered through hospitals or organizations like the American Red Cross, provide critical skills that empower parents to navigate the early months with confidence. Topics like postpartum recovery, baby-proofing the home, and recognizing developmental milestones help demystify the chaos of parenthood. For McEnany, these classes were a lifeline, offering not just knowledge but a community of other parents sharing the same fears and triumphs. Gilmartin’s involvement underscored the value of partners taking an active role, a trend that’s gaining traction as more fathers embrace hands-on parenting.

The couple’s journey also sheds light on the emotional complexities of expanding a family. McEnany’s preventive double mastectomy in 2018, prompted by her high risk of breast cancer, was a courageous decision that shaped her perspective on life and motherhood. She’s spoken about the support of her family during that time, particularly Gilmartin, who stood by her through recovery and beyond. This resilience carried over into their parenting, where challenges like infertility and the demands of newborn care were met with faith, love, and a healthy dose of humor.

As McEnany settles into life as a mom of three, she’s already looking ahead to the next chapter. Her Outnumbered co-hosts, including Emily Compagno and Harris Faulkner, have been vocal about their excitement, promising viewers that McEnany will return to the show after enjoying some well-deserved time with Avery. For now, she’s savoring the chaos of “zone defense,” as she jokingly called their new family dynamic during the gender reveal in May 2025. With Gilmartin by her side, she’s ready to face whatever curveballs parenthood throws their way.

In the end, McEnany’s story is one of transformation—from a nervous new mom to a confident parent, armed with the skills and support to give her children the best start in life. It’s a reminder that even the most accomplished among us can feel overwhelmed by the unknowns of parenthood, but with dedication and a great teammate, those fears can turn into moments of profound joy. As she cradles Avery Grace and watches Blake and Nash dote on their sister, McEnany knows that this is her greatest role yet—one that no press briefing could ever top.