Bunnie Xo, the popular podcaster and social media influencer, has recently opened up about the backlash she faced regarding body shaming during her in vitro fertilisation (IVF) journey. In a candid discussion with fellow podcaster Baylen Dupree on her show, “Dumb Blonde,” the 46-year-old addressed the emotional turmoil surrounding fertility treatments and urged others to resist the negativity found online.
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During a recent episode of her podcast, Bunnie Xo, whose real name is Alisa Andrea DeFord, recounted her experiences with weight gain during IVF. She described how the treatment took a toll on her body and prompted unkind comments from strangers on social media. “I know what it’s like to try to navigate that. As I was going through IVF, it put weight on me, and people would be like, ‘Oh, she’s bigger than her husband now,’” she reflected.
The podcaster highlighted the struggle many face while trying to conceive, noting that the physical demands of the process often go unappreciated. “You’re literally trying to make a baby with your body, and it’s like people just have no respect,” she said. Bunnie emphasised that criticism from internet trolls largely stems from people’s own unhappiness. “The internet is just so crazy, but I’ve learned that it’s just miserable people who have nothing better to do than just comment on other people’s lives. So you can’t ever let that get to you,” she advised.
Bunnie Xo’s comments come shortly after she announced that she and her estranged husband, country musician Jelly Roll—real name Jason Bradley DeFord—continue to pursue their dream of having a child together, despite their recent divorce. In a prior episode of the podcast, aired on June 18, she shared that their separation had been swiftly finalised, remarking, “We’re literally settling our divorce in like… We’ve done it in like, what? Three weeks? Two weeks? We’re still having a baby together.”
Describing themselves as “the most unconventional couple”, Bunnie explained that she and Jelly Roll are committed to co-parenting in the future. “J is my best friend. Like, this isn’t what you guys think this is. Nobody cheated on the other person. It’s literally just we served our purpose for each other,” she said, reinforcing the concept of a supportive partnership despite their marital breakdown.
The pair’s fertility journey has not been without heartache. Bunnie revealed that they had lost four embryos while attempting to conceive, a loss that left her feeling devastated on multiple levels. “It wrecked me emotionally, spiritually, physically,” she shared, noting that both she and Jelly Roll had undergone hormone treatments throughout their attempts to conceive. She described their bond as having been deepened by their shared trauma, saying, “In a way, I kind of think J and I are trauma-bonded.”
Bunnie Xo previously discussed in her memoir, “Stripped Down,” published in February, that the couple had engaged a surrogate and intended to continue their fertility journey with her eggs and his sperm. They have been working towards parenthood since October 31, 2019. Despite the changes in their relationship dynamic, Bunnie Xo remains resolute about their shared goal of starting a family.
“I’m so excited to live my life through a child’s eyes, which is why this baby journey, I’m not going to let it break me, and I’m not going to deter it,” Bunnie asserted, highlighting her determination to persevere through adversity. She expressed appreciation for Jelly Roll’s support, stating, “And J has been so f—ing great about us still having a baby together and he wants the same thing. And we’re just going to raise little Nugget as one big happy family.”
With this new chapter in her life unfolding against a backdrop of public scrutiny and personal challenges, Bunnie Xo is focusing on the joy and potential of parenthood while navigating the complexities that come with it. Her story is a testament to resilience, illustrating how one can confront adversity while remaining true to one’s hopes and aspirations. As she continues her journey toward motherhood, Bunnie’s message encourages others to prioritise their well-being and reject unhelpful criticisms along the way.