EXCLUSIVE: Reba McEntire revealed the reason she could only have one child, her son Shelby, was that she nearly died giving birth to him. What happened?

In a heartfelt and exclusive interview, Reba McEntire revealed the heartbreaking reason she could only have one child, her son Shelby. She shared how nearly dying during his birth impacted her decision to not have more children. In this emotional confession, Reba opens up about the life-threatening complications she faced and how it shaped her approach to motherhood. Read on to learn more about this life-altering experience and how it changed Reba’s perspective on family.

The Life-Threatening Complications During Shelby’s Birth

Reba McEntire has always been open with her fans, but her latest revelation about the birth of her son Shelby is truly heart-wrenching. In an exclusive interview, the country music icon shared that the reason she could only have one child is that she nearly died giving birth to Shelby. This shocking statement has left many of her fans deeply moved and surprised, as they never imagined that such a traumatic experience could shape Reba’s decision to expand her family.

Shelby, now an adult, is the light of Reba’s life, but the process of bringing him into the world was anything but easy. Reba detailed how complications during the birth led to life-threatening situations that left her with no choice but to reconsider having more children. The severity of these complications became clear only after Shelby was born, and the emotional and physical toll they took on Reba’s body was overwhelming. As a result, Reba made the difficult decision to focus on her son and family life, knowing the risks of further pregnancies.

During the birth, Reba encountered severe complications that resulted in hemorrhaging, leaving her fighting for her life. Doctors were concerned that her body might not survive the birth, and they had to act quickly to save her. Despite the risks, Reba and Shelby made it through, but the aftermath was overwhelming. This traumatic experience forever altered her view on motherhood, leading her to choose not to have any more children.

The Emotional Aftermath of Nearly Losing Her Life

Reba’s experience of nearly dying during Shelby’s birth was more than just a physical challenge—it left deep emotional scars that would influence her for years to come. In her exclusive interview, Reba shared how the birth complications caused her to grapple with feelings of guilt, fear, and uncertainty. She reflected on how terrifying the experience was, and how, after nearly losing her own life, she had to process the emotional weight of the situation.

It wasn’t just the physical recovery that was difficult, but the emotional toll of facing the possibility of never being able to see her son grow up. Reba confided in her interview that, in the wake of the birth, she became emotionally distant at times, not knowing how to process the overwhelming mix of emotions she felt. It took a long time for her to find peace with the experience and come to terms with the fact that she had narrowly escaped death.

In addition to the trauma of nearly losing her life, Reba also spoke about the struggles she faced in dealing with the physical effects that followed. The complications led to a long recovery period that was mentally and physically exhausting. Even after she healed, the memories of the traumatic birth lingered, and the fear of going through something similar kept her from wanting to try for more children.

How Shelby’s Birth Changed Reba’s View on Family and Motherhood

The near-death experience during Shelby’s birth had a lasting impact on Reba’s outlook on family and motherhood. While she has always been a proud mother, the physical and emotional aftermath of giving birth to Shelby shaped her decisions regarding her family life. Reba was always clear about wanting to be a mother, but after her harrowing experience, she knew that having more children could pose a serious risk to her health.

For Reba, the decision to only have one child wasn’t just about the physical risks—it was also about her responsibility to Shelby. She wanted to ensure that she would be around for him, watching him grow and supporting him throughout his life. The possibility of not being there for her son was too much for Reba to bear, and it deeply influenced her decision to refrain from having more children.

While she never ruled out the idea of growing her family in other ways, such as through adoption or fostering, the emotional and physical consequences of Shelby’s birth made her more focused on giving him the love and care he needed. Reba’s choice reflects her deep love and devotion to her son and her commitment to providing him with a stable and supportive upbringing.

Reba McEntire’s exclusive revelation about the near-death experience she endured during Shelby’s birth sheds light on the deep emotional and physical challenges she faced as a mother. Her decision to only have one child, despite her love for family, came from a place of deep concern for her own health and her desire to be there for her son. Shelby’s birth changed Reba’s view on family, and in many ways, it defined her motherhood journey.

Through this candid interview, Reba demonstrates that family decisions are often shaped by far more than just desire—they are also influenced by experiences that force us to reevaluate what truly matters. For Reba, being there for Shelby is her top priority, and her story highlights the strength and love that lies behind a mother’s decisions.