Gypsy-Rose Blanchard on Healing Through Motherhood

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, a 33-year-old actress known for her role on “Life After Lockup,” shared a poignant message about motherhood on her Instagram Stories on February 17, 2025. In her post, Blanchard expressed how her daughter, Aurora Raina Urker, has helped her heal from a traumatic past marked by abuse and incarceration.

“With every kiss, with every lullaby, with every cuddle, I heal my inner child,” Blanchard wrote. “I’m slowly starting to finally heal the wounds of a bloodline I didn’t ask for, through the eyes of a child I was blessed with.” This heartfelt statement reveals the deep emotional journey she has embarked on since becoming a mother.

Blanchard’s life story is a complex tapestry of trauma and resilience. As a child, she was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, suffering severe medical abuse at the hands of her mother, Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard. This abuse led to years of unnecessary medical treatments and emotional distress.

In 2015, Gypsy-Rose was involved in the death of her mother, who was murdered by her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, in an attempt to escape the abuse. Following the incident, Blanchard served nearly eight years for her role in the crime before being released from prison on December 28, 2023.

Since her release, Gypsy-Rose has prioritized her role as a mother. Her daughter Aurora, born December 28, 2024, has given her a sense of purpose. “All the things that I wanted in a mother, I want to give this baby,” Blanchard explained in a recent interview with People magazine. “Motherhood is a second chance at life with a kid of my own.”

Blanchard’s perspective on parenting reflects a desire to break the cycle of trauma. “The way my mother parented me is definitely not the way I’m going to be. We always say for the next generation, we want to be better than we were raised,” she stated. “I have learned from the experience of the trauma of everything not to do.”

Recently, she celebrated Valentine’s Day by sharing a rare photograph of her and Ken Urker, Aurora’s father, with their baby. In the post, Urker is seen cradling Aurora, capturing a tender moment in their young family life.

Blanchard has maintained a commitment to privacy regarding her daughter’s life, previously stating they would not share many photos online. “We value the privacy and safety of our daughter,” she noted, while also expressing gratitude for the support from fans.

As Gypsy-Rose continues to navigate the challenges and joys of motherhood, she remains focused on healing and creating a nurturing environment for Aurora.