Jamie Oliver hits back at controversy over his daughters watching Jools give birth

In an interview with Good Housekeeping magazine, the celebrity chef said that only 'really strange people' would find the idea of the girls being present for River's birth controversial.

Jamie had faced criticism after he revealed in a celebratory tweet what had happened during River's birth.

The dad-of-5 says that in fact it's been an incredibly positive thing for Poppy and Daisy, as well as Jools.

"To see my two teenagers watch their mum was extraordinary. I know they respect their mum now even more than they already did." (That we love).

He continued in his straight-talking way, "It's only controversial to really strange people. Most of the world has home births, and different countries have different habits."

Jamie explained it was all planned, but wasn't his idea.

"It was an idea from mum and the kids, and we gave it lots of thought. As soon as the baby was out and safe, we got the nod - Poppy cut the umbilical cord!"

And the proud dad is adamant that it was the right thing for his family (which is the most important thing, right?):

"It was the right age for them, the right scenario for us, and I witnessed their initial raw emotion as the little one was handed to them. It was an amazing show of strength."

So what do you think?

Would you have your older kids present during childbirth? Do you agree with Jamie that watching Jools deliver little River could only be a positive thing for Poppy and Daisy?

Or maybe you think that our kids shouldn't see us at our most vulnerable and in pain? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Pic: Jools Oliver/Instagram/Jamie Oliver Instagram

Read more:

• Jamie and Jools court more controversy with their front-facing baby carrier
• Could kids attending birth stop sibling jealousy?
• The time the web decided Jamie held Buddy the wrong way...