Little girl attends baby brother's birth and holds his head as he crowns
"She cheered her mom on as she pushed him out, she rubbed her mother's hair so gently; as they both gazed lovingly at this new tiny life in front of them" ❤️
There are definitely conflicting views out there on whether or not a young child should be present at labour.
Some experts say it helps them to bond with their new brother or sister and can help stop sibling rivalry, others say it can be distressing having to watch their mum in pain.
But one thing's for sure - here at MFM HQ we feel we're seeing more and more of it - and the stories that are shared are rather lovely.
The most recent one we've read is about a little girl called Hunter, who was there when her mum gave birth to a brand new baby boy.
Facebook page Love What Matters shared the story. Here it is in full:
"Often, clients ask me my thoughts on having children present, at a birth. My answer is usually, 'Yes'. Hunter's parents prepared her so well for this experience.
"They discussed anatomy in proper terms. She knew the word 'placenta', and she wasn't afraid of the blood she saw.
"She didn't cower when her mother roared her brother out and she didn't get nervous or concerned about it, at all.
"She asked questions, she played with her babies, she ate snacks, and she kept us all entertained with her adorableness.
"She held her brother's head as he crowned, she cheered her mom on as she pushed him out, she rubbed her mother's hair so gently; as they both gazed lovingly at this new tiny life in front of them.
"I said, 'Hunter, do you want to take your shirt off and hold your brother?' Without hesitation, she began to take her shirt off, but she did ask me, "Why am I taking my shirt off?'' I replied, 'Brand new babies love the feeling of your skin, and you will love it, too.'
"She was in heaven, and didn't want to give him back to his mom. She held him with the biggest smile as he bobbed his head around, looking for a breast. She giggled, as we told her he wanted to nurse.
"Birth is the most normal part of life; share it with your children and teach them from the beginning, that birth is nothing to fear. Birth is strength."
❤️❤️❤️
Now, clearly, this mum had prepared her daughter really well for what was going to happen, and for this family at least, little Hunter being there when her baby bro came into the world was just the right thing for them.
Though we do also get that it's not for everyone - and that's OK too.
What do you think?
Would you have liked to have your children with you whee you gave birth? Or do you think it might have been too much for them?
Tell us in the comments below or over on Facebook
Image: Love What Matters/Ready Set Chaos Birth Services on Facebook
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Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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