Most three-year-olds are mastering the fine art of pooping in a toilet, learning how to identify shapes and discovering their hatred for crust on toast.Â
But Hunter Joseloff can add another check mark to her list of things to accomplish before preschool – delivering a baby.
The doting big sister was not only present for the birth of her baby brother, but assisted the doula and her mum during the delivery.
Doula Nicole Lahey shared the amazing story on social media, complete with a series of stunning images and an important message for both the supporters and the haters.
Cutest birthing assistant ever
Everyone’s birthing experience is different. Some choose a hospital birth; others choose a home birth. New Yorker, Rebecca Joseloff opted for the latter. When she discovered she was pregnant with her second child, she called on the expertise of birth photographer and doula, Nicole Lahey, to document the journey.
Rebecca and her husband also decided to share the experience with their daughter, three-year-old Hunter.
In the lead-up to the big event, Hunter watched videos and even studied anatomy. As Nicole explains, “Hunter’s parents prepared her so well for this experience. They discussed anatomy in proper terms. She knew the words “placenta” and she wasn’t afraid of the blood she saw.”
All in the family
During the birth, Hunter remained cool, calm and as cute as ever. She supported her mum, stroked her hair, offered her water and even assisted during the crowning.
“She didn’t cower when her mother roared her brother out and she didn’t get nervous or concerned about it at all,” Nicole explains. “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.”
Nicole shared two images of the event via social media, one of the birth, and one of Hunter holding her brand new little brother. With wide eyes, bright glasses and an adorable smile, Hunter is rocking the post-birth big sister glow!
Children in the delivery room?
The photos and post have caused quite a stir on social media, with parents weighing in on whether it’s a good idea for children to be present at a birth.
Some decided the idea was disgusting. Others were all for it, even sharing their own images and stories.
As Nicole writes, “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.”
But, like EVERYTHING in parenting, it doesn’t really matter what others think. It was the right decision for the Joseloff family. And that’s all that really matters.
Have you, or would you consider letting your kids in on the whole birth experience? Or would you prefer to keep the birthing door shut?
