While most kids meet their new siblings in the hospital, one little girl helped deliver her own baby brother.
Rebecca Joseloff from New York not only wanted her first daughter Hunter to be present at the birth of her second child, but got her involved in the delivery and postpartum process.
In the months leading up to her birth, Joseloff helped prepare Hunter for being in the room by discussing all the things she might see and hear.
She watched birthing videos, learnt anatomy in proper terms, and knew the word ‘placenta’.
“Birth is such a natural part of life and such an awesome moment, especially for a brother or sister to be there when their sibling is born; it really makes such an awesome connection for them for the rest of their lives.” She said.
When it came time for Rebecca to deliver her son, Hunter supported her mum by stroking her hair and even held the new baby’s head as he was pushed out.
“She didn’t get nervous or concerned at all,” Joseloff’s doula and birth photographer Nicole Lahey said.
“She asked questions, she played with her babies, she ate snacks, and she kept us all entertained with her adorableness.”
After the birth, Hunter took off her top and engaged in skin-to-skin contact with her new baby brother.
“She did ask me, ‘Why am I taking my shirt off?'” Lahey said.
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 mum.”
While Lahey understands that having children present during births isn’t for everyone, she believes that it can have positive effects on sibling relationships.
“Every child is different and every parent-child relationship is different.
“I feel that siblings who watch their little sibling’s birth are much more connected and compassionate with one another.
