When April Wild, 29, gave birth to her third child, Grayson, she knew she wanted to be surrounded by those she loved.
But she didn’t expect her four-year-old daughter to jump into the birthing pool and lend a helping hand with the delivery.
April, who teaches hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga, gave birth to her son with her husband, her daughter River, a doula, and a photographer, Corneli Fleur, from Badass Birth Photography, by her side.
Corneli managed to document the amazing moment four-year-old River got involved, with photos showing the little girl holding a wet flannel on her mum’s back and even reaching down to hold Grayson’s hand as he is born.
April, who had her first child in hospital and her second at home in Cheshire, said: ‘River has been involved in the pregnancy from the start really.
‘She has been fascinated by it and I was happy to involve her as I want her to see childbirth as a positive experience rather than a scary one.
‘I have another little boy who is two but she accidentally missed out on his birth because she was asleep, this time she was adamant she wanted to be there.
‘She told me she wanted to be woken up and I’m so glad she did because it was a real bonding experience.
‘I thought I might feel distracted with her there but it was actually the opposite. She kept asking what she could do to help.
‘She had her pyjamas on at the start but soon raced away to put her swimming costume on.
‘She even ended up in the pool before me.’
As well as witnessing the birth and offering her mum plenty of support and encouragement, River used the chance to instantly bond with her new brother.
She held Grayson’s hand as he emerged and gently stroked his head.
April added: ‘It wasn’t until I saw the photographs afterwards that I realised how involved she actually was.
‘She was copying the doula and telling me to breathe and stay calm.
‘Obviously if anything had changed and I felt like I couldn’t have coped I would have asked my husband to take her away and distract her but as it was she was a massive help.
‘It was so peaceful and I’ll never forget her face when he arrived. She was delighted and hasn’t stopped talking about the experience since.’
Do you have a powerful birth story you’d like to share? Get in touch to tell us more by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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