When I was planning for my own home birth, many people asked me if my older 2 kids would be in the house.

Adamantly, without hesitating, I said “NO!” I couldn’t imagine trying to labor while thinking about where they were in the house and what they were doing.

Almost 4 years later, I’ve seen dozens of moms give birth at home with the older siblings home.

Honestly, seeing their births has swayed my opinion. I absolutely love seeing big sister give mom a drink of water, or rub her back during a contraction. I love that she gets to see her mom do hard work for a big reward. Or when baby brother wakes up to see that his new baby sister is finally here.

It is so special that when older siblings see birth, it becomes a normal event in their eyes.

It’s something else regular that the family does together.

This sweet family’s birth story played out in just this way. While mom was working hard, laboring in the tub, their oldest kiddos were waking up just to find out it was their sister’s birthday.

Congratulations D & T!! You made such a great team for her birth, and it was a privilege to get to photograph her entrance into your beautiful family.

Read more about my Moore Oklahoma birth photography and surrounding cities!