12 of the sweetest photos of siblings attending birth

The birth of a new baby is a family affair. It’s not just the baby that is born, but mothers and fathers, too, are born – and so are big brothers and big sisters. The birth of a sibling is a big deal for the children already here. They’ve been watching mom’s belly grow, listening in on conversations about getting the nursery ready, and helping to pick the perfect name — so it’s only natural for them to be curious about the actual process of birth.

The narrative around birth is changing and many parents are opting to include siblings in the birth space to show them that birth is not something to be feared, but something to celebrate. This touching selection of images shows just how special it can be for siblings lucky enough to be in the room where it all happens.

When big sister wants to be a midwife and knows more about a uterus than you do. This big sis was thrilled to be invited into the birthing space to watch her sibling be born. She was one of the first to do skin-to-skin, she inspected the placenta, and she cheered her mom on through delivery. There’s no doubt she’ll make a fine midwife one day. | Sarah Hill Photography, Kentucky

A stunning capture of a stunning birth. A true team event with mom, dad and big sister working together to bring their little sister earthside. Lilly, a tiny midwife, was there for her momma through it all as she labored in a birth tub. Lilly got to touch her little sister as she was being born and helped momma guide her out safely. | Lo Photo, Costa Rica

Sharing moments of a family-centered birth is pivotal. The three big sisters celebrated their momma as she birthed their little brother, and when asked if they loved him so much, she said “in a smothering kind of way!” A blessed family indeed! | Jenna Vanloon Photography, Texas

Big brother Armi was at baby sister Aria’s birth, and their mother had some inspiring thoughts following her birth.She said:

“I love that our son Armi was at Aria’s birth.

That he saw the way his father cared for me.

He witnessed the strength of the feminine.

He saw the highest form of magic – creating life.

He felt the sacredness of the moment, the reverence of it all.

I know that his presence at her birth will forever alter the way he views life, and this for me is priceless.” | Petite Exposure, Washington

That first meeting between siblings is so special. Here, the big sister came to greet her fresh little brother as her mother came out of the bathroom, moments after birth. | Micah Simmons Photography, Virginia

Big siblings make the best helpers when it comes to cleaning baby up and doing all the measurements. This big sister was right in on the action, not letting their new baby sister out of sight. | Olive Juice Lifestyle, Australia

Such a beautiful family-centered birth! The siblings were involved in the entire process from helping mama labor, all the way to being the ones to cut and burn the cord. They helped mama by nursing, doing squats down the stairs, walks, massages, smelling essential oils, riding bikes, encouraging her, getting mama to smile and even laugh. The whole birth was filled with the best love and energy. | J&B Photography, California

In labor, support can come from encouraging words and the loving hands of your still-tiny first born. This image gives us all the feels with the big sibling helping momma in every way they know how. | Cincy Birth Stories, Ohio

Big sister was the sweetest with her strong momma as she labored in the birth pool. Moving through the waves together while waiting to meet her baby brother. | Lover and Beloved, Texas

What an incredible capture of a big sister touching her partially born sibling as they were emerging. She was calm and confident as she witnessed her mother birthing her sister. Seconds later the baby was here, partially encased in her sac, and big sister watched on with pure-hearted amazement. | Wild Oak Birth, Utah

It’s a proud moment when you can introduce your first born to their sibling. This introduction happened in the hallway of the hospital, with all their loved ones present to welcome the new baby into the family. Such a special reunion! | Retratos Deafeto, Brazil

This big sibling was totally in awe of their mother, and fully embraced the experience of birth. They even got in there with the stethoscope to mimic what they saw the midwife doing. Shortly afterwards, this incredible mamma tandem- fed her new baby and the big sibling, all from the comfort of her own bed. | ATX Doula & Birth Photographer, Texas