i had 3 year old DD with us (it was a HB so fairly straightforward in that she was in her own comfort zone ITMS). i found it beautiful and awesome to have her there and to share that moment of transition with her by my side. that said, we did prepare a fair bit with her by showing her books about mum having a baby ("hello baby") and also picking out some birth videos from youtube that were gentle and loving. she really got into it and on the day was pretty awesome. she even worked out how to massage my back during a contraction lol. i felt that her presence was really good also in just distracting me from the contractions (especially early on). we read books, went for a wee walk etc etc. then when my waters broke and it was all exciting to watch her get really excited and happy and running around helping DH get the birth pool ready. we had my mum there to help with leila though, so that when the contractions became quite serious she was able to cuddle leila while i went into my world. but TBH we would of been AOK either way and DD was marvelous.

preparation is key! and i do highly recommend getting your hands on "hello baby" (there is a review section of it in the labour birth thread ).

DD was without a doubt so enthralled to watch her sister in those early moments as she woke up and took in the world around her for the first time and it was just amazing to watch as marta heard her voice in those first few minutes and searched around looking for her...just precious and goes to show how much our baking bubbas can hear and feel of their siblings *mwah*