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Sam Faiers supported in labour by four-year-old daughter

Watch: Sam Faiers supported by daughter Rosie, 4, in labour

Sam Faiers has welcomed her third child, sharing a video capturing some of the moments of her home birth including a clip of her daughter, Rosie, four, holding her mum's hand in labour.

The reality TV star, 31, gave birth to a baby boy with her partner, Paul Knightley, 33, a little brother to older siblings Paul, six, and Rosie, four.

Sharing the happy news on Sunday night, the former TOWIE star posted a video featuring several clips from the water home birth, including scenes featuring her daughter sweetly holding her mum's hand for support as she prepared to deliver the baby.

In another clip, Rosie is seen cuddling up to the sleeping newborn and a further shot sees brother Paul giving his baby brother's head a kiss.

"No words can describe how in love we are with you baby boy. I honestly can’t explain my feelings right now," the mum-of-three wrote in the accompanying caption.

"Mummy loves you more than you could ever imagine. In our baby bubble currently. be back soon."

Read more: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas' baby in intensive care for 100 days after birth

Sam Faiers has given birth to her third baby, and was supported by her daughter Rosie in labour. The family pictured in August 2021. (Getty Images)
Sam Faiers has given birth to her third baby, and was supported by her daughter Rosie in labour. The family pictured in August 2021. (Getty Images)

In the video, Faiers could be seen kneeling in the birthing pool as daughter Rosie sweetly comforted her mum from the side of the pool.

In another shot of the special moment she was in labour, her partner knelt down next to her and held her hands.

At the end of the touching video, the couple's son, Paul, could be heard announcing that it was a little boy, suggesting both children were present to see their brother's arrival.

Since announcing their happy news, Faiers fans and celebrity friends have sent their well wishes to the now-family of five, with some commenting how lovely it was that her children could be there to support her.

"The most beautiful baby and watching Rosie holding your hand in labour," former TOWIE star Lydia Bright commented.

"Congratulations to you all, Rosie holding your hand oh my gosh so precious!" another fan commented.

"Rosie holding your hand just melts my heart," another user added.

Sam opened up about wanting a home birth prior to her newborn son's arrival after giving birth to her daughter, Rosie at home.

"I'm having a NHS home birth again, my home birth with Rosie was amazing (as could be) so I'm praying I can have the same experience again for this baby," she revealed on social media.

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Faiers isn't the only celebrity to have older siblings at the birth of their younger brother or sister.

Back in 2016, Jamie Oliver hit headlines after revealing that his two eldest daughters, Poppy Honey and Daisy Boo, then 14 and 12, had been there to witness their baby brother River Rocket being born.

The TV chef described the event as “amazing to witness, very very emotional” while his wife explained that their daughters had cut the cord.

In an interview with Good Housekeeping magazine, Oliver later said he was surprised at the controversy, saying only "strange" people could find it odd.

He said: "Most of the world has home births, and different countries have different habits. It's only controversial to really strange people.

"It was an idea from mum and the kids, and we gave it lots of thought. As soon as the baby was out and safe, we got the nod - Poppy cut the umbilical cord!"

Faiers pictured with her partner Paul Knightley in November 2021 while pregnant with her third child. (Getty Images)
Faiers pictured with her partner Paul Knightley in November 2021 while pregnant with her third child. (Getty Images)

Jools Oliver shared a picture of herself breastfeeding baby River a few days after she gave birth.

Oliver said it was "extraordinary" to see his daughters watching the delivery.

"It was the right age for them, the right scenario for us, and I witnessed their initial raw emotion as the little one was handed to them," he said.

"I know they respect their mum now even more than they already did. It was an amazing show of strength."

To some people the idea of inviting children to watch a birth may sound odd, but according to experts an increasing number of parents are opting to have older offspring present at the event.

Read more: Woman shares tip for testing baby name out before settling on it

Sam Faiers with her children, Paul and Rosie Knightley in October, 2019. (Getty Images)
Sam Faiers with her children, Paul and Rosie Knightley in October, 2019. (Getty Images)

Speaking about the practice of having older siblings present at the birth of a new arrival shortly after Jools Oliver gave birth, Elizabeth Duff, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) senior policy advisor said:

“Having older children present at the birth of their sibling is a very personal decision for both parent and child and should be discussed without pressure ahead of the actual birth.

“A child of any age will need some preparation for the experience. No matter how wonderful it can be to watch their sibling being born, it can also be a confronting experience for a child to see their mother in pain or losing blood.

“Having another trusted adult, such as a grandparent, present or very nearby is important so that if the child gets upset, changes their mind or complications arise then they can leave quickly.”