The Unexpected Way 1 Toddler Helped His Mom Give Birth

Benzel Photography
Benzel Photography

As a birth photographer, Melissa Benzel of Benzel Photography considers herself "on call" when her clients reach 36 weeks gestation. However, for the birth of Amiah's second child, Melissa didn't hear any news until well after that mark, as Amiah ended up going 42 weeks before giving birth.

What makes the birth story of Amiah's baby girl even more incredible is the fact that this powerful mom managed to breastfeed her toddler throughout her entire labor and delivery experience. Amiah labored in a pool, but her little boy simply got into the water with her and latched on. Immediately following the birth of the baby, her body managed to tandem nurse during her daughter's first feeding.

"This mom was still nursing her 2-year-old throughout her pregnancy, and while in labor, she knew that nursing would help her body progress in the best way," Melissa told POPSUGAR. "She was a superstar! She didn't complain about her baby wanting to bond, to touch her, or to nurse — she was a mom to both of her babies. She put all of her aches and pains aside in order to be their mom. What an incredible example of what parenting should be all about!"