When you’re in the throes of childbirth, you’re arguably at your most vulnerable.
And it’s no small wonder – safely delivering a teeny tiny human you’ve nurtured for months into the world is a serious task .
So it’s VERY important that a mum-to-be feels supported when in labour, and has the people she wants and feels comfortable with around her where possible.
And sometimes these cheerleaders come in all different shapes and sizes…
Just ask new mum Brooke Ellington.
A doula herself, Brooke recently gave birth to her third child at home and had birth photographer Kristen Waner on hand to document the arrival of baby Berkeley.
Looking back over the photos, it quickly comes clear that Brooke had a rather unexpected family member by her side for much of the birth.
Brooke’s corgi , Ranger, was pretty much a constant presence throughout his owner’s labour.
Talking to Bored Panda , Kristen said: "He was very curious as to what was going on.
"He laid under the bed watching her rock back and forth. He was a calming presence when the power and intensity of her contractions started.
"Every once in a while he would jump on the bed to give her a reassuring kiss to let her know she could do this."
Nope, we’re not crying – YOU’RE crying.
Adorable Ranger wasn’t even put off when Brooke’s contractions got more intense and moved to the birth tub.
"Ranger sat on the couch watching her, making sure everything was okay," she adds.
Then when their daughter entered the world, Ranger jumped up to meet her and remained attentive.
"He watched every moment from her getting weighed to her first outfit changed."
Ranger’s sweet devotion was a heartwarming echo of what happened at the birth of Brooke’s older son, Boyd, two years before.
During this process, the family’s older corgi Ryder was with her throughout the entire process.
Sadly Ryder died not long after, and Brooke says that having Ranger helped with the loss.
What’s more, is that it was only when Kristen showed Brooke her birth photos that the mum realised Ranger had been there all along.
"It brought me to tears looking at the photos after my birth, seeing just how impactful he was to the entire event," she told Buzzfeed .
"It was like he really knew I was hurting and wanted to make sure I was okay."
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