A woman born on February 29 has only had seven birthdays in her lifetime - but says she loves her rare birthday as it's "unique and special". "

Emily Smith, 31, is a 'leap baby' - a child born on February 29 during a leap year - so she only sees her actual birthday roll around once every four years.

The mum-of-two said growing up was hard because kids would tease her when she 'didn't get a birthday' every year.

She confuses people when she reveals she is just 'seven years old' - but says now it's a great icebreaker.

But on years that don't have a February 29th, she makes up for it by celebrating for two days - February 28th AND March 1st.

She said now she "wouldn't change" her unique birthday - because it makes her feel "special"."

Emily, a sales assistant, from Boardman, Ohio, US., said: "I was raised with birthdays being a pretty big deal in my family."

"In my teenage years, kids my age didn't really understand it and I would get teased because I didn't get a birthday every year."

"Now I'm an adult it's the most unique thing about me and has turned out to be really cool."

"On non leap years, I celebrate on the 28th and the 1st - I figured if I don't get my birthday I can pick both."

Emily - who has two daughters and two step-daughters - hasn't celebrated on her official birth date since 2020.

On a leap year, she makes an extra special plan such as a trip away, and on every other year, she celebrates on the 28th and the 1st.

She said: "I tell people for two days that it's my birthday, so I can get two dinners in, and two days of celebrations."

She said there are some tricky parts to being a leap baby - such as not getting a 'free birthday drink' on coffee shop apps.

But overall she loves it - because she gets to make the most of the leap year birthdays.

Emily said: "Now my kids are old enough that I can go overnight without them, I'm going to make a new tradition."

"When it's my real birthday, I want a trip away."

On top of that, she said it's a special moment whenever she meets another leap baby, because they're so rare.

And people are always impressed when they learn her birthday - which makes her feel "unique and special"."

She added: "I wouldn't change it if I had a choice."