Dolphin Assisted Birth Is Latest Trend in Delivering Babies

by Melissa Willets on May 29, 2013
author Melissa  Willets

Melissa Willets

About the Author



Ready for this? According to Time, the latest trend in baby deliveries is dolphin-assisted birth. That's right: Expectant women are actually volunteering to expose their newborn babies to wild animals in the ocean. As a pregnant woman, I think this is crazy, but apparently some moms-to-be are all about it.

Time reported that The Sirius Institute in Hawaii is claiming to be dedicated to a dolphin birth experience in the ocean, which is an underwater birth that includes healing music and interaction with the sea animals. The goal of this seemingly dangerous union is for humans and animals to learn from each other. Hmm. I'd rather learn from my labor and delivery nurse during birth, but I guess that is just me.

Furthermore, a delivery involving dolphins is supposed to create a relaxing environment. Unless of course this sea creature decides to snap your baby's arm off.

One couple who is participating in this program has begun swimming with dolphins before the woman is due to give birth. They shared they hope to bond with a pod of dolphins pre-baby by spending time with them in the sea. Okay then!

"It is about reconnecting as humans with the dolphins so we can coexist in this world together and learn from one another," the brave (or insane) mom-to-be said about her dolphin-assisted birth plan.

Although the institute boasts about the many benefits of their program — such as babies learning to become ambidextrous — experts argue that dolphins are known to be dangerous. These are wild animals after all, that can act unpredictably.

It is worth noting that no one who enrolled in the institute's program has followed through with an actual ocean birth. Still, the aforementioned mom-to-be claims the preparation period is enough for her, even if she doesn't choose to birth her baby in the sea. For her, the peace and strength she is learning from the dolphins will be a comfort during her delivery no matter what.

Well, good for her! But I think I will stick with a hospital birth, even if the idea of my baby learning to use both hands is appealing. Not!

What is your take on a birth involving dolphins?