Couple Plans Dolphin Assisted Birth

A couple from South Carolina has traveled to Hawaii to have their first baby. The couple is planning to have a dolphin-assisted birth, a water delivery among dolphins.

The experience

Adam and Heather Barrington, who describe themselves as “a couple that is all about living off the earth,” has cleared their birth plan with The Sirius Institute in Pohoa, Hawaii. According to the Institute more people are requesting such an experience.

“We are now receiving up to 3-4 requests per week through the Internet from people searching for a place to birth with dolphins,” claims The Sirius Institute, which describes itself as “a research consortium with the purpose of ‘dolphinizing’ the planet.”

According to Medical Daily, the couple’s baby is due in July. They’ll spend some time swimming with the dolphins before the baby is born and hope to give birth in the water when the time comes, although contingency plans are in place.

A couple’s choice

“It is about reconnecting as humans with the dolphins so we can coexist in this world together and learn from one another,” says Heather.

“Having that connection with the pod of dolphins anytime – even if the birth doesn’t happen in the water – still brings peace, comfort and strength to the mother and baby during labor,” Heather told the South Charlotte News.

According to the Institute, giving birth with dolphins is an ancient practice in Hawaii, something the Barrington’s are hoping to experience first hand.

“It’s total relaxation for the mother,” says Adam. “Dolphins are very intelligent and healing which in turn calms mother and baby for the whole process,” adds Heather.

The debate

The Barrington’s story has sparked much debate about this kind of birth. The South Charlotte News has dozens of comments on the story. Doctors are weighing in on the safety of the situation, while others are praising the couple for their natural choice. What do you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.