Fishy Idea: Couple Plans a Dolphin-assisted Birth in Hawaii

Dolphin birth
Dolphin birth

There are many different people who can assist with the birth of a baby: there are midwives, doulas, nurses, doctors, husbands, and wives, just to name a few. But one thing that they have in common is that they are all human. Heather and Adam Barrington are hoping to have a very different kind of help during the birth of their first child - they are planning a dolphin-assisted birth. Yes, dolphin.

The couple from Charlotte, North Carolina were inspired by the book "The Ancient Secret of the Flower of Life" by Drunvalo Melchizedek. And they aren't alone in their crazy sounding quest. They have found a kindred spirit in Paradise "Star" Newland, one of the founders of the Sirius Institute.

According to their website: "Sirius Institute is a research consortium with the purpose of "dolphinizing" the planet. This means the integration of the Cetacea (dolphins and whales) into our culture as we raise the level of consciousness to more like theirs. A second goal is the 'humanization of space' which involves the settlement of the solar system and beyond."

Related: 25 powerful photos of women giving birth

"It is about reconnecting as humans with the dolphins so we can coexist in this world together and learn from one another," says Heather about her quest. The couple is already in Hawaii, staying with Paradise "Star" Newland and prepping for the birth of their baby, who is due in July. The couple is in the the process of bonding with their birthing team - the dolphins.

The South Charlotte news states that the couple has "traveled across the country, staying with friends, living in and out of their car and picking up odd jobs or doing trades when they need money, food or supplies." To afford their Hawaiian birthing adventure, Heather worked at the Smelly Cat Coffeehouse while Adam did various odd jobs.

So is a dolphin-assisted birth a safe option? Science writer Christie Wilcox stated, "This has to be, hands down, one of the worst natural birthing ideas anyone has ever had." Dolphins, while generally docile and gentle, will attack humans for no reason. To put a baby and mother in the midst of childbirth in what could turn out to be a risky situation may not be the best plan.

The two know that their dolphin birthing plan may not pan out. They have a plan B: having a human - a midwife named Mala - help with the birth on land.

- By Sunny Chanel

To see incredible photos of a woman giving birth outside of a Florida hospital, visit Babble!


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