A couple from Hawaii, completely disregarding conventional medical practices, has chosen to give birth in the open ocean, surrounded by dolphins—because, you know, nature knows best. Dorina Rivers and her partner, Kai Sunbeam, have made it clear that they want an oceanic birth, not a sterile birthing pool. Instead of a doctor, they envision dolphins assisting in the delivery. This bizarre plan came to light on the UK show Extraordinary Births, which I desperately wish was available here.
During an interview with host Mia Collins, the couple elaborated on their aspiration for a “dolphin-assisted birth.” But seriously, how does one even prepare for that? Are dolphins known for their punctuality?
Dorina and Kai operate a spiritual wellness retreat, which is absolutely fitting for such a whimsical approach to childbirth. On her blog, Dorina shared her transformative experiences with wild dolphins and humpback whales in 2011 and 2014, claiming they “healed” her significantly. Now, she believes that her unborn child will be better equipped to communicate in “dolphin” if born in the wild. Perhaps a Spanish-immersion program would serve her daughter better than an aquatic dialect, but who am I to judge?
Experts caution against giving birth near wild animals. While we often envision dolphins as friendly and playful creatures, their natural behavior can be surprisingly aggressive. According to Discover Magazine, dolphins have been known to engage in violent acts, even against their kind. They can be brutal predators, which begs the question: do you really want such companions during childbirth? I wouldn’t even want my cat around during such a vulnerable time!
Beyond the obvious risks of wild animals, what makes Dorina think dolphins are interested in playing midwife? And let’s not forget the plethora of other dangers associated with giving birth in the ocean—sharks, anyone?
Seriously, let’s pump the brakes on this one.
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In summary, while the idea of giving birth in the ocean with dolphins as midwives may sound enchanting, the reality is fraught with danger and impracticality. It’s essential to prioritize safety and consider more traditional routes for childbirth.