Swim With the Dolphins? How About Give Birth With Them, Too (Video)

For mothers-to-be, it could be the latest craze. And especially for the eccentric couple, this could be the thing for you.

Now, it's actually an option to give birth with the dolphins. And according to MSN, Adam and Heather Barringer are a couple who are banking on just that, come July.

The founder of the Sirius Institute in Hawaii, Star Newland, says that connecting humans to animals can form an essential bond during birth for mothers and their families. So far, Newland said as many as 20 healthy babies have been delivered with dolphins present.

Heather confirmed her decision to give birth in the animal environment, noting that the process "is about reconnecting as humans with the dolphins so we can coexist in this world together and learn from one another," according to The Charlotte Observer. The couple are currently living in North Carolina and hoping to travel up to Hawaii for their child's birth.

The Sirius Institute's website notes that thousands of underwater births have taken place across the country, with amazing, therapeutic benefits for the birthing process. The site even writes that "some of the reported occurrences include a mother and a baby playing with the dolphins within 45 minutes of the birth, another instance of a free dolphin escorting a newborh human baby to the surface for its first birth."

Star Newland describes the benefits of the process via The Digital Journal.

"People gather to help each other, care for the children, give hugs and other kinds of 'yummy touch' like touching hands, feet, shoulders, ears, giving back rubs," she said. "This is the kind of touch that everyone can enjoy and helps us stay well."

However, some are skeptical of the benefits this birth may provide, and caution against potential dangers that could result.

As dolphins have been known to confuse mating behavior when people swim with them, it is possible that injuries can result.

According to Discover blogger Christie Wilcox who is also a marine biologist, the process could be very traumatizing in the event that something goes wrong.

"My professional opinion: this has to be, hands down, one of the worst natural birthing ideas anyone has ever had."

What do you think?

Want to find out more about the process? Check out this video, via the Sirius Institute.