Mumbai: Prenatal sex determination has been banned in India in 1994. However, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians’ fielding coach Jonty Rhodes and his wife Melanie were aware about the sex identity of their new arrival in the family. This was revealed by their gynecologist Dr Ameet Dhurandhar.
Speaking exclusively, he says, "It (the prenatal sex determination) is not illegal in South Africa and that's how they had already decided to name their daughter as India. Jonty loves Indian culture very much and was to remain in India for the IPL matches and his wife wanted him to be present at the time of delivery."
The parents had done their research and Melanie was preparing for this day for over three months. Jonty is currently working with Mumbai Indians for two months, and since the facility of Water Birth is available by Dr Ameet Dhurandhar, they had decided to have the delivery in Mumbai, so the family could be close together.
Read: MS Dhoni’s baby girl Ziva makes her ‘stadium debut’
"It is Jonty’s first Water Birth where Melanie delivered in a birthing pool. Jonty was allowed to remain present during his daughter's birth process. He jumped into the pool after baby India Rhodes was born and held her to his chest. He is proud to become a father again and elated to have his baby girl born into water," Dr Dhurandhar added.
@mipaltan good luck tonight from baby Rhodes!! India Jeanne Rhodes born 3:29pm weighing 3.7kg! Mum and baby perfect #ApunKaSuperstars
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) April 23, 2015"We have given Water Births to several children in India and treated many foreigners but Jonty Rhodes is the first international cricketer who has become father under our care," he said.
Dr Ameet Dhurandhar conducts his water births at Surya Child Care Hospital. He is amongst the first few Obstetricians in India to conduct Water Births and Hydro Births in India.
The concept of Water Births has recently been introduced in Mumbai. The mother delivers the baby in a birthing pool free of any drugs or analgesia. It is a natural process in which the mother is relaxed, buoyant, and is allowed a dignified and respectful delivery.
Women report they enjoy their labor and find that water allows complete freedom of movement and deep concentration.
Miss India was immediately examined by a child specialist Dr Bhupendra Avasthi, who declared Miss India "fully fit". Melanie and India were given discharge within less than 24 hours from the hospital.
