Nicaraguan woman Josy Cornelius, 38, has sparked controversy by repeatedly giving birth at sea without medical assistance.
In late 2023, this woman gave birth to her fifth child in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Nicaragua. Josy believed that giving birth freely in the water, without the assistance of medical professionals, would be best for the child.
"As soon as my first child was born in a coastal area of Germany, I chose subsequent coastal areas for childbirth. I planned my births very meticulously because I had practical knowledge," Josy said.
Josy and her husband, Benni, both 43, immigrated from Germany to Nicaragua. Before the birth of their fifth child, Maui, they had three sons and one daughter. Josy worked in cardiology and volunteered at a pediatric clinic specializing in the care of premature and high-risk infants. She also completed training in neonatal intensive care.
After deciding to welcome their youngest child in the Caribbean, Josy's family moved to a nearby island two months before her due date. The mother of five had meticulously planned everything, but she never anticipated her water breaking in the middle of the night.
The 38-year-old woman also posted a video of the birthing process on her personal page. In the clip, which has attracted nearly 19,000 views and over 900 likes, Josy is seen holding her newborn baby right under the sea.
Josy Cornelius gave birth to her fifth child, Maui, in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Nicaragua in late 2023. (Screenshot)
Below the post, many netizens expressed their support and congratulations to the family. "I absolutely admire you. The way you are doing proves that women can have children the way they want"; "Wishing the best and most fortunate things to come to the family's little angels," some wrote.
However, there are still those who do not support Josy's method. They are concerned that giving birth in seawater could be dangerous for the child due to fears of infection and lack of hygiene.
Josy Cornelius holds her baby, just a few days old, after giving birth naturally in the Caribbean Sea in late 2023. Photo: @oceanbirthmom
In 2022, Josy and her husband faced criticism when they shared a video of the birth of their fourth child on Playa Majagual beach in Nicaragua, without a midwife.
There are no statistics on the number of free births worldwide each year, but the number is believed to be very small. This method of childbirth has been controversial since 2018, when a woman in California, USA, was in labor for six days and the baby died due to a lack of timely medical intervention.
Liesel Teen, founder of Mommy Labour Nurse, shared: "Unassisted childbirth is not something I would recommend. In particular, giving birth at sea carries many risks, such as water temperature, tidal fluctuations, waves, and the risk of infection from harmful bacteria or pathogens in the water."
Professor Asma Khalil, vice president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ROCG), said women have the right to give birth in an environment where they feel comfortable.
"But the most important thing is to prioritize safety. Not all births are without complications, and delays in accessing medical support can have unpredictable consequences," Professor Asma said. The expert also advised that whether giving birth at home or anywhere else, the assistance of a midwife is essential to ensure safety.
Jossi and her husband Benni, 43, emigrated from Germany to Nicaragua. Photo: @oceanbirthmom
Despite differing opinions, Josy believes that natural childbirth is safe if one is knowledgeable about it. The birth of Maui helped her family achieve their goal of having children at sea.
"My five children were all born in five different parts of the world. That's what makes me happiest," said the mother of five.
Minh Phuong (According to Dailymail )
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