Mumbai: Ex-South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes's wife Melanie Jeanne gave birth to a baby girl yesterday in a Santa Cruz hospital. The baby, who was born by natural water birth, has been named India Jeanne Jonty Rhodes.
The fielding coach of IPL team Mumbai Indians Jonty Rhodes yesterday tweeted, “@mipaltan good luck tonight from baby Rhodes!! India Jeanne Rhodes born 3:29pm weighing 3.7kg! Mum and baby perfect #ApunKaSuperstars.”
''The baby girl, born by natural water birth, at 3.29 pm weighs 3.71 kg. The couple are extremely overwhelmed and thrilled about the new addition to the family,'' said Dr Bhupendra Avasthi of Surya Mother and Child Care hospital at Santa Cruz (W). The couple had been preparing for the water birth for the last three months, added the doctor.
'' Birthing in water is considered to be one of the most beneficial options for a woman and her baby. It creates a naturally calm and peaceful atmosphere and allows the freedom of movement and pain release,'' said Dr Avasthi.
One of the best fielders of the world of all times Rhodes stayed put in Mumbai to prepare for the natural birth and did not travel with the team. On the eve of first IPL match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8, Rhodes tweeted along with a picture of the sea, “Waiting 4 babyrhodes in Mumbai as setting sun indicates start of IPL8 go @mipaltan good luck in Kolkata.”