Renowned free diver and Edmonton native Mandy-Rae Cruickshank is celebrating both an Oscar win and motherhood.

The former world record holder delivered a healthy baby girl just before a film she was in - alongside free diving husband Kirk Krack - snagged an Academy Award.

The Cove - winner of best documentary at the March 7 ceremony - reveals a controversial dolphin slaughter and capture program in Japan.

Using their ability to dive into deep water without breathing apparatus, the Coquitlam, B.C., couple secretly dove eight stories under water to capture footage and audio for the film.

After their black ops mission, the pair welcomed Kaila Marine Krack Feb. 23, three weeks early.

"We are just completely amazed. We are very proud," said Cruickshank, 35. Naturally, the pair planned on a water birth, but the little one was breech so she was born via C-section.

Kaila may only be one month old, but her parents hope she will soon learn to dive just like her mother, who can dive 88 metres with a single breath.

"We're already doing nice, deep long baths. She'll have no option but to like the water," joked Krack, 41.

Not even pregnancy could keep Cruickshank out of the water for long.

At six months along, she had to cut out the belly of her diving suit so it would fit and just two days before the birth, she participated in an aqua fit class.

She would have kept travelling to the tropics to dive, but airlines discourage women over 32 weeks pregnant from flying, she said.

Day-to-day, the pair teach the public, and even celebrities, how to free dive at hot spots around the world.

They've taught David Blaine, Woody Harrelson and Tiger Woods the sport and were featured on the Oprah show in 2008.