Wow, this truly is such a beautiful video. First of all because of the content, and second because it is so nicely shot. Justin and I plan to have another baby when Oliver is a little older (like 5 or 6), and there is no way I'm letting my guns down next time. I want to have the natural water birth that I wanted with Ollie. Like I said in my first post, I was very discouraged by absolutely everyone except my mom and wonderful fiancé who completely stood by my side and stood by which ever choice I made. But it was also important for my mom to be there for his birth, and though she supported me, she didn't want to travel an hour away to the only hospital around that allows water births. I also would love to have a midwife and doula next time. Oh the dreams. I love babies and I love giving birth honestly. I have never been happier now that I'm a mamma to a beautiful little baby boy. I had some problems and didn't have the most comfortable pregnancy towards the end, but I would do it all over again even now if I could. I do want to wait though to have some years of just focusing on Ollie. He is so perfect in every single way and I devote my life to making sure he knows it and has things that prove it. That's why I breastfeed, cloth diaper, feed him vegan, wear him, care for him lovingly no matter what, and so on. I want the best for him, and I'll do everything in my power and so will his daddy to assure he gets it. Woah, crazy mamma alert! Haha anyway, here is a top five list of reasons to have a water birth, a link for all you need to know about water births, and finally how great midwives and doulas are.

Enjoy! <3

Five Reasons...

Less Pain.
Water birth has been shown to be very effective at reducing pain. Some studies say that water birth is second to only the epidural in pain relief. Mothers who have given birth in the water swear by the reduction in pain.
Fewer Tears.
Because of the ability to relax and to have a gentle second stage, pushing, most mothers who have a water birth have fewer tears and require fewer stitches than their counterparts who give birth outside of a tub.
Increased relaxation.
Water has long been known for its relaxing properties. After all, don’t we often suggest a warm bath when someone says they are stressed? Calgon, anyone? Seriously, the warm water does the same thing in labor and childbirth, though often with a more dramatic effect. Relaxation is a great thing in childbirth.
Increased mobility for mom.
When in water mom finds it easier to move because of the water. Her larger form is less encumbered. This movement can help speed labor or make for more effective contractions in some women. She is able to move her legs, squat, circle her hips – all of which can help her feel less pain and help her baby move down in the pelvis.
Decrease in the use of epidural anesthesia.
If you are looking to avoid an epidural, water birth is something that has been shown to decrease the need for pain medications.

Why Midwives and Doula Rock My World!!

The Art of the Midwife

Care with a modern midwife is truly an art form - combining the guiding, healing hands of one's most trusted advisor and nurturer with today's knowledge, science and medicine. This fusion is what sets midwives apart from most doctors.
A midwife's care is based on the idea that the woman is the central decision maker in matters regarding her birth and her child. Midwives respond to mothers as a caring and collaborative partner, highly trained to work with each unique situation individually. Her goal is the health and well being of mother and baby. She has the resources, wisdom and professional training to safely guide the journey of pregnancy.
A qualified midwife provides comprehensive prenatal care, guides labor and birth, and cares for newborns. However, her unique value is revealed as she connects with a woman and her family to offer a deeper level of care. During pre and postnatal visits that are three to ten times longer than standard doctor visits, the midwife listens to what is needed at each step of the process. She can then offer appropriate information, physical, emotional or clinical support, and options.
The safety and benefits of midwife care have been proven again and again in countries across the world. World Health Organization statistics show that births attended by midwives have lower infection rates, lower C-section rates, fewer complications, and healthier outcomes - thus, lower overall medical costs - than physician-attended hospital births. In addition, there is no difference in infant mortality between midwife-attended and physician-attended births for low-risk women. Countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, and New Zealand, which have the best birth outcome statistics in the world, use midwives as their main maternity care providers.

Natural Pregnancy Support, Childbirth Support

Pregnancy and childbirth are natural experiences that should be supported by well-rounded care to address everything about a mother: physical, clinical, and emotional. To address only the clinical aspect would be incomplete care. Midwives look at the whole woman, as well as her family.
Professionally trained midwives provide you with this complete, holistic care. They also empower you with education and choices to help make the best, safest decisions for you and your baby before and after birth.

Clinical and Physical Care

Much of the prenatal, labor, and postnatal clinical assessments you will experience with your midwife are very similar to that of an OB. However, a midwife's experience with the normal birth process allows her to focus on you and your baby, rather than encouraging a reliance on technology and intervention. Your midwife supports what is healthy and good about labor and birth, while carefully watching for early signs of a shift away from normal. Midwives are trained to act when additional medical help is needed, but they do not unnecessarily expose women and babies to potentially harmful interventions.
If a clinical procedure is being considered, your midwife will provide you with a well-rounded education so that you can make informed choices about what is best for you and your baby, based on your individual values and belief.
Your midwife will visit with you during regular pre and postnatal visits, which generally last about one hour. As you near your due time, your midwife will help you create a comfortable, healthy environment for childbirth. Throughout your labor, your midwife(s) will be present with you. During labor, she will trust your instincts regarding what is best for you at each moment (standing, squatting, moving, eating, drinking), and will offer suggestions and encouragements to keep you comfortable and confident. She will work to minimize stress and tension to help you reduce pain and allow the body's natural process. Massage, breathing, nutrition, and the use of water are only a few techniques she may employ to help. When your baby arrives, she will be there to provide care for both of you.

Emotional care

A midwife can help you feel safe, supported, and in control throughout your pregnancy and birth. During visits with your midwife, which can start during your first trimester or even for preconception guidance, you will have ample time to ask questions, gain self-care knowledge, share feelings, explore dreams, and discuss fears. Often, your midwife becomes a trusted friend, as well as a knowledgeable advisor.
When you choose homebirth with a qualified midwife you are choosing to give birth in an environment in which you feel nurtured and secure. In this environment your emotional well-being, privacy, and personal preferences are respected. While you are laboring, your midwife will guide you and safeguard the well-being of you and your baby.

Natural Prenatal Care

Midwives provide comprehensive prenatal care, birth, and postpartum care. Most midwives will continue postpartum care until six weeks after the baby is born. Many midwives also provide well-woman care, which includes a Pap smear, breast exam, and non-pharmaceutical birth control. Midwives see their clients in a variety of settings. Some midwives do home visits, while others will work out of an office or clinic. Most prenatal visits last approximately one hour and can include lab work, if needed. The partner and other family members are often encouraged to attend prenatal care visits.
The true value of a midwife is not how many clinical things she can do, but who she becomes to you during the most important part of your life. She will become your most trusted advisor and your strongest supporter.
Here is one mother's account of her experience with a midwife. There are thousands of similar stories from women in every corner of the world.

"My midwife always met me with a hug, a mug of nourishing tea, and lots of excitement about the wonder of my growing child. I sometimes wondered how she could be so excited over my baby after helping so many other babies. She would answer with a look of joy on her face 'each baby is a wonder!'"

"My favorite thing about my midwife visits was having my belly palpated. I loved being gently touched and learning where all the baby parts were. 'This is a knee... here is a foot...'"

"For a while, I was seeing my OB at the same time. I would wait 45 minutes for a visit and then only have 10 rushed minutes with the doctor. I always left with my head spinning and mouth full of unasked questions. But then my midwife would spend a long time reorienting me, answering my questions and celebrating with me the magic of my growing baby. She always seemed to have time to talk with me about whatever was important at that point. I grew to realize she would know exactly how to help me birth my baby at home. I totally loved my home birth and couldn't dream of a better birth!"

Info from http://www.mothersnaturally.org/index.html

All you need to know...

http://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth/waterbirth-birth-in-water

I know it's a lot to read, but if you're anything like me, you'll enjoy it and read it all...

peace, love, and water babies!!!