The Water Alternative: Birthing Tubs

It only took three pushes for her son, Fischer, to be born. Her husband caught the baby and brought him up out of the water. They called their midwife and after a quick verbal check of the baby, the midwife told them to put down the phone and enjoy the moment. By the time everyone else returned, her midwife had examined Formas and the baby, and Fischer had even nursed.

"In short, there was less pain, more relaxation, less need for episiotomy, an easy way to keep the baby warm, a comfortable place for him to nurse immediately after he was born, and extremely easy clean-up," Formas says. "It was amazing to be surrounded by our family and bring this new life into our home and into the world."

She encourages other women interested in water birth to research and do everything possible to become educated on the procedure. Formas wouldn't have her birthing experience any other way and thinks it's important for women to know they have options.

"Go online, watch videos, speak with doctors, nurses, midwives, and doulas, and especially other mothers who have given birth both in and out of water," she says. "Follow your heart and do whatever is right for you and your family."

Expert's Note: "Although the idea of handling the delivery of the birth is somewhat romanticized here, I would caution not to attempt an unattended home delivery!!"—Dr. Beth Iovinelli