“Water birth isn’t as uncommon as you might believe. Water is very soothing, and a lot of women find it to be a helpful tool in managing their labor. Think how relaxing a warm bath or shower can be. Plus, it’s a less traumatic birthing process for the baby. They’re going from one warm, wet place to another,” Rachel said with a smile.

To say that Bette was skeptical about Tina’s proposal of a home water birth was an understatement. As much as she trusted Rachel Minter and her years of experience as a certified nurse midwife, there was something more than a little alarming about the idea of Tina giving birth in a tub full of water without a doctor present.

“Baby, it’s completely safe. Rachel will be right there with us,” Tina said, squeezing Bette’s hand under the table.

“Believe me. I am very conservative about these decisions. If I thought for a moment that this choice would be dangerous for either Tina or the baby, I would tell you and recommend against it.”

Rachel’s denim-blue eyes conveyed both intelligence and sincerity.

Bette exhaled and took another sip of her iced tea. Ultimately, she would support whatever Tina wanted. The most important thing, after all, was that Tina felt safe and comfortable. But this do-it-yourself delivery felt a little toolow tech.

“What ifwhat if” Bette stammered.

“At the first sign of any distress-no matter how minor-we’ll get Tina to the closest hospital and proceed from there,” Rachel said.

Bette let Rachel’s words sink in and take root. During the natural childbirth classes over the past several weeks, she and Tina had increasingly come to appreciate Rachel’s knowledge and calm confidence. After discussing it at length, they had approached her, asking if she was accepting new clients into her practice, and Rachel had happily agreed to serve as their midwife. Bette trusted Rachel. But she was still nervous.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Bette asked, turning to Tina.

“As long as you’re okay with it. I can’t do this without you, so if you’re not feeling like you can”

“I can’t sit here and tell you that this doesn’t make me anxious. You know me-I’m a little more traditional about these things than you are. But if this is what you want, and Dr. Wilson is okay with it, and Rachel will be there, thenthis is what we should do,” Bette said, a new worry line beginning to etch itself across her smooth brow. “But if anything”