I hate hospitals. They just freak me out. Full of germs, sick people, dying people. I can’t imagine relaxing in a hospital, and the thought of spending so much time there was one reason why getting pregnant seemed incredibly scary. It wasn’t just the idea of giving birth that made me nervous, but the idea of spending so much time in a hospital.

Despite my fear, I assumed that a hospital birth was unavoidable, particularly since I live in Nicaragua where there are fewer alternative options available. Fortunately, my good friend, neighbor, and business partner happened to find out she was pregnant just two weeks before I did. She is a yoga teacher and also wanted a more natural birthing experience.  Luckily for me, she did the research and found a midwife willing to travel to Nicaragua to assist with our births.

I’m a water child. Always have been. When I was a kid I spent hours and hours in the pool. When I first got into surfing, I spent as long as I possibly could in the ocean. When I became a model, photographers would notice that as soon as we moved the shoot from the hot sand into the cool water, I would come alive. Water feels natural to me, whereas land doesn’t always. So, when I first heard about water births, I was immediately sold.

As I’ve done more research and watched videos of natural water births, I’m even more convinced that a water birth is the right choice for me.

Check out the video below. It’s a bit graphic, particularly when they get into poking and prodding the placenta – which i’ll admit made me feel a bit nauseous, but I am totally inspired by the peaceful birthing process.