Where do I begin?

[yippiehippie]

My first time posting in here:) I have so many questions...

I am about 5w along, very new and want to start researching options. My first birth was relatively "normal", 6 hrs, very intense, water birth at home with 2 MWs assisting. I did tear, which, IMO, could have been prevented (I pushed real hard and fast, his whole body came out at once and no one was supporting). I got stitched after, the stiches popped a few days later, leaving me in pain for days.  I didn't loose much blood, felt fine, all good:)

So...I think I'm a good candidate for unassisted. I will be frequenting this thread, but in the mean time I really want to read up on this. I'm thinking I'll do regular checks w/a MW, is that what ppl usually do? Is there any good websites anyone can recommend? Books? I haven't made any decisions, but feel I could do this. Plus, there are no MWs close to where I'm moving, and w/my first being short, wonder if a MW would make it in time anyway! 

I'd love any feedback:)

[amberskyfire]

I had regular checkups with a couple of midwives who worked as a team and then had my birth unassisted. They came after the birth to stitch me up since I tore pretty badly but was pretty okay with it seeing as I didn't even feel it. For the next birth, I'd like to have them do my prenatal care again since I enjoyed it so much. I could have done it myself, but having them do it saved me a lot of trouble.

I think what was most important was that they were totally on board with what I wanted. If you get a midwife that isn't completely on the same level you are, you're going to butt heads and I think that's what a lot of moms are worried about. I worried about it as well, but got what I was after.

If you haven't already, get a hold of books like Spiritual Midwifery and Emergency Childbirth: A Guide. They are the most popular books in the UC community.