Kel, I know where you are coming from! I was induced with no 1 unexpectedly and wanted a natural start to labour for no 2. I ended up having an ARM at 4 days post as I had been in prelabour for 3 wks and was 4cm dilated already and over it.

Not sure about the water but I had an episiotomy with #1 which was similar to yours dr said I was too tired and cut without even asking me! I never even felt any stretching. We did perineal massage and put in birth plan that it was important for us NOT to have an epi. I delivered in all fours position with no tearing just a small graze and recovery was sooo much quicker. My first words after she was born was "did I tear" I was so excited that it had gone so well and completely proved that my first episiotomy was unnecessary.