Directed pushing also increases tearing risk too... so go with your body, but listen to the coaching part when they tell you to slow down/stop on crowning to help with stretching. Blue daisy has given you all the good advice already but just wanted to add that one. Unfortunately it depends which midwife you will get at the birth centre as to who will let you actually birth in water. Last night we didn't get that She said the water is only for pain relief. Bring your own plug and tell her not to touch your property