I had a beautiful home waterbirth four weeks ago. Prior to that I had 3 land births. I found it easier to relax between contractions this time around. I was also able to labour in positions that I would have found uncomfortable on land- eg. Modified 'hand and knees position' with wide knees and pelvis low to the ground; great for opening up the pelvic region.
I was the first person to touch my bub. I touched and held his head and body as it emerged. My MW helped bring him to my chest though, as I was in a semi-reclined position and could not lift him safely on my own.
He was so clean too- not necessarily better, just different; the water had washed away the blood and fluid, etc from his body. We stayed in the water no longer than 10 mins after he was born. I birthed the placenta on land.