Laura Thielke, a midwife at Mountain Midwifery Center in Englewood, Colo., congratulates Caitlin who, after six hours of labor, delivered a healthy baby. Mountain Midwifery focuses on non-invasive techniques, such as warm baths and maintaining a quiet and comfortable atmosphere, to mitigate pains of labor. Each month, roughly 50 babies are delivered at Colorado’s only birthing center that relies solely on the midwifery model of care and not traditional medical treatment.

Getting closer, Thielke's midwife shines a flashlight at a mirror on the bottom of the pool to monitor progress of the baby's head. In a moment, the baby will immerge directly into the warm water.

Within seconds of pushing, Thielke's baby is delivered and is immediately pulled up from the water by a midwife and nurse who put the baby directly to Thielke's chest. "Skin time," as it is called, helps calm the baby after a dramatic shift from the womb to open air.

Thielke's children, Jaden and Willow watch as their mother comforts their new-born brother. Jaden and Willow remained present for the birthing process.