I can't compare how it feels to give birth in water versus not in water because both of my births have been in water. To me, it just felt completely normal and completely natural. It is safe for babies to be born in water. The reflux for them to start breathing isn't cause by them coming out of the birth canal. It is actually by them feeling the cold air. They don't suck in any water or have any chance of drowning during a water birth if it is done with supervision. I think, for the babies they seem to like it. Mine came out and they were happy and fine.