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I switched around 26 weeks from my OB to a midwife practice. It was a great decision for me and looking back I'm so glad I switched. I wouldn't worry too much about your OB. You wouldn't even have to tell him directly unless you wanted to.

I should have made the switch with my first pregnancy.

My midwife has had lots of moms switch to her late in their pregnancy, some even AFTER their due date b/c they were concerned about how they wanted their birth would go with their current (previous) obgyns.

If you want a water birth then go for your water birth! =)

Yea... that's pretty easy to do though. Just remember, just like if we go to a restaurant, or mechanic, or anywhere else, WE are the consumer & so we get to choose what is best for our needs. Looking for the healthcare professional that can meet our wants & needs is the SAME thing. Don't feel bad if you go somewhere else b/c he can't provide what you're looking for. It's not that you don't "like" him... simply that you can't get what you're looking for from him.

If you like your OB it might be worth discussing your wishes first to see how supportive he/she is. You also might want to read the book "Natural Hospital Birth" by Cynthia Gabriel. I bought it based on the amazon reviews. I haven't had a chance to read it fully, but I like what I've read so far. It gives lots of good advise on how to feel empowered to have the birth you want within a hospital setting without having to fight tooth and nail for it. (The birthing center in my area gets decidedly mixed reviews, so I'll be exploring my hospital options when the time comes.)