I had two hospital births that were just fine, really. Of course, in my case, everything went quickly and smoothly - there was no need to ask for more time to labour or push or anything like that. And my doctor was a woman GP who was very calm and common-sense in her approach to labour and birth. I liked her a lot. The nurses in L+D encouraged me to stay active and keep moving around. I couldn't use the bath, but I was free to shower as long as I liked. Monitoring was done only occasionally, and I had a VE on admittance and when they broke my water (at my request). I was encouraged to breastfeed immediately, and DH, baby, and I were left alone in the delivery suite to nurse, and cuddle and bond. Epidurals are not available in my hospital, unless there is an emergency, and I did not require an episiotomy or induction.

So, all in all, a good birthing experience.

But, I prefer my home because I feel like the trip to the hospital is an unnecessary hassle. Why rush out the door in hard labour to go to the hospital when I could just stay home? I can walk around my own living room, or up my own street. Rest in my own bed, in my own PJ's or naked if I want. Use my own shower or bath, when and how long I want to. Call the midwife to come to me. And, the midwife would be the woman I have had nearly all my prenatal visits with - who knows me and who I am comfortable with. Or, if by some chance she is unavailable, be attended by my secondary midwife, whom I have had several visits with, and know as well. Not who ever happens to be on call at the hospital, which might change half-way though if it's shift change time. I want to give birth in the position I choose. Have a drug-free labour and birth. ('cause I know I'd take the drugs if they were there! I did that twice. And then discovered with my third - at home - that I could do without!) I want to snuggle up with my DH and my baby in my own bed after birth. Use my own bathroom, instead of a shared one 100 meters down the hall.

Hmmm.... there's probably more reasons, but that's what's coming to mind right now. You should give birth where you are most comfortable. For some people, that is the hospital or birth centre. For me, right now, it's my home. I don't need the hospital as long as everything is going well, so I don't want to go there if I don't have to. I have nothing against the hospital - it's just not a nice as my home.