There are some births I am at where I wonder how couples manage it alone, even in a hospital! Sometimes some situations require intense support, sometimes not of course... but not having that option there to have one on one support if you need it could put you in a place of loss of control - or it may not. If money is an issue I would look into a trainee doula or student midwife. You can meet them all before hand and make sure you click / enjoy their company - in which case you might not feel so claustrophobic. Just don't think its a good idea to do it alone in a hospital. You have no advocate and in heavy labour, who makes the decisions when you cant? You're giving it up to the hospital to do what they think.