I'm a bit odd I think. I absolutely agree 100% that it should be a birthing mothers choice where they have their baby, and that homebirth should be an available option without complications or conditions.

BUT.....

I couldn't do it. To me the idea of homebirth just conjures up images of chaos and confusion and I just couldn't do it. Me, at my house.... I imagine all sorts of things like the dog running around getting all worried (he does every time I gag or throw up with M/S) or him being in the backyard barking constantly trying to keep people away (he is very protective of me when I am pregnant or with a newborn). I imagine people calling on the phone "How's everything going? Have you had the baby yet? Oh you're in labour now? What are you doing talking to me then? How very exciting blah blah blah...." Perhaps the telephone companies will come to the front door.....or the neighbours concerned about all the commotion.... DS throwing things in the birthing pool with me, or wanting me to pick him up.....

I know every single one of these things can be avoided but I just can't imagine it any other way. I think the reason is that I live very high on a hill and so our house is pretty much open with big windows along every wall most without curtains or blinds. So it has this feeling of being open to the world, which I think makes me feel vulnerable. That is why I just can't imagine a homebirth without all the chaos. There is no dark little cave I can retreat in to IYKWIM.

But in saying that, although this time around I am planning on a hospital birth (with a doula), I am also planning on labouring at home for as long as I can. And I can certainly appreciate the benefits of having a homebirth.