Hugs - pelvic/hip/groin/back pain are awful during pregnancy! I suffered from all four from 20 weeks and I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone. I understand you wanting to get that baby out! I had booked an induction for 3 days after my due date just so I had a date in my head which would mean an end to my suffering. Yes, it truly was that bad and that painful.

I'm not surprised at all that there are 5 other homebirths booked around you - like others said, they have to make a living and I would say it's rare that the births happen at the same time. You are more than likely safe with your booking but yes, there is no guarantee. But like you said, there's no guarantee who can be there if you birth at a hospital either - unless you book and induction or c-section. My OB was on his 'one-in-four' weekends off when I went into spontaneous labour with DD. His partner, a fabulous OB delivered her instead! I was disappointed at the time but there wasn't anything I could do about it and the replacement OB was awesome - so much so we will be seeing him with our next baby!

There are plenty of natural births in hospital stories here on BB. Someone started a thread about it in just the past week actually (natural, drug free births in general). But if you plan on going down the induction path, remember that the start to your labour is not natural and often means there will be more intervention. In saying that, my sister had an ARM with her second son and went on to have a drug free, natural labour at a birth centre and delivered him in the bath 90 minutes later!!

If you choose the hospital path I'd strongly suggest going for a tour of the maternity ward and birth suites (if you can) so there's no surprises when you arrive. I'm sure you already realise but a hospital birth will be quite different to a homebirth. Also read up on inductions and intervention. Prepare yourself in case things don't go the way you want.

It's definitely possible to have a brilliant birth in a hospital though, I just think the trust we have in our bodies and our own expectations are what make the difference. A fab labour team who know what you want and encourage you too makes a huge difference as well. I think being prepared for anything and not setting your expectations too high makes a big difference but believing in yourself and your body is most important no matter where you choose to birth.

Good luck!!