Julie - in theory I love the idea of a home birth and I really wish there were more options for birthing mothers to have the birth in the location they choose, but TBH I would still be going to hospital - the idea of ME having a homebirth really scares me, and that's after having two stress free births already. Jennifer's home birth story just sounds so incredibly beautiful and perfect to me, and I would LOVE that for myself but I can't rationalise the fear and my anxiety wouldn't allow it for me ITMS. As much as I say I'll be fine if we need to call an ambulance, I know I'll be scared to death if it ends up that way.

I don't think DD2 had any stress at all after her quick labour, but my body was definitely in shock for quite a while after birth. No big deal though.

Taurean - your 37 minute labour is exactly my worry. Had my hind waters not broken with DD2, I wouldn't have thought I was having anything more than prelabour until things intensified 15 minutes before she was born.

Jennifer - I read a bit of the stuff that Julie has previously linked, as well as following where that lead me with google and I agree - its very sensible to have a read of what needs to be done if you have an unplanned unassisted birth. Clinging to the "quicker birth = less problems" theory too ;-)

After discussions with my OB I think I will just have to play it by ear and if I end up with a few false runs to the hospital then so be it. I think I will also get him to have a bit of a look-see each appt from 39 weeks to see if anything is starting - although I'm guessing with strong prelabour dilation could start weeks/days before the real thing anyway?