Hi Hoobly.. interesting to hear another from the UK here!... good for you home birth an all.

Most would have dubbed my labour 'high risk'... but it was MY LABOUR, and very much my choice... but I would not have done it without the support of, and belief in, my fantastic midwife, who would have accompanied me to hospital had it been necessary (it definitely wasn't about staying at home at all costs)...

Unfortunately, even before nearing the end of pregnancy and the realisation that she was breach, my midwife was saying 'yes, we'll attend you at home, but will have to transfer the minute there's any indication of problems' and certainly wouldn't attend at home for a breach.. Although, by law, a midwife has to attend a labouring woman wherever she is. But not something you'd do really I think! I know one who has tho, whilst labouring with a Doula, and the midwives were kept in the back garden until safe delivery in the birthing pool indoors!!!!

The figures say that although women are now encouraged to labour at home, most (somewhere in the 70's %) get transferred anyway.. which wasn't encouraging for me!! whereas my midwife offered pretty much the opposite chances. Interestingly, when the 'community (or NHS) midwife' arrived, she got very concerned and starting trying to talk my partner into getting me to hospital, once again for a caesarian, which he knew I really didn't want but felt incredibly scared at the weight of responsibility having the decision that could be putting us at risk! The independent midwife continued to manage the situation after that and I went on to progress to a very straightforward breach delivery.

I just had complete faith in her YEARS of experience of birthing women at home, with twins, triplets, many breach.. needless to say she has an MBE for her services and dedication to midwifery.. she now lectures.. and YEP, I had to pay... well worth it!