what i find frustrating is that we just need ONE person to get on the media and explain that what happened in the Minogue case was an example of the effectiveness and safety of a homebirth. that the moment a qualified care provider (in this case the midwives) were able to assess that there needed to be a transfer that one was done. It could also be really helpful in mentioning that many HB midwives have 'planned homebirth transfer bookings' in place through major hospitals. (for example, i have a 'transfer booking' with the RWH here in melbourne...that way they know how i am and have all my pregnancy info on record if the need arises that i and/or bubs needs to transfer). I think the common misconception for those against HB is that women and families that choose to have baby at home are anti-hospital....because i for one am not. I believe that hospitals have a valuable role in the care of mothers and babies, but i dont for a minute believe that it is the best (or safest) place for a baby to be born in a normal birth scenario (this is why we chose to go HB...not because it is 'fashionable'...cause is it really?) Also, i guess the mainstream anti-HB representatives are all too keen to portray those of us that choose to have baby at home as 'ignorant' of the risks that can be part of pregnancy and childbirth. to me, that only highlights that they have NEVER actually been apart of a HB and seen the extensive, involved prenatal care that is provided by an IM. I had a private hospital birth with DD and I was informed of NOTHING regarding her position, her heartrate, my BP etc. The 10-20 minute appts with my OB didnt allow for any involved information or discussion of how i felt the pregnancy was progressing or how he felt it was progressing. BUT my 2 hour + appts with my midwife do. during the course of our appts i am able to properly synthesise any queries/concerns etc that i may have with the pregnancy, myself or bubs and TBH i have a MUCH better understanding of what is happening and going on and can feel a hell of a lot more confident of knowing if something is not feeling right.

But i guess until we get more people seeing more normal, non-managed births there will continue to be a fear of the 'unknown' as it challenges far too many preconceived notions of modern childbirth and obstetrics.