My home birthing experience has been wonderful. I read recently about a lady describing her birthing experience as being 'joyous' and decided that I wanted that too. I got it having a homebirth.

When I visited the local hospital's labour ward at 30+ weeks pregnant, I immediately knew that my 'joyous' birth wouldn't be possible there. The anxiety I felt just visiting the place, the sheer depression I felt being shown a room with NO window, the look of horror on the faces of the other soon to be first time parents was all the evidence I needed really. I heard myself say, " I'm not birthing here" but it took a few days and a lengthy discussion with my doula to make the decision.

The out of pocket expense has been completely worth it..worth every cent.

I felt so empowered having a homebirth - there was no fear of the unknown whatsoever as I had read as much as I possibly could. I had watched videos, DVD's and followed the Pink Kit aswell as taking on board Hypnobirthing. My only worry was tearing that 4th degree scar from my first birth.

It's amazing just what the body and mind is capable of. I birthed exactly the way I needed too - very slowly with two long periods of quiet contemplation (although it was a short labour). The second stage was long and birthing my baby's head took time but I didn't tear the scar and only got a little 2nd degree tear and a small graze..

I felt incredibly well supported with my doula, midwife and husband all working together to create an atmosphere for a positive birth.

I would recommend it to anyone, I really would.

But I am finding it a little bit strange dealing with all the 'you're brave' comments. I knew I was in the safest place possible....ther was nothing brave about it. I think you have to be very brave to birth in hospital with the rate of medical intervention being so high.