Artechim: I can't imagine how much it would change if it were free. sadly i think that the cost rules so many people out so early on that they don't even have time to research why it could possibly be worth it. Last night another one of the nurses said "but its so expensive you may as well have an OB" I said " But with an ob you get the birth they choose not the birth you deserve" She actually said "Good point". I was glad that i was brave enough to bring it up as the other pregnant nurse ended up getting my midwifes details as she is 34 weeks and the hospital is talking about an induction at 39 weeks just because she is GD! Not fair. Sometimes its worth the good fight and sometimes its better to internalise our choices