i had our birth space set up in the dining. there was the heater there to heat the towels for bubba and also was within reaching distance of the washing machine taps to fill the birth pool up from and close to the kitchen that DH could lug hot pots of water and bring me ice. my big 'thing' was to not be in sight or line of the front door. it felt too exposed for me. in the last 3 months i really began collecting the things for the room and 'tweaking' them all until it felt right (ie oil burner, oils, photos, affirmations etc.

as for the neighbours: well thankfully we are all friends and they were supportive of our choice. i wasn't a screamy loud birther with DD1, but didnt know how this would go as it was my first go at home (and i didnt labour at all at home with dd1). in the end they heard nothing! i wasnt loud i am told at all, but i was sure thst one or two were pretty guttural as DD2 descended. but nup, nada. i also figure that being an afternoon birth all the day noises probably would of covered alot of sound anyway....