Ash that's so crap!! My midwife lives 45 mins from me and granted she didn't make ds birth but that was because she didn't get the trillion phone calls we made to her lol.

I think everyone should be prepared for a free birth because you really never know what can happen. If the hospital is only five mins away why not just play it by ear? Get a booking at the hospital and then when the time comes just stay home as long as possible. Once bub arrives you could always ring an ambulance too so you have extra hands if you're worried. As far as I am concerned a labour progressing well is nothing to worry about... You'll know if things aren't going smoothly and then transfer to the hospital.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress. Where are you based? Can I help find a midwife or doula for you?