PZ, from what you've described, my m/w would not have transferred you under those circumstances. She would have kept a careful eye on the baby post birth and maybe the crackly chest would have called for a post natal transfer to get her checked out, but not for the birth itself. I discussed in quite some detail under what circumstances we would transfer, and light meconium with everything else fine (baby's heartrate, my coping, etc) would not have meant a transfer.

Did you discuss it with your m/w before the birth (I mean, obviously you did, but in how much detail)? The m/ws I know through our group mostly seem to have the attitude that they transfer when the mother wants to, so make sure she's fully informed before making her decision. They might recommend it if they thought there was very good reason, but only in extreme circumstances would they push for it.

But you're right about the philosophy being the thing, not the venue. Which is absolutely why you had an empowered birth!

Now I must finish off this work doc I'm supposed to be doing right now! Too distracted by BB...