I have birthed both my previous babies in a hospital with a private Ob, and have had fantastic experiences both times. Actually, my Ob missed my DD's birth by about 10 minutes because I progressed so quickly and birthed her myself (even the midwives stayed hands-off ).

With my son, my waters broke at home before any contractions. With my daughter my waters broke at hospital when I was 3cm dilated, and less than half an hour later I pulled my little girl into my arms. I'm a little nervous this time around that both my birth experiences might mesh and my waters might break at home like with DS, and then I progress as quickly to delivery as I did with DD. And if that is the case there is no way I will make it to the hospital.

While we are "planning" on a hospital birth, I want to be "prepared" in case of a home birth. The main thing I am wondering is about my obligations when it comes to paramedics. I assume that if I'm at home and bub is coming, then we would call an ambulance (DH would definitely want to). But if all is going well when they get here I wouldn't want them interfering. My births have been quite calm and relaxed, and I want that for this birth too. I understand though that for a paramedic their care of duty may sort of require them to try to "help" even if I'm sure I'm doing fine.

Then after the baby is born do I have to go to the hospital in the ambulance? I believe that the first couple of hours after birth is crucial for bonding and establishing breastfeeding, and if all is well with myself and bub, then I wouldn't want to lose that precious time with an ambulance ride. I asked my Ob about it and he said that the baby would be with me the entire time, but I still don't feel comfortable with the idea. DH is pretty adamant that he would want us both to go to the hospital to be checked over, but can't we just drive in later ourselves?

I guess I'm just worried that an accidental homebirth might actually end up being more chaotic and less calm than my hospital births.