I just watched the info about home births and I disagree with the advice they were giving. I planned a home birth with my son and it did not go as planned, which I do not regret.

I researched the topic fully and have 3 aunts who had home births it was the right decision for me. After about 5 minutes of pushing my sons heart rate would drop during contractions, my Midwives decided we should go to the hospital which was 3 blocks away, for extra monitoring, which was fine. I went in to the whole home birth educated knowing all the risks at hand and excepting them all. I wasn't about to harm my baby or myself just to have my way. I ended up pushing for 3 long hours, pushing hard the whole time, without a single complaint or pain. I loved the feeling and wasn't scared; women have been doing this for thousands of years. My son was a little blue in the hands and feet, breathing very shallow and not doing so hot. He had had his little arm up along side his head and possible was a little big for me, (9lb. 3oz. 22inch). Although it sounds a little scare you must realize even if I was in the hospital the entire time it wouldn't have changed a thing. he would have been born either way. He did need oxygen for quite a while, which my midwives had.

The thing is an emergency is just that an EMERGANCY! If you do decide on a home birth do your home work, make sure this is the right thing for you and your baby. I still had the all natural, drug free birth I wanted and we are safe and happy today. My son is 4 1/2 months old and you would never know he had any problems at birth.

Here are some great books I read and greatly suggest you read too if you want the make a great decision for your self.

"Childbirth without Fear" by Grantly Dick-Read; "Husband Coached Childbirth" by Robert Bradley; also find a Bradley Method Class near you to find out more.