I've done both. Hate, hate, hated the hospital birth. Lots of scare tactics, unnecessary interventions, etc. There were people in and out of my room, poking and prodding me all the time. They kept me on my back (uh... can we say bad idea???), constantly badgered me to have my son circumcised (no means no now stop asking!), and whisked my baby away and didn't bring him back for HOURS (helloooo postpartum depression!) The homebirth was much nicer. The midwife, in addition to all the normal and urine tests, even took into account my diet, stress level, emotional health, and all those little things that can affect your health. Honestly, the homebirth without drugs hurt so much less and than hospital with drugs.
What so many people don't know is that a PROPERLY TRAINED, CERTIFIED, AND COMPETENT MIDWIFE can recognize emergencies and either fix them herself or manage them until emergency help arrives. For us it was the best and safest, yes, safest, option in our area. It wasn't for "the experience" or to be closer to mother earth or because it is "how it used to be." We researched and contemplated and made an informed decision.
What so many people don't know is that a PROPERLY TRAINED, CERTIFIED, AND COMPETENT MIDWIFE can recognize emergencies and either fix them herself or manage them until emergency help arrives. For us it was the best and safest, yes, safest, option in our area. It wasn't for "the experience" or to be closer to mother earth or because it is "how it used to be." We researched and contemplated and made an informed decision.
