Homebirth

congrats! i would highly recommend my midwife, adarsa antares, www.homebirthjoy.com. i believe there are links on her site about the safety and benefits of homebirth.
D.:)

If I had another one, I'd have it at home. My first one was a long drawn out disaster and I believe that if I was at home, it would have been much different. My second, I labored at home than drove to the hospital to have it, but really, there was no reason to. I was just nervous. But if you have had 3 already with no problems, do it. I am a photographer and I just photographed a home birth and it was amazing. There was a potential problem, the baby was breech and the cord may have been around his neck. There was drama, the ambulance was called, but by the time it got there, the baby slid right out and all was well. The midwife did a great job. The husband got nervous and called the ambulance, but felt so great holding his new son 5 minutes later. It was intense. The other kids got to see it and it was great for them. The whole experience was soo amazing.

you should consider providence hospital b/c they have a birthing center and it's like being at home. they have a king size bed, jacuzzi tub, shower, and you can also have a midwife deliver you w/o any drugs. metro partner in womens health has great midwives. i personally think that a homebirth would be a great experience, but i would not be willing to chance it b/c ANYTHING can happen.

I am planning a homebirth in March and have found the mothering.commune forums to be a wonderful resource in my research. The URL is mothering.com/discuss. In particular there is one string that has about 20-30 links to articles that support homebirth. I can forward them to you in a PM if you'd like, or you can go check out the boards yourself.

Some books that I've found to be helpful are the Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer* and Giving Birth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon. I'm also going to check out the Hynobirthing method and some other books like Spiritual Midwifery by Ina Mae Gaskin and Birthing from Within. I have been mentally preparing myself for this since my second was born at the hospital (barely, I got there and pushed twice and he was out - it was a waste of our time making such an effort to get there and have the baby there.) I've seen the Business of Being Born which was cathartic for me and really got me in the mindset for homebirthing, and after seeing the film Orgasmic Birth (controversial title but not all about orgasms!) I am absolutely certain that this is the avenue I was to pursue. My husband is mostly supportive of it but a little reluctant so I am getting as much info as I can about what insurance will cover and making sure that he asks the questions he needs to ask to the midwives, as well as having a contingency plan.

I understand that your husband may have concerns, and rightly so. We live in a culture of paranoia perpetuated by the media, trade organizations, strangers and even the people we know and love. Your motherly instincts will guide you during labor and tell you if/when there is something wrong enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. This is something that hubby may not understand so giving him the info that he needs (ask him what he needs to know to help him feel comfortable with the idea of homebirth) is all you can do to try to have the birth experience you desire and deserve.

If it doesn't work out, there are several freestandding birth centers in the area that will honor your wishes. I've heard great things about The Greenhouse Birth Center in Okemos and even though it's not free standing, the Birth Center at Providence Hospital.

Feel free to PM me if you want to commiserate some more on planning a homebirth!

J.

*This book is hands down the best resource for handling the nuances of a hospital birth - carefully dtailing all the risks/benefits of each intervention you might encounter in a hospital birth. If you need just one resource to back up your decision to homebirth, this is a great one for your hubby to read.

S.,

I had a hoem birth and it was outstanding! Would never do it any other way. check out the Center for the Childbearing Year and/or Indigo Forest (both in Ann Arbor, both offer birth classes etc) for more info and resources on home births. Also our peditrician says that some new studies show that is is actually safer for mom and baby to give birth at home. Good Luck!

S. H

My first son was supposed to be born at the ABC at Providence. Due to many unnecessary "med"wife interventions, I ended up in the labor and delivery, flat on my back with an epidural and pitocin, "to speed things along". It was a horrible experience.

When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I told my husband that I wanted a homebirth. He was pretty leary at first, so I made a deal with him. I told him that if he sat down and wrote out all of his concerns regarding a homebirth, brought them up during the interview with the midwife and still felt nervous after hearing the responses, I would reconsider.

The midwives addressed every one of his concerns and by the end of the interview he asked who to make the check out to. He was sold.

I LOVED my midwives. They are a team in Ann Arbor, email me if you want names, and were extremely competent and nurturing. They had been attending births for over 15 years. They bring oxygen and pitocin to births, just in case and they were able to keep me under control when I begged to be shot during my difficult labor.

My son was born after about 20 hours of labor. He was ten pounds and was a compound presentation (hand over his head). His heart rate dropped during birth and they were able to handle it. I required about three stitches, which they did and I wouldn't have needed them if I had not had the episiotomy with my first son. If I had been in the hospital, I surely would have been given a c-section.

If a homebirth is what you want, do the research. Interview midwives until you find the perfect one for you and your husband and make sure that he is educated on homebirth and is on board so that you both are comfortable with the decision.

My son was born on my bedroom floor. It was nice to sleep in my own comfortable bed that night. My midwives' apprentices cleaned up all of the mess, did laundry, made me dinner and some tea. If we decide to have another one, it will most defintely be at home and with the same midwives.

Do not let what others say scare you into or out of your birth choice! This is your birth and you need to do it how ever you are comfortable. there are pros and cons to everything. Trained and Certified Midwives know much more now then "back in the day" when what ever woman was available in town (trained or not) came to help. YOU are delivering this baby- it is just a matter of who you want your support team to consist of. I highly suggest looking into
____@____.com these ladies can give you very positive experiences and resources.

you may also want to think about having a doula at your birth , weather you choose to birth at home or in the hospital dona.org

the most important thing is to listen to your heart, listen to your body, and follow your instinct!
Have a beautiful birth!

I can understand to someone that has not done the research or understand how homebirth works... this topic will be scary and crazy to some!! I'd recommend to anyone that has a scary view of homebirth to watch The Business of Being Born, then you'll have a different view I believe of hospital birth.

I had a home birth and it was a WONDERFUL experience!! We had a backup plan in case there was a problem and honestly you can be transported through ambulance in the same amount of time it would take for them to prep you in the hospital.

You're welcome to PM me for some midwife info.. like Michelle said a middle ground would be a birth center, there is one in Taylor that is a free standing birth center, ABC is supposed to be good as well.

Just a FYI to other readers... I had my son at home and it was only 7 hours from the time my water broke which started my labor to the time I had him.. NO problems whatsoever.. I jumped in my own bed afterward and stayed there.. and honestly from what I hear the pain is not near what pitocin cause.

I'd really recommend that you speak with a couple midwives and get their feedback and advice.

PM me too if you have questions.

My thought is, as long as you're healthy and your husband will support your decision, go for it. If your husband is totally opposed, would he consider a free standing birth center? It's a nice option as well. Plus, many birth centers are open to you changing your mind and they'll then attend your homebirth. If you're in the Toledo area, there is one in Temperance Michigan called Mother's Own. She will do both homebirths and births in her birth center.

Congratulations on adding a baby to your family.

Best Wishes,

S.

Hey S.! I love to talk about this topic! :) My first birth was at a freestanding birth center (same idea as home birth) and my second birth was right here at home. And guess what??! I'm pregnant again (due at the very end of Feb) and just saw my midwife today for the first time. We heard the heart beat and everything. I love going this route. I love being at home. My midwife was here over an hour (yes, she came to me!!) and I like the time and attention of the process. I'm just not really a hospital person. I don't want the pressure they give. And I just don't even like being in a hospital. I like going natural. I like being home right after the birth. I like the freedom to move around, eat (which I never did), drink, etc during the birth process. I like the warmth and care I get from a midwife in a homebirth setting and I have the utmost confidence in her. I only tore very slightly the first time. None the second. Both my deliveries were safe and "normal." And IF there were to be an emergency, there's 911 and always a back up plan. The Lord made our bodies to go through this process. Our bodies naturally know what to do. Many people need a hospital, but not everyone! Homebirth was just all around a great experience! If you've had safe and healthy pregnancies so far, I'd DEFINITELY go for it! I'd also take Bradley Birthing classes if you haven't. They promote a natural childbirth and give you a great education and path to get there! Good luck! I hope your husband will support you all the way!! And if you have any other questions, I'd be glad to answer them if I can.

I am due the end of January, and am hopeing for a homebirth as well. I took my not so sure husband with me to meet the midwife in newaygo, from homebirthworks. After talking to her, he is about 95% on board. our issue is mostly that insurance doesn't cover it.
I say be cautious who you tell about your idea, you don't want people speaking negative things about your birth. I have told my mom, MIL, and a few close friends. A lot of people don't get it, and they haven't done their research, so they don't realize how safe it really is, and how many interventions we go through at the hospital that aren't neccessary. I know my chances of having a VBAC in the hospital are low, and I know I would prefer a homebirth...
keep encouraging your husband with all the information, have him go with you to interview the midwives have him research it for himself. You are a Christian it seems, and you want your husband to be 100% supportive, and remember.
"but God will protect women while birthing-- if they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety"-1 tim 2:15

btw, I'm a doula, and childbirth educater, so I'm not just some crazy hippie (well I guess I kinda am)

I am going to get straight to the point. Although I find it admirable that you want a home birth. Two of my three children would have died if I had not been in the hosipital. As well as my self for sure at least with my first born. Yes My second child no complications fast and sweet. That does happen. Just not always. So for those who say "dont let people scare you off". These things happen they are a fact of life. If you think about it at one point in the time that was the only way to have a child at home in your bed with a midwife or what ever and look at the statistics of how many women and children lost their lives doing so. Good Luck to you.

Have you considered using a midwife in a hospital? That way you and your husband are both happy. I used a midwife at McLaren Hospital in Flint. They were great and I had the benifit of additional care that the midwife just can't handle at home. My 2nd didn't breath for several minutes and a NICU doctor had to race over from another hospital. My biggest fear with a home birth is something going wrong and then you have critical minutes wasted getting to the hospital.
On a lighter note, being your 4th you may end up with a home or car birth even if you don't want to....LOL. My 4th pretty much fell out, from the first contraction to birth was about 4 hours :-) Good luck, I hope you have a happy healthy babe where ever you deliver!

S. ~
As a labor & delivery nurse, can I just say please look into who you go to? I have nothing against midwives, but many have little or no medical background - they learn how to deliver from other midwives. They're called lay-midwives, as opposed to nurse midwives, who have a nursing degree first, then went into midwifery. Nurse midwives usually have the back-up of a doctor, just in case, because you never know if something is going to go wrong. Your insurance will not cover it, so you will have to pay in cash. There is no recourse if something happens - lay midwives carry no malpractice insurance. Yes, I work at a hospital, I know there are no guarantees with delivery, no matter what you choose. My favorite patients are the ones who have had other babies, know what to expect, and want a drug-free experience. Yes, we start an IV where I work, and use the fetal monitor, but if a patient wants no meds, then she gets no meds (usually still some pitocin after delivery to help the uterus clamp down and control the bleeding). It sounds like you are low-risk, so that's in your favor. Just please, look into what is available in your area. Education is your best defense.
Good Luck!
D.

I was considering a home birth and my husband was a little leary about it. We opted for the birth center at Providence. There are 3 rooms in a separate wing that promotes completely natural birth, and if something should go wrong you are in the hospital and they will take you to the L&D if something is needed. The nurses there are completely supportive and are trained in supporting natural births, there is a tub to labor in and a queen size bed that the husband is allowed to stay the night in. If you want support after the birth I would suggest getting a birthing doula for your pregnancy and birth. Mary Davis was my mid wife at Metro Partners in Women's Health in NOVI. I had the most wondering experience and my mother and sisters were all able to be there for the completely natural birth of my child. It is just a great compromise if you are interested between a home birth and a hospital birth. Good luck!

I never intended to have a baby at home, however, when labor came on fast and hard this April, we realized that we didn't have a backup plan, and we tried to get to the hospital. But five minutes short of a nice clean delivery room, we had him in the car! Obviously having one at home would have been a much better plan.
If you have had smooth births up until now, you should feel more ocmfortable with it. Although be in tune to your husbands hesitations. As a man he wants to protect you, and by being the only man there, he may feel a huge responsibility. A lot of guys feel that getting you to the hospital is the best way to provide for you, regardless of how safe a home birth is.

S. I know several people here that have had homebirths and absolutely loved them. If your not familliar there is an in between called Alternative Birth Center - you can eat walk drink shower sleep whatever - there is a queen bed and your whole family can be there - they dont monitor or use drugs there are no "you have too's" AND bonus its in the hospital! SO you can be transfered if an emergency arises and your husband will say YES to this!! (Mine did!)

Anyway I loved it - but the same midwives will do homebirth. I used Metro Partners so google that too!!! They were incredible :)

WOAH JUST READ THE COMMENT ABOUT PITOCIN LOL
maybe a little more research is needed :) Pitocin is given at ANY TIME during labor TRUST ME ON THIS. Things happen you must be open - I was ADAMANT about no drugs and guess what after 16 hours at ABC I had to head over to the hospital and it was either cesarian or trying other things and pitocin was part of the "other things"
(as follow up it worked and my sunny side up 9 pound baby entered the world!) working with midwifes and doctors that are onboard with natural methods greatly decrease medical intervention when it is needed - do you know beaumont has 33 percent cesarian rate and if I remember it was 6 percent at ABC.... cool huh?

And oh - yes doctors do make medical decisions such as automatic IV and monitoring NOT for the baby but because of liability issues... and doctors dont have the control because the hospital will dictate what steps have to be adhered to upon admittance.

***Okay, Okay, Okay.... I didn't realize that I needed to explain in DETAIL my comment about Pitocin....Yes, I realize it is used DURING labor...but to artificially start, speed up, or interfere with the natural labor process is called INDUCING a change! That statement was in response to the woman who indicated that had she had her baby at the hospital, she would have been given Pit, which was not the case because it wouldn't be given during an effecient, 7 hour labor (except MAYBE for the placenta). Geez guys....get off the soapboxes...this poor girl is just looking for advice!!!!!!

Sorry to be blunt, but I think it's ridiculous! That's just my opinion, don't jump all over me! LOL Oh, yeah...and I've done the research and education involved....my vote is still a resounding no...and pitocin is ONLY used to induce labor, not when labor has already begun....just to clarify!! LOL

Really, birthing in a hospital wasn't invented to line the pockets of doctors, hospitals, the government....or whoever ppl like to blame. Birthing centers are there with specially trained staff to care for you and your baby *in case* they are needed for emergency, but also because birth is a big deal! Seldom does it go perfectly without any bumps in the road or changes in pain control, episiotomies, etc.

I expect that I won't need the smoke detectors in my house (hopefully) but I sure am glad they are there *just in case*!!

~L.

Your friend who is against it, is she against it from complications from what she's heard, or from what she's experienced? Keep that in mind. If you have researched it, and feel comfortable with it, go for it. You could also compromise with your hubby... midwife at the hospital. We did the Bradley Method at Huron Valley (Dr. MIller is awesome and very supportive of the method). You do still have a lot of time to convice him, though. Tell him it's very important to you that he supports you, so please at least look at the research you pull up. And remind him of how terrible things were in the hospital (if that's the case). Good luck!

Hi S.!

I had a homebirth 15 years ago and everything went well. My daughter is now a healthy and happy 15-year-old. My physician wouldn't recommend me for a homebirth until week 36, just to make sure everything was progressing normally. I was attended by both a physician and a nurse midwife, along with my husband. I understand that now it is very difficult to get physicians to attend home births. The physician who attended my birth has written a book, but he is only available in the Chicago area. Here is the link to his book if you would like to read it. http://www.amazon.com/Home-Birth-Advantage-Mayer-Eisenste... If the link does not work, simply type Home Birth Advantage or Mayer Eisenstein in the search bar of Amazon. I would suggest that you research it very carefully. Also, make sure that your husband is totally on board with this, as he will have to support you not only while you are giving birth, but also with other people when they question your decision. Good luck, S.!

Hi S.
I had both my babies naturally, no drugs, no epesiotomy or tearing, and both births went exactly to plan. I know this is not always the case but don't let people put you off, telling you your crazy, things go wrong etc.
I did not have home births but did have midwife births and loved both my midwives (my first child was born in England, second here in Southfield Providence). My Mom had home births with the last two of her three children (over 30 years ago) and I really wanted to have a home birth with my second child but out of respect for my husband, who was against the idea because of fear of complications, I opted for the Providence Alternative Birth Center. It is the next best thing to being at home, you go into your room and that is where you labor, birth and recover, no moving around from room to room. It doesn't feel like a hospital, at worst it's like a hotel. It has a regular queen size bed (no stirrups lol), a large jacuzzi tub for laboring in, and an ensuite bathroom. I used a midwife from Metro partners in Livonia, they were fantastic. I was not hooked up to any monitors but was monitored in a less intrusive way. I had a birth plan in which I stated not to offer me any drugs, I would ask if I needed them, and my birth plan was fully respected by all the staff there. If your husband is concerned about home birth this may be the alternative because it is within the hospital, down the corridor from regular labor and delivery. Also baby stays in the room with you for that important early bonding. My whole experience there was so fantastic I do not regret my decision not to do it at home. My husband and I both got the birth experience we wanted, and I felt so good I was home within 12 hours of giving birth anyway. Someone mentioned earlier "The business of being born", definitely watch this documentary. It gives lots of information and facts on natural birth. If you want to look into the Providence alternative birth center you can call them on ###-###-####.
Whatever your decision I hope you have the birth experience you're looking for. Good luck.

I have had 2 kids in the hospital.

I am glad that I had the support that the hospital had to offer.

My first baby turned her head sideways so the birth was difficult and requred forecepts.. her heartrate was getting low and staying low so they were concerned.

My second birth was super easy and I am sure I would have been fine at home.. But I am so glad that I was in the hospital just in case something went wrong.

It is just too risky to be at home... the lives of mom and baby can be at risk if something goes wrong and you just cant predict how a birth will go.

I would recommend watching the documentary "The Business of Being Born" which came out recently. It was produced by Ricki Lake and filmmaker Abby Epstein. It's REALLY good, inspiring and informative. Try to watch it with your husband. I know you can get it on Netflix or you can buy it online at their website. Different things are right for different people. The friends I have who have had homebirths LOVED it. They both had such good births. Both of my sisters had hospital births and had c-sections and negative experiences. I had my son in the hospital but went all natural and am SO glad i did. I had a wonderful birth. I would really consider having a homebirth for my next child. Good luck to you whatever you decide. i really believe you should find out everything you can, read books, talk to woman who have done it, and do what's best for you. Remember "if you don't know your options, you don't have any..."

Beth

I am glad you are even considering a home birth. Do your research, know your body, and be sure you AND your husband are comfortable before considering it though. If you go the home birth way, make sure you know your midwifes training, whether they can do infant CPR, what would cause them to transfer you to a hospital, and make sure you "click" with them personally.

As an alternative, I would HIGHLY recommend the Alternative Birth Center at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. I'm not sure where you live, but I recently had my first son there and the experience was superb. I had a long difficult labor and the nurses, my midwife, my doula and my husband were all the support I needed - no drugs. They didn't pressure me or rush me or freak me out when things got hard. It was more like a nice quiet hotel (complete with "room service") and they allow families to be present if you so wish. They never take your baby from you and take birth plans very seriously. BUT, if you or your baby have a true emergency you are in the hospital so we felt it was the best option.

Good luck with your pregnancy! God Bless. J.

Please just keep in mind the countless women and children who lost their lives during childbirth back in the day. My grandmother was orphaned at age 10 and my great-grandfather was left with four little girls to raise on his own. If these women and children from the past could talk to you, I'm sure they would tell you that it's just not worth the risk. You can have a midwife in the hospital or find a doctor who will make a birth plan with you and stick to it. If you don't want drugs and IVs, you can find a doctor to accommodate you. A hospital or birthing center will have the tools necessary just in case, God forbid, something goes wrong. It can happen so fast and at home, you may not be able to get help in time. You can risk your own life if you want, but do you really want to risk the life of your child??

I have never had the desire for a home birth, so I can't speak from experience on that. If your husband is leary of having your baby at home, there is a compromise. You could have a doula. A doula will help make sure that you get the birth that you want (no drugs, etc.) and will be an advocate for you if the nurses or doctors try to talk you into something. I believe you'd have to hire a doula or midwife to have a home birth anyway. Good luck and I hope you get the birth experience that you're looking for! :)

My advice....DO IT, DO IT, DO IT!!!!! I had my first daughter with a midwife, no drugs, in a small hospital in Iowa and it was a good experience. My 20 month old daughter was born in my kitchen and it was the most empowering, wonderful, amazing experience of my life. AND I will do it again in a heartbeat.
My midwife had sooooo much experience that I honestly felt safer than being in a hospital. My concern with hospital birth was that I would lose control of my experience and I wanted to make ALL the decisions for my baby and me.
I had a birthing tub to labor in, supposedly it is a "natural epidural." Then I stepped out of the tub and sat on a birthing chair and she came out with my next contraction (she literally fell out with no force because gravity was pulling her!) THAT is something a hospital won't let you do, they would rather have you lay down and tug and pull on your baby's head and neck!!!
Rent the movie "The Business of Being Born", It's a documentary directed by Ricki Lake about home birth, it's awesome. Write me back with any and all questions, I would LOVE to know you are birthing at home!

I haven't homebirthed, but a nice chem-free pain control alternative I've recently learned about (and who will be at the Green Gathering festival tomorrow in Port Huron - if your close enough to come and want to meet them in person) is HypnoBirthing. The Business name is Peaceful Birthing. The lady's name you should talk to is Janice Weaver,and her email is ____@____.com . I've spoken with her several times on the phone and she's really nice, so don't be afraid to contact her and check it out. You can tell her T. from the Green Gathering mentioned you should contact her if you're feeling nervous and want to break the ice.

I used meditation/relaxation techniques as pain control during most of my births, and thier technique sounds very effective (definitely one-ups mine, lol)

Good luck!

Hi,
I had my Baby last year at the ABC (Alternative Birth Center) in Southfield. You should really check that one out. They have orientation classes where you can go and get informations. The whole unit only operates by Midwifes and it is the closest to a homebirth that I can think of. Here are some reason why I decided for the ABC unit
- my insurance would not cover a homebirth
- my placenta would not come out, so I needed a D&C after the birth
- they have a whirlpool in the room
- my husband stayed with me in the Queen size bed the whole night after the birth (like a hotel)

Can't say I even thought of a home birth. Just the thought of being away from a medical facility would make the birthing process that much harder for me (kinda like the smoke alarm analogy - what if?). My piece of mind at being in the hands of people that can act quickly is worth more than the comfort of being at home.
At the UofM hospital complex I was in the Birthing Center, which had a tub, private bathroom, place for hubby - we stayed in the room for most of the delivery (actual birth was in the OR) and recovery over the next two days. Yes, I was glad to be there as my delivery was difficult (small-boned woman + large-headed son = pelvic trauma). Although I had no midwife or doula, they did listen intently to my wishes up to the point where they said "we need to get him out now - we'll try to get him with forceps but we're prepping you for a C-section in case we need to proceed quickly if he goes further into distress".
So, my advice would be a birthing center very close to a top medical facility....just to be safe. :)

Wow, obviously this is a HOT* topic! As you can see, we women can be very opinionated! :) I think we all speak from the best knowledge our experience gives us..and we all have different experiences.
I think there is another level of perspective that underlies all these opinions too. That is of responsiblity. Bringing a child into this world is a SCAREY WONDERFUL thing (as you know from having 3 already!)...Some women react to that weight of responsibility with the latest and best of medical science--which eases their load by perceiving that others bear that responsibility now as much or sometimes more than they themselves.
Some women for a variety of reasons want to/are willing to shoulder all that responsibility themselves...and take the risk on themselves.
THere is always risk...whenever or however a baby is born. It's just who gets the blame....you or the doctor (and if the doctor messes up he's not going to be quick to accept blame); and who getse the credit...("which doctor delivered you?" vs "i birthed my own baby").
I think the question is only for you to answer.."how much responsibility do I want?"
Either way, having a baby is a joyful thing! Once you make your choice and have peace about it...don't look back or contend with other mothers about it. FUnny how like raising kids it is...everyone else knows how to raise your kids better! :)
God is giving this child to you, just make the best choice you can, in the most educated way you can find...it will be enough.
Good luck! (IT sounds to me like you already know what you want...hope you find peace with it!)

Hi S.!
I had a midwife at the hospital with my first baby and absolutely loved it. I go to a wonderful practice in Kalamazoo. I actually just spoke to my midwife about a home birth and we decided that the best thing for me would be a water birth (I have some back issues, but other than that had an extremely uneventful pregnancy with both my first and my current pregnancy). Our hospital has a special room in the birthing center devoted just to water births. If your husband is tentative I would maybe consider a midwife (definitely better than a doctor) at the hospital just to give him a peace of mind. :) God bless with your pregnancy!

I was fortunate to have a healthy, "normal" pregnancy and uncomplicated delivery. However, my son was taken to the special care nursery immediately after being born due to fluid in his lungs (he had a cleft palate that did not show up on the only ultrasound I had done) and I hate to think what would have happened if he hadn't gotten that special care immediately after his birth. I can definitely relate to the feeling of losing control, but I would much rather be safe than sorry. Some health systems have places where you can have a birthing experience with just a midwife, but are literally across the street from the hospital or in a separate wing of the hospital.
Best of luck whatever you decide!