Here’s my story. It started with my older sisters. Both of them experienced birthing in the hospital. I was present and got to see this wonderful miracle. Through research and talking with midwives and ones that have had a home birth, they each decided to try a home birth next time. So I was educated as well on having a home birth and was impressed. I was able to be there when my sister gave birth to her third child, and this time it was at home with a midwife and doula, and family present. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! So different from the hospital! My husband came in right after her daughter was born and noticed how calm and blissful the occasion was. We both decided after that, that we were going to go that route as well, and we did. Our daughter was born in the comfort of our own home with the people that we loved and wanted to share this beautiful experience with. I started labor in the evening and as they progressed I was able to freely walk around my house and labor in the positions and places I felt comfortable. I could truly concentrate on the labor and progress, instead of being interrupted by nurses or doctors checking in every so many minutes like my sisters previous experiences. When it was time we called our midwife and doula and they assisted so wonderfully during the harder contractions. They were willing to work with me and my body to help the process. When it was time to push, I was able to get into the birthing tub, and with the help of my wonderful husband and rock, I gave birth to our first child in the water. I didn’t know it but, when I was pushing, I push so hard that she shot out like a rocket, head then shoulders and body! I was able to relax in the water for a bit holding our precious baby girl, and take in the peaceful miracle. There was no taking the baby away to clean her, or rusttle of people in and out probing me, just the bonding of mother and father and child. My midwife noticed that I was still bleeding. As my husband took our daughter to put her clothes and hat on, I was able to rinse off in the shower and then get into bed to rest, and so that my midwife could make sure what the bleeding was from. Found out I had tore a bit from her shooting out so fast. No worries though, my midwife was prepared for everything. She reached into her tub of supplies and got out the necessary tools. She stopped the bleeding, numbed me and stitched me up right in my own bed. Really! What more could you ask for? After that it was baby and family and awesomeness. My in-laws were there, and they were uneasy with the whole home birth idea at first. They were SO impressed about how smoothly, and, for the most part, stress free it was to have a baby. My father in-law had said that, he couldn’t believe how calm our daughter was right after she came out. He said he remembers when his sons were born, that they weren’t like that. Of course they were crying and screaming because they weren’t next to mother and the first experience of this new world was someone wiping their face and body with a towel, not to mention an extremely bright light to warm them. Don’t know about you but when I’m sleeping and someone turns on the light, it ain’t nice!!!! After we were comfortable and the midwife had checked our baby girl, it was time to get some well needed rest. Our midwife returned to do a check up on us later in the week. All was well. I can’t tell you how nice it was to be home after giving birth. Everything was already there and we were already settled in at home. Our daughter was already accustomed to the sounds of home from when she was in the womb. It was THE WAY TO GO for childbirth. I recommend it to everyone. BUT……..there are situations were a birth in the hospital is needed! I’m NOT against doctors or nurses or the assistance the give. They are well needed. If you are considering a home birth, I strongly suggest it. You will LOVE the birthing experience you have.