this is such an interesting conversation! I haven’t read every single post in detail but obviously giving birth in America is very different from in England! The main reason why I wouldn’t give birth at home is because my husband is very against it (I think for the mess!). On a side point, I only had a doctor in the room with my first child. For the others only a midwife or two! I gave birth to my last two children leaning over a bed with no pain relief! I get the impression that this would never happen or be allowed to happen in the US. I think Sheila Kitzinger has a lot more work to do on your side of the pond!