Home Birth?

Question

I'd quite like a home birth have thought about it for a long time. Less stress, less chance of infection, more attention while in labor, home comforts... friends and family think its a terrible idea with my first becuase we are over an hour away from the nearest hospital if something goes wrong...
Whats your thoughts?

Answer

I'd be on board of it weren't for the distance to the hospital. Things can go real bad real fast, even if there's nothing that's concerning beforehand.  Have you spoken with a midwife about it?

Answer

Had my son been born at home he would've easily died. I know you have a midwife with you but not a full team of NICU that can come down in 2 seconds flat if the unexpected happens. Being that far away from a hospital I'd maybe consider a water birth or just tell everyone you don't want an IV or pain meds and bring everything to make you comfortable. Tell them to leave you alone.

Answer

I've had all three of mine at home, and my mom had 4 of hers at home. Having witnessed various situations in which the baby needed extra assistance (cord wrapped around the neck, etc), I feel that a competent midwife is the key. They will discuss all these concerns with you beforehand, they have equipment and protocols for various emergencies, and are usually very cautious and will transfer you if necessary before an issue becomes too severe. Are there risks? Yes, same as (imo less risk than) there is with having a hospital birth. But I believe the majority of the risk can be mitigated by having a good, trustworthy, well trained midwife with lots of experience under her belt. And if you end up having a home birth that goes smoothly, it can be the most incredibly sacred experience of your life, I am forever grateful to my home birth midwives for enabling me to safely birth at home.

Answer

You might have to look up the rules in your area where I live (Canada) your first birth can't be a home birth

Answer

Because you live so far from a hospital I wouldn't. I plan to have one one day, just not with my first (my husband's request). But I wouldn't have one unless I was within 10-15 min of a hospital. Stuff does go wrong sometimes and you have to be transported to the hospital, and while that is uncommon it still is a risk.