[pandoraou812]

I had 2 easy births which were at the hospital, hardly any labor time, quite happy with them. Then with Jon I had big problems. Cord wrapped around his neck etc. I didn’t get to see him for hours. Lela was easy as could be and I was 41 yrs old at that time and high risk. I am happy for all the mothers who give birth at home but for me, I would rather be in the hospital. My daughter had to have an emergency c-section with my grandson. I told the drs she would need one as I had been told that when she was a teenager . But her drs said she would be fine. We almost lost her & my grandson. I think its wonderful how things have changed since the births of my oldest and youngest, theres a 20 year difference. The labor rooms are nicer and my husband could come & go etc. But I still would not take any chances with a birth. I want to be where there is help for me or my baby asap.

[Calpernia]

I agree, it is a toss up about the hospital decision. But this is still a good thread with interesting tidbits for consideration.

Off to run errands. Back later.

[ASOC]

Interesting thread.

My wife was born in a doctors office, her family lived in a very rural area. Most of her friends were the same. But the day a hospital (small to be sure) was built in the area was a day of joy and rejoicing.

All of our children were born in hospital - I am a trained/licensed EMT with years of experience and we would never consider home birthing, but that’s just us - there is too much that can go wrong - fast.

Our daughter had her children (we were both there to assist) in a birthing room. The room looked ordinary enough, but the walls could fold back allow use of the most modern medical equipment avaliblible. Best of both worlds, I suppose.

For years Alaska had the highest IMR is the US, today, things are much better.

Chose as you will, but be prepared for the costs if the choice turned out to be a bad one.