- Home is where I am most comfortable
2. I didn’t have to worry about the pool not being available
3. I could do as I pleased
4. I didn’t have to travel whilst in labour
5. My husband/partner wouldn’t have to leave me at night
6. I could have a hands off birth if I wished
7. I didn’t have to worry about child care
8. I could have who I liked there
9. The hospital doesn’t provide a natural environment
10. Hospitals are for illness or emergencies not normal birth
11. I wouldn’t have to worry about getting my own room / staffing issues
12 I had never been a patient in hospital before.
13. I could have access to real food
14. I could have an independent midwife
15. I could involve my other child/ren
16. I was worried about the labour being too quick to get to hospital
17. I knew it was the safest place
18. I worked at the hospital and knew too many people!
19. I’m vegan so could actually have food at home
20. I’ve had 2 babies without pain relief so thought I would try at home
21. I am scared of hospitals, if not ill or visiting someone
22. I had a bad experience during first labour
These reasons are from real home birthing mums and were taken from a poll posted in our Facebook private discussion group