Homebirth, should I go for it?

[NatzCNL]

Hello,
Ive been trying to read up on homebirths from others posts but have managed to scare myself doing this...!
I am expecting baby number 3, with two previous normal deliveries. Both required a little stitching but nothing major with no problems after the birth for either myself or the babies. 1st DD was born 8 hours after I went into labour, 2nd DD was born 1 hour 48mins after I went into labour - the only reason we made to the hospital in time with DD2 is because it was 4am and no traffic, and hospital was only a 6 min drive away, she was born 20 mins after we arrived.
This time however, our hospital is now around a 15 mins drive away without traffic, and about a half hour drive or more with traffic.
I am not against home birth and think it would be lovely to give birth in the comfort of my own home, but I also like the security of knowing there is a doctor near by should we need any assistance. I am currently booked into the MLU at the new hosptial, but I am so worried that we wont get to the hospital in time.
I breifly discussed my concerns at my booking in appointment but it wasn't really talked about at length. I am now 24 weeks and getting rather anxious about the prospect of another quick labour and possibly not making to the hospital in time. I really am scared of giving birth without a midwife with me.
This is my only concern with regards to the birth, and Im not sure if I would be more relaxed if we planned a home birth so that I know for certain that there will be a midwife with me.
And advice or suggestions would be appreciated. I will of course talk to my midwife again as this is worrying me a lot!

Thanks again, it is very reassuring to hear about all these possitive HB stories (fannylogan - well done on delivery without a midwife - although by the sounds of it, probably best she wasn't there!... panic from me! ). We saw the consultant today (as under regular monitoring due to a heart defect with the baby we lost last year) and he said that the pregnancy is progressing fine, all scans are coming back with good results, so a home birth is a very good choice and to book it in with the midwife!
Also said that should we change our mind on the day, we still have the option of the birthing unit at the hospital and wont have to go to labour ward.
Seeing my midwife in 2 weeks to arrange it all! DP still not 100% on board with it so will only go for it if he is behind me totally. But think a chat with the midwife will put his mind at ease. He is worried that something will go wrong on the day and would rather we were next to a theatre if needs be.

I had a home birth for my second and it was the best decision I ever made. DD1 was born in hospital as we were living at my in-laws at the time (major work being done on our house) so didn't really have a choice. The hospital was fine, but I didn't like being there. I had a fast labour, a rude midwife and a third degree tear and so was offered a C-section for DD2. I didn't like the sound of that and didn't really want to go to hospital and so booked a home birth and the NHS midwives were extremely supportive and agreed that having had a fast first labour, this was a sensible choice - remember you can always change your mind in labour and head off to hospital if you wish (but you can't book a homebirth whilst in labour).

I had a birthing pool in the sitting room that was just wonderful. DD1 was packed of to granny in the morning and DD2 was delivered in the early afternoon with hubby and the midwife present. Can't say I enjoyed labour and my neighbours thought they could hear our washing machine making odd noises (!), but SO glad I was at home. I had a couple of stitches followed by a shower and was back in my own bed by 5pm. So much more a pleasant experience for me than the uncomfortable car ride to hospital whilst in labour and the hanging around waiting for decisions to be made about whether you can stay or not.

It was also much nicer to be there with the baby when DD1 came home rather than on my own in a hospital bed.