Home birth experiences

[nyedry]

Can anyone share their experience of home birth?
I had my booking in appointment last week and my midwife mentioned it as an option.
I've never thought about it before but it's been playing on my mind a bit and is appealing to me.
When I had DS I was consultant led so it wasn't an option, I won't know if I need this again until I get my blood results back (existing thyroid condition but I have been off meds and symptom free for about 3 years)
I'm keen to hear of women who have experienced a home birth and if you would recommend it.

Thanks

2 of my 3 were born at home. I now support homebirth professionally.
It is how women have birthed for many many generations.
If you and baby are well, you are confident and well prepared and you have a midwife you trust it can be magical. Happy to answer any questions!

I had all 3 of mine at home. Obviously I have nothing to compare it to but it was great!

With my youngest, my eldest two were in bed but woke up and came down to meet her just after she was born. Eldest DD cut the cord and then we all snuggled up in bed together eating chocolate brioche

Also happy to answer any specific questions you have about the practicalities

After a long and complicated hospital birth with DC1, I opted for a home birth with DC2. Best thing ever. Pool, candles and music all set up in cosy, calming living room; when it came to it (and it was quite a quick labour) I wasn't interested at all, and insisted on birthing in front of the washing machine, which I found strangely hypnotic. Very straight forward and absolutely lovely to have midwives run me a bath in my own bathroom after, wish me a good night after checking my stitches, and tip-toe upstairs to my own candle lit bedroom with new, toasty baby.

I had both of mine at home. The first was a very long labour as he was back to back but I was so glad I had him at home as I was able to relax, move around the house as I wished and also had 2 midwives solely looking after me rather than racing between different women. I am certain that if I had booked a hospital birth it wouldn't have progressed as smoothly. Baby was 9lb 2oz and born back to back in water with no tearing.

The second birth was at home in water at 37 weeks. It was very quick at 30 min 1st stage and 9 min 2nd stage and I think I would have been at risk of baby being born in the car if I had had a hospital birth. Baby was 7lb 9oz again no tearing.

2 home births for me and both were amazing - so much better than my first hospital birth.

I had 3 of my 4 children at home.

My first birth was a hospital induction that I found extremely stressful. I didn't like staying in hospital and I had a bad experience with some very aloof midwives.

So my 2nd child (I was 22 by now) I decided I would have at home. It was an amazing water birth.

My next 2 children were also born at home. No complications. Peaceful, quiet, no stress and in my own bed an hour after giving birth downstairs.

Amazing.

Best thing I've ever done.

I'm looking forward to a home birth with my second baby, currently 36 weeks. There is a great support group on facebook which has lots of birth stories and advice. I also recommend the Positive Birth Company or the Positive Birth Book for some information on why home birth can be a great choice.
The birthplace study is a good one to read about statistics about safety, transfers etc.

I like to do my research and I'm very confident in my decision.