Thank you all so much for the positive vibes! I don't know anyone that has used a birth center, so I am happy to hear that people you know have had positive experiences at them. I don't know about everywhere, but the birth center that I have the option to use is drug free; it has emergency medical equipment, but they don't keep any narcotics on hand, and their is no anesthesiologist. The pain *did* start to get to me last time for sure, but more than that was the dehydration. So this time I know I need to really keep my fluids up.

Wow... My hat is off to you!

I was way too chicken to attempt a natural birth, let alone a home birth! Plus the place where I lived didn't have the option. Ended up having an induced 18-hour long labor, with a way too large baby that ended getting stuck and requiring an emergency C-section at 2:30 in the morning... I swear my birth experence would have made great TV drama material... We would have died if I wasn't in a hospital! And I had lots of the good drugs!

My DS was a scheduled C-section right from the start, and not only was he bigger than DD, he was also breach!

My mom was 26 hours in labor with me, and I was a tiny 6lb baby...

Well I certainly wouldn't attempt it with a breach. I know people that have done unassisted. THAT scares me. And not only that, but unassisted hours away from emergency care. I think hospital care and intervention are great, when needed, and I am so greatful for OBs and NICUs etc. If I had been able to have a home birth, we are only 15 mons from the nearest hospistal. And t he birthing center is 5mins from a hospital, so in terms of safety, I feel fine. My last labour was 12 hours total, but only 4 hours of active labour and 28 mins of pushing... I really can't complain about that. I have miserable pregnacies; they do not agree with me AT ALL! But I think I am better at birthing I am hoping my second is life half the time like they say it generally is. That would be nice...intense, but nice.

That sucks but if it makes you feel better I gave birth to all 7 of my kiddos in a birth center and it was nice . I had a birth plan in place and the nurses and my OB followed my wishes . No pain meds for me either . I was able to walk around and shower (as long as my water hadn't broken) . Private room also. I hope everything works out how you want it too :)I'm also with you on being a better at birthing ...I don't really enjoy the being pregnant part which is laughable sense I have 7 .;p

I am also planning to have my baby at a birthing center. Luckily my ob is part of a practice there already. I was going to switch to midwives they have there but after talking with the NP at my last appt it seems all the OBs support natural births, so I guess I will stay with my OB. If she is not available I may request a MW. anyway I had read really great things about the place before I ever got preganant so i'm pretty happy. they have private rooms, some with jacuzzis, the others with at least showers. sounds good to me. Plus the hospital is literally down the corridor if you need it.

A birth center is the best of both worlds. Not exactly the comfort of your own home, but if you need emergency intervention for your or your baby's safety it is available. Thankfully most births in North America are uncomplicated, but it's a blessing to have modern medical technology at your disposal if you need it. Better safe than sorry.

and, I say bring on the pain meds, but I certainly respect others choice not to.

It is interesting that the birthing centers are so common in the States. In Vancouver there were none as far as I knew; at least my midwives didn't have privledges at them, and here there is only one. It is big "business of being born" so it makes sense. The one I will go to has jacuzzi tubs in all the rooms, so that is a great feature. My tub at home is big, but not that big. Last time I did not find comfort in water whatsoever, but I am keeping my mind open to it because you just never know.

Sim, something else to consider is when they would induce you or want to do other means of intervention. Many midwives do not even talk of induction until 41 weeks, and then don't plan for it until after 42... I would compare the intervention stats of your choices and see how they line up, if you are really interested in a natural birth. I know *here* OBs induce at 8 days...so that isn't in your favour if you are planning on a natural birth; whether they support natural birth or not.

Same here, I had nausea all nine months, with both kids but my labors were quick and easy. DS was 8.4 & DD was 7.6 and my labors were both around the same time, 6hrs and about 10-15 mins of pushing with both. DS was 2 pushes and DD was 2 pushes. Both times, I was over due, induced with pitocin and had them pain med free.

I know two people who have went the birthing center route and had good experiences. Next time around for me, I would do a midwife and hospital. Washington really has nice hospitals that allow midwife's to deliver.