Never thought I'd have my baby at home

I never thought I'd have my baby at home.  I unintentionally bought into the idea that normal was having my baby with an OB in the hospital ~ where I could be close to life saving or pain lessening interventions if I needed them.  At the urging of a friend, I considered a midwife.  Within a week, I was matched with an incredible woman who will always remind me of Cinderella's fairy godmother.  Her gentleness & wisdom surrounding birth were like being enveloped in the best hug ever. Though she never pushed homebirth, it was always open for discussion.  In the end, our city was beset by SARS, hospital policy dictated only a single person be allowed in the birth room.  Also, all midwives, nurses and doctors were to wear goggles (like you would find in a science lab), masks, and protective long coats.  When I saw a picture of my midwife in this garb, at a previous birth, I realized that this would not at all instill confidence in me while I was in labour.  Without a second thought I did an about face and stated quite clearly that my baby would be born at home. That was it. I never looked back. Four hours of a challenging and beautiful labour in the comfort and familiarity of my home, with soft lights and easy music, and my incredible supportive husband, midwife, mother and mother-in-law quietly holding space for me.  Not once, not for a single second during that time did I ever feel concern that I was not near all of those things I believed necessary in a hospital.  The support I received and the incredible rhythm of birth held me up without falter.  Our 9 pound 12 ounce daughter eased and splooshed from my body to the wonder and astonishment of her grandmothers and my husband. (My mother was not a fan of the home birth option until she realized she would not be allowed to be present in the hospital due to the new rules ~ she is now a firm advocate.)  I was ELATED and breathless.   I felt so comfortable and invincible.  I lay in my own bed with our child on my breast, her own comfort apparent as she took in the peace around her.   Birth is magnificent.   I do not believe I would have experienced the wonder of my incredible body quite so vividly if I had birthed in hospital.  I feel quite certain that the surroundings would have been frightening and that my body would not have responded in a way that would have allowed for the very freeing birth I experienced.I am forever grateful for this. It has irreversibly changed my perception of birth in the best way possible.   My wish is for every woman to connect to their body in this truly magnificent way. Jody