I know that a lot of people are starting to gain a lot of respect for places like birthing centers or even your own home where midwives and doulas help with birth instead of doctors, but I also know that a lot of people want to (or have already) give birth in a hospital or clinical setting.

I was just wondering what your preference of giving birth would be, and what you think would be best for you?

Also, are you more of a "nothing for me" natural childbirth person or a "let me schedule my C-section and get an epidural" type of person or someone in between?

Personally, I'm hoping that I can give birth in this lovely maternity and surgery center. The rooms are outfitted just like a hotel room, with a special bed that can move in all sorts of directions for different types of pushing (including a bar that can be attached so you can squat and use gravity to push the baby out). They also have showers and tubs where you can soak until you're ready to push, and a balcony in every room so you can get fresh air. They have a special room nearby just in case you need an emergency C-section, and there are trained doctors and nurses on staff. You're allowed to bring as many people as you want into the room with you, and they provide a bed for your significant other/support person to sleep on. They also never take the baby away from you (unless there are emergency complications and the baby has to go to the NICU). You get to room in with your baby and your support person/people, and you get to have a special 3 course meal with your significant other that is paid for by the hospital after the birth. Of course, all your other meals are free (but your s/o has to pay for other meals him/herself), and they have people who will help you with getting used to breast feeding and other new mom stuff, and who will also assist you with the baby if you're still recovering or in horrible pain.

Of course, if there's a complication or I have to deliver early, I may have to go to the hospital instead, but that is why I registered for both places.

I REALLY hope that I can give birth at the maternity center, though. It's just enough of a hospital for me to feel safe, but it doesn't feel scary and antiseptic the way that a surgery or operating room would feel.

Here's a link to their website:

http://www.suttermatsurg.org/programs/clinical/programs_clinical_perinatal.html

So, what are your thoughts?