Did I say ?own bed?? Yes ? and with good reason too. Giving birth at home is a real possibility for many women, and if you like the idea it is worth looking into it in more depth.

There are many advantages to giving birth in your own home ? not least the fact that you are in familiar and comfortable surroundings. For many women, the thought of having to go into hospital, even to give birth to their baby, can be a scary one. If you are particularly affected in this way, it might be worth consulting your midwife to see whether this type of birth would be good for you.

Of course the most important thing is to take the advice of your midwife and doctor. If you have given birth before and there were problems, they may not be keen for you to give birth anywhere other than in a hospital. It's always good to be sensible and minimise any risks that you know about before you make your decision.

Another good step to take before deciding whether to opt for this kind of birth is to talk to other women who have already experienced it. Giving birth at home is a very different experience after all, so it's good to have an idea of what you are in for!

The internet is a great place to do this, since you can find websites with chat rooms and forums that will be of help. You'll be able to discuss the pros and cons to this kind of birthing plan with other women, and that can be a lot of help when you are undecided about what to do yourself.

One variation on a normal birth is to have a water birth. And yes, they are possible even when you are at home. Birthing pools can be hired for the occasion, and if you have a corner bath it is even possible to give birth in there.

The most important point is to be prepared as much as you possibly can be. If you have children already, you should make arrangements for them to stay with their grandparents or another member of the family until after the birth. Obviously it helps to have more than one person on standby for this purpose, just in case someone isn't available on the day.

In the end, can be a wonderful way to welcome your new member of the family into the world. So why not find out more about it?