beanie, I've just been given 'The New Experience of Childbirth' by Sheila Kitzinger. In it she is very positive about and actively advocates home birth (in fact, she presents it as much better than hospital births and as a first choice). She had five babies at home herself and it is a very encouraging, affirming book. It has lots of great tips for coping with all sorts of labours and, even though I'm so early on, I'm finding it really helpful. It was given to me by a friend who is a doula, so I know it's not talking rubbish! I would definitely recommend getting hold of it. It's also a really easy read, refreshingly free of too much medical jargon.