Hospital definitely. There is always the chance of unforeseen complications, and if you are at a hospital, you are right there to get the immediate care you need!

At a hospital because I want all the pain meds! I am only 17 so the thought of giving birth is not a plesant one right now!

I'm afraid of the worst, so I say Hospital in case there are complications

hospital.... you have doctors there.....

That is such a great question and it truely is "6 one way, or half a dozen the other". White middle class American women started a hospital trend in the 60's and birth here has not been the same since. Women the world over are content to birth in their homes, in fields, and in cars every day! I do not believe birth is an un-natural process or disease that women can't handle on their own. Hospitals often treat it as such. But even if you have a certified midwife at home there are risks there too to passing on the technology. Bottom line: NEITHER METHOD IS WITHOUT RISK AND SACRIFICE. The hospital gave me something in my IV and had unattentive staff that almost got my 1st son killed! However when I bore my 2nd son the birth went smoothly, I had my baby all natural with no complications but they freightened me pretty badly when they took my newborn away for an extended time (Circuncision) and then when I wanted to see him they wouldn't let me! I thought it was pretty upsetting and I had no idea he would be gone an hour for them do do a 15 minute minor surgery. Only have a home birth if you have had an uncomplecated pregnancy and live near by a hospital because there is some risk. These books by midwife Ina May Gaskin are AWESOME reads no matter where you choose to birth. Spiritual Midwifery and Ina May's guide to Childbirth.

I personally prefer home births and have attended a few and have had many friends and relative give birth at home. I was a home birth in the 50s as well. I Know that most women who give birth at home are usually low complication cases, but I also know that the percentage of problems at home are much less, from things like infections to major things. I'd rather be prepared and have a midwife deliver and/or my husband who has helped deliveries before as a massage therapist.

I think a home birth is great IF, you have an uncomplicated pregnancy and have given birth before.

Home, many complications arise because of the Doctors. Many times they will pump you full of so many meds that they create a tired mother or a tired baby and then see them as signs of distress. I have this on very good authority...my mother and one of my birth assistants are nurses. I am a llittle biased toward home anyway because that is where my son was born! (It was beautiful and there was very little pain because I was so comfortable in my own home!...and in water!)