For some mothers peace may be a home birth, fewer machines and noise and less intrusive monitors. Women in good health can give birth naturally and recover fairly quickly. Childbirth need not be thought of as a medical procedure or as an illness to manage. Childbirth is more like an Olympic event to prepare for in advance. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles while allowing the abdomen to relax and expand are recommended throughout the prenatal months for women without any risks of early bleeding (placenta previa).
Midwives in some areas may be available to help with a home birth and may ask the woman to purchase a list of supplies for use during the delivery. A hospital nearby can serve as an emergency backup in case of complications but the midwife is trained and prepared for some types of difficulties. The midwife or other healthcare attendant will fill out details for a birth certificate which then may need to be submitted with the family doctor. The newborn is taken to the hospital or doctor's office for a few newborn screening tests within a a few days of birth. Disclosure: I had two infants and delivered each at home with a midwife attending.
For more information about the history of home birth rights see: Pushing for Midwives: Homebirth Mothers and the Reproductive Rights Movement, by Christa Craven, (2010, Temple University Press) (amazon.com).
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.