I'm planning an unassisted pregnancy and unassisted birth. I think that it *could* be great to be surrounded by people while birthing *if* those people were providing the right kind of support. I don't know very many people who don't have fears and worries about birth though - people who can view birth as a fundamentally safe, easy process. Also, I *know* I want a home birth, and I don't want to feel like I have to "hostess" while I should be busy birthing! I'm naturally pretty private, reserved, extremely independant and also a bit (understatement) self-conscious. It makes the most sense for me to birth the way I do almost everything else: on my own. My partner will be there with me, because in many ways, birth is an extension of our private, intimate life. I'm looking forward to giving birth also being a powerful and intimate experienced shared between us - just for us.

I think it is really hard in our society for people, whom are not aware or used to the idea of UP/UC, to grasp the "normalcy" this gives for some people. Some people, such as yourself, feel comforted by the people that around them, but others feel incredibly inhibited by others presence. For some, being private allows them to open up to the ebb and flow of birth because they have nothing they have to think about other than the labor and birth. And as Issa said, it would be helpful to have those around if they are giving the right kind of help. But for some people, NO person other than the self and/or partner can be that kind of help they need.

As far as UP goes, some women just know how to take care of themselves without the aid of a midwife or other care provider. I do know of some people who do UC and for the most part UP, but have sought out a midwife (supportive of their choices) for certain tools or bits of advice they are looking for that they feel are necessary. Some couples, though, do not need this assistance.

The more I learned about the UC community the more I saw the commonality in all of us who birth. That commonality is we are all so different and we do things differently in our own ways.

I am on another UC board and what is happening in that community is when women have questions they will post them and see what others have to say. Many who choose to UP/UC are without fears or concerns. That is what is so helpful about finding communities with like mindedness for support. Of course, don't get me wrong, what we choose to do with the support and advice offered is to our own discretion. (*Hence the disclaimer I put on the description of this tribe :) )

A recent post I read by someone who was answering the question "why be alone, haven't we always had others around us when we birth?" She said, "I don't know about others, but the idea of solitude is extremely warm and inviting and attractive to me."

I understand what she is saying. I remember at my last labor, where I was at a free standing birth center, I remember this deep, swelling feeling inside where all I really wanted to do was find a closet and close the door and labor in there by myself away from everyone. Very Very feline like, and thats how I felt. This time around (I am 12 weeks for those who do not know this about me yet) I am staying home, and if I want that closet, it is there for me free for the taking. :)