Before you throw in the towel, if there are midwives doing HBACs in your area, you may be able to work out a mutually agreeable financial arrangement. If not, it might be a good idea to find out who you can talk to at the hospital ahead of time to discuss your concerns. If you and your DH can present yourselves as the reasonable, rational people that you are and come to agreement with hospital staff, you could save yourself some problems. I'm not sure on how to get to the right person or persons, but I would start with the nurse manager of labor and delivery. She should know the ropes. I think it would also be wise for you and your husband to talk with your ob for the same reason. If you try this route or if you don't and there's a nonemergency decision to be made during the labor, here's a tip I got recently for nonconfrontationally getting what you want: When someone proposes something you don't agree with, say nothing. Just wait. Silence is uncomfortable. If you sit tight, the person is likely to make another suggestion. When you hear something you can live with, then respond. If you try this, let me know if it works.

-- Henci