The scene many people picture when it's time to give birth often includes a sterile hospital room, a singe bed, and a lot of people standing around screaming "PUSH!" Many people view childbirth as a medical event rather than a natural part of life. Even though women have been giving birth since the beginning of humanity, many American couples envision themselves checking the mother-to-be into the hospital just before the blessed event.

But according to a recent article, more and more couples are deciding against the medical model when it comes to birthing their children. Instead of using hospitals and doctors, they're choosing to have their children in alternative settings and using the services of a midwife.

Data from the National Bureau of Health Statistics indicates that in 2003, the most recent year for which data are available, 8 percent of women gave birth under the care of a midwife. Only 4 percent used a midwife in 1990.

Some new parents have described their experiences with a midwife as "empowering", "romantic", and "private". Giving birth attended by a midwife can also be significantly less expensive than using a doctor, as long as one's health insurance covers it. Many insurance carriers will pay for a midwife's services as long as he or she is properly licensed and works with a hospital or a birthing center. While many midwives are certified nurses, not all are. Those who are not nurses are called "lay midwives". Insurance coverage for a lay midwife's services may not be as comprehensive as it is for a nurse midwife.

Some expectant moms are comforted by the idea of being in a hospital setting, where they know they can get quick pain relief and sophisticated attention should anything go seriously wrong. But other moms like the freedom afforded by midwives, who generally allow moms to give birth in whatever position is the most comfortable. And using a midwife and giving birth at home is, in a way, just like going back to basics. I haven't given birth yet myself, but it is the eve of my birthday. Maybe if I ever have a baby, I'll be one of those moms who stays home to give birth.

About the author: In her spare time, knotheadus writes for Epinions.com and maintains her own Web site, knot-heads.com.