BACKGROUND: Homebirths have been around as long as humans, but since the 1950s, the majority of American women have chosen to give birth in hospitals. In fact, about 99 percent of all the babies delivered in the United States are born in hospitals.

A NEW TREND? Many midwives around the country say more and more women are opting for homebirths.

According to a recent New York Times article, midwives in New York City say they have been swamped with calls and requests. Some midwives have reported having to increase their workload from between two and four deliveries a month to as many as 10.

The article says that the company yourwaterbirth.com, one of the biggest online suppliers of birthing pools, reports its sales have doubled since last year. The reason for this newfound interest in giving birth at home is not known, but many midwives believe women are looking for more natural delivery options.

They want control over the process, which they don't believe they can get at a hospital. Many of these women also fear being pressured into unnecessary surgery and/or other medical procedures. The number of C-sections has increased by 50 percent in recent years.

BENEFITS OF HOMEBIRTHS: Homebirths are often cheaper and allow families and friends to take part. An average vaginal birth at home costs about 60 percent less than it would at a hospital. Many women also like the idea of delivering and recovering at home where it's more comfortable and familiar.

AGAINST HOMEBIRTH: Since 1975, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has officially opposed homebirths, identifying hospitals as the safest places for childbirth. This year, the American Medical Association has taken a similar position.

Experts say even low-risk deliveries can have dangerous, unexpected complications. Catherine Lynch, M.D., an OB/GYN in Tampa, Fla., said, "Even birth centers that are across the street from the hospital are not in the hospital itself, and you've got a lag time. You've got a delay that could be profound for mom and baby."

Although many studies provide conflicting data, most experts agree that about 16 percent of women planning to give birth at home are transferred to a hospital for delivery. One other British study found about 40 percent of first-time moms were transferred to a hospital.

Doctors say a homebirth is definitely not for you if you are diabetic, have high blood pressure or experience pre-term labor.