how far away from the hospital for comfort?

[slightly crunchy]

5 or 10 minutes would be ideal of course. Is 20 okay? 25?

Do you call EMT to alert them ahead of time and tell them how to find your house, just in case?

[Lucysmama]

I've heard within 30 minutes....I am around 20 minutes, and I am personally comfy with that.

I have never heard of anyone calling EMT and telling them how to get to your house in case! They know how to get around, that's what they do. It seems a little wonky to be assuming you will need them, and plan a homebirth, you know?

[Mom2baldie]

I am 25 minutes from the nearest hospital which is in a very small town and doesnt have OBs or anesthesiologists available 24 hours a day. I (and my midwife) feel very comfortable with that, even though I have had a previous cesarean.

We wont be calling any emergency services ahead of time. Seems kindof like expecting or waiting for a problem and I really dont want to have that mindset.