I recently was a Consultant with a woman who had her previous birth alone - and it wasn't on purpose. She was early (before 38 weeks gestation).

Her body's way of experiencing contractions were sporadic, there was not set pattern, no set rhythm. Braxton - Hicks, probably. So she went to sleep. This was not her first birth, thank G-d, because the panic she could have felt would have endangered her and the baby. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, she had to run to the restroom.

In the restroom she realized it was labor and now here comes... the baby! She called to her husband and he called MADA- Hatzolah (the medical emergency response). Meanwhile, back in the restroom, her body was working to get the baby out and she realized there was no turning back, no waiting. No amount of panting was getting her through without pushing.

So she pushed. And there was a head. She waited and pushed a little and there was the shoulder and arm and WHOOSH! the baby. Just like that. Alone. Just like that.

Well, the great news is that both mother and baby were fine, thank G-d. That was some time ago and now, she's in the end of her next pregnancy. And you know what she told me?

"As surprising as it was to give birth alone in my restroom, as unexpected as that was - it was so quiet, I was alone with my baby. And I believe in birthing in the hospital, but after the last experience, I would love to have the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of that again. I almost don't want to go to the hospital. But I will go."

I told her that she must really pay attention to her body's signals and keep in touch with her doula, a smart and experienced woman who is not into risk taking.

But sometimes, birth happens. Just like that.