Errmmm, I had a BBA, without a midwife, at home. I was aiming for a homebirth but there was a problem contacting the midwife and things were happening megafast. My husband only had one option (unless I was going to have the baby in the car) .... to call an ambulance. I never once considered the idea of calling an ambulance during the early stages of labour and no-one I know who has had children did either. I'm sorry that there are people that think it is their right. The midwives whose care I was under did not instruct me on any procedures for things happening megafast apart from .... call an ambulance. Reading blogs that rant about maternataxis has frequently made me reconsider my husband's decision to call 999 but I have always come back to the same point - we had no choice. In the event, I couldn't fault the crew who did a fantastic job and judging by their reaction, they enjoyed the call too! To add to the debate - I don't think the closure of maternity units is helping.