Tom- I recently discussed this at length with an NHS-in-hospital Midwife, and think I understand what Clarabelle means. Some mums (and professionals) feel that giving birth is fundamentally a natural & normal process that can take place in numerous small units easily accessible to mums-to-be. Too close proximity to all the paraphenalia of modern medicine may infer that there are worries about possible complications. Unfortunately, where hi-tech interventions are required, they are likely to require large investment in equipment and specialist staff. That implies a few 'centres of excellence' each taking what are likely to be time-critical cases from several 'birthing units'. They can't all be close at hand!