Have had both at hosp. and at home. I can only say when one of the first docs I went to said I shall have a twilight birth as that was SOP (at that hospital or with her I do not know now), I believed all she said and can only say it wasn't an easy or happy birth. Cant go to much detail but just that u were given more anesthesia than u really need perhaps, and my husband said I did not recognize him after leaving the DR... After learning on natural childbirth, had next child at home, really planned for this w/ a midwife, wanting to experience how the Israeli women, I thought, gave birth in years past.
Since ur wife has had briths at home u said, it looks like u (both if u were right there urself) have prepared for it. I can only say other, that is next hospital birth also was fast and non-messy, sorry I cannot think of another word, but I mean while u quietly labor and apply or practice breathing and relaxation techniques while contractions occur, there was no need for too much noise/groaning/just words out of the mouth often from a hurting contraction.. (Doc did give local anesthesia.) And from being brought to the delivery room, it was only kind of an hour or two more when my doc came in, so she said she hardly had to do anything more and even gave discount because the birth was just quick. Now this is no boasting, ok, but simply letting the younger women know it Is quite possible to have easier, relatively painless birth if u do ur assignment and learn abt it... also do it. Also to ask the young fathers esp, to help ur wife do her research for it really involves both of u, so there hopefully pregnant women's woes are lessened when u study what u have to go thru, and reduce complications as well.
This is not to say some women may and do not have need for other precautions, esp those who have had caesarian or complicated childbirth, so they should probably give birth at the hospital to be sure. But for the otherwise young and healthy mother who prepared pelvic muscles, and spiritually/emotionally too, there may be no reason not to try having a smooth birth at home where u do not have to transport ur things, find a helper for the duration of the hospitalization if u have youger kids, deal w/ anesthesia and meds u do not really need, pay more, etc. you can also choose ur own curtains at home, music while on labor, others=)