I think birthing at home is a great option. Really gives you that family bonding time, without the clinical setting of a hospital. As far as I know midwives do not provide any pain relief, other than natural options. Birth pools are awesome for pain relief during labour and I would definitely hire one, even if I do go to hospital later on in labour. You can hire them from
www.wondermum.co.nz or
www.facebook.com/birthpoolhirenz. They courier the pool to you and include a return ticket, so you just have the courier pick it up after you have had your baby.