Giving birth is free on the NHS, no matter where you do it (hospital, birthing centre or at home). I'm originally from the U.S. and this was amazing to me at first as well because I'm so used to just going into debt to get any sort of decent medical care. The only expenses would be any additional supplies you wanted to buy. If you want a water birth and don't already have a pool to use (some ladies use large kiddie pools or their inflatable hot tubs, not turned on of course, or a large soaking tub), but most will have to source a pool. There are companies that hire them, which are a bit more expensive, but I got mine from my local home birth group for 40 quid for a 4 week hire including a sterile liner and all accessories. Check and see if you have one in your area. You might also want to get some things to cover the floor or bed. Most of us use cheap shower curtains or a painting tarp or just lots of bed mats. A few other things like a bucket, some towels and blankets, large bin liners to put anything in that you plan to throw away after. And then snacks and drinks for yourself, partner, some tea and biscuits to offer the midwives. But your care overall is free, so it's really just these little things you might want to buy, nothing major. As for how to arrange it, I just told the midwives at my first appointment that I was planning a home birth, though you can make that decision at any point, including when you're in labour and they'll send midwives out to you. Then at 37 weeks, we had a chat about my birth plan and then gave me a box of supplies to take home (free, it belongs to the NHS and they take it with them again after the birth). That was it. Then just called when I was in labour. I had a home birth with my first and definitely hope to do it again next time, especially as like you, we don't have family especially close by (mine are in the U.S. and my husband's are 1.5 hours away), so I'd rather have my daughter at home with us too.
