That is a really good point. I tend to feel on top of the world and full of energy (manic!) right after I give birth, and do at home, I did all kind of stuff instead of resting. The tiredness hits later, when there is no time to rest -which is why a hospital birth was good third time: I was forced to rest/there was nothing to do but stare at the baby!
I have never used medications giving birth, but was close to doing it the third time. I think the pain was worse, because I was in an unknown setting and had a hard time relaxing. (In the end the midwife did acupuncture AND IT WORKED! )
In a perfect world, I would give birth at home, and THEN go to hospital (lol) for 3 days to get away from house work and the other kids. Not that my husband isn't helpfull, I just have a hard time not doing things!
Giving birth at home is very peacefull, relaxed, and undisturbed. Your senses are ultra sensitive when giving birth. I could smell, and was disgusted by, my neighbours brewing coffee in the flat downstairs at one home birth. In that respect a hospital birth is worse.
One thing to remember is that you don't have help with things like breastfeeding if you have a home birth. I always thought breastfeeding would be easy, and it surprised me how hard it was to get it right. Waiting 12 hours for a nurse to come to your home and help is a long time, if you are having problems