Hi, I am a First time mother. 10 weeks pregnant. 21 years of age. Just curious on everyone's opinions on going through the Public and Private system for pregnancy? And how they found both and what's better? Thank you
Hi, I am a First time mother. 10 weeks pregnant. 21 years of age. Just curious on everyone's opinions on going through the Public and Private system for pregnancy? And how they found both and what's better? Thank you
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8 Replies
I think it depends on which hospital you go through. So best to speak to people locally on what they thought was good. Maybe you could give us what area you are in. My public hospital experience (in adelaide) for pre-natal was horrid. I never saw the same person more than twice. I felt like it was a production line and there was no sense of these people caring about me and my health. At the time I had no choice but to be public. My actual birthing experience was excellent.
My sister went private, same doctor every time who knew who her history, very personal care etc.
Unless you have a really crappy public hospital in your area, I say save your $$ and go public. No out of pocket costs for hospital stay, even if your birth is not straightforward. You can do GP shared care or see the middies at the hospital.
You might want to find out if your private hospital has facilities to handle an emergency.
http://mobile.news.com.au/news/parents-warn-of-birth-risks/story-fna7dq6...
I had my 1st in private my second 14 months later in public.
Loved the private experience, but really couldnt have endured the length of stay with a just walking toddler and a new baby.
I found the prenatal care in the public much better.
I started my journey in private, but after the first appointment, when the doctor talked about "delivering my baby"… when I wanted to "birth my baby", I released I was not in the right place. I then proceeded to public - to a birth centre. When I was around 7 months pregnant, I got a SMS saying the birth centre was closing. At the same time this was happening, I was reading about the history of birth, how "back then" woman birthed in meadows, surrounded by other woman and it wasn't until religious men on horse back rode in and told them they weren't allowed to do that anymore, and that's when woman were pushed to going to hospitals. So, though a good friend, I found a midwife and gave birth at home. For me, personally, I felt far safer at home and it was by far the most empowering amazing experience.
I started my journey in private, but after the first appointment, when the doctor talked about "delivering my baby"… when I wanted to "birth my baby", I released I was not in the right place. I then proceeded to public - to a birth centre. When I was around 7 months pregnant, I got a SMS saying the birth centre was closing. At the same time this was happening, I was reading about the history of birth, how "back then" woman birthed in meadows, surrounded by other woman and it wasn't until religious men on horse back rode in and told them they weren't allowed to do that anymore, and that's when woman were pushed to going to hospitals. So, though a good friend, I found a midwife and gave birth at home. For me, personally, I felt far safer at home and it was the perfect fit for the birth experience i personally wanted. I think it's about working out what you ultimately want, choosing the best fir from there. x
I went private in QLD first time. Has private health insurance so it covered everything (other than regular checks at dr/ob & ultrasounds) the birth its self cost $27 dollars and that was"accommodation & food" for my partner staying at hosp with me while at hospital
Second time around I went public, still paid for ultrasounds and gp visits, didn't pay $27 extra. I was lucky and had fantastic midwives both times round so neither was better or worse ?
I had private health cover but still chose to go public because I didn't want to waste my money on seeing a obgyn (which private health does not cover but is required to deliver in a private hospital)and the extra costs when I could save that money to have longer with bub before returning to work. I had great experiences with mine with no interventions - just midwives delivering my babies as women have done for other women over centuries. All the specialist care was there though if it had been needed. Each to their own though and you will probably get more scans and monitoring privately if that suits you more.