Stress

I went through the private system for the birth of my daughter. We only started with our obstetrician at about the 14 week mark (so not much different to where you are at) and it was perfectly fine, didn't have an issue getting in to the hospital.

I personally found it all really good, but in saying that I don't have a public experience to compare it to. I was also very lucky in having a low risk, uncomplicated pregnancy so I imagine i would have found the public perfectly fine.

I delivered at Hurstville private and cannot fault the experience and care I received. I liked having my own room and bathroom and my partner was able to be there 24/7 (day bed for sleeping not super comfortable, but manageable), especially as a FTM.

If you have any other questions feel free to shoot me a message 🙂

Just keep in mind that most obstetricians will still charge the same management fees, regardless of how close you are to your due date. I guess you need to look at the pro’s and cons and what’s important for you and your partner.

very valid point about the fees!

Thank you!
I was worried if I leave it any later they may reject me 🙃

I'm also aware of the fees and at the moment have a low risk pregnancy so I'm not even due to see a midwife/doctor for another 5 weeks in the public system.

I work in the hospital system and chose to go public. It was great for us. I didn't part want an obstetrician and preferred midwife care. But that's just me! My partner wasn't able to stay over night after the first night but to be honest it was fine.
The private is great but just know what you want in terms of " birth plan". Since the private runs as a clinic, there is a push for c-sectiondls much earlier then in the public. Nothing wrong with it if you are happy with that but just be sure to voice what you would prefer :)

@Andrea oh was your partner allowed to stay the 1st night? I'm worried that if I go into labour late at night he won't be able to stay/stick around as I know visitors need to be out before a certain time.

I work in the public as well and opted for public for my own reasons (having worked in both public and private). It just felt like a safer option for us, with significant staff shortages and public hospitals having greater access to resources. I think it’s also important to consider what risk your pregnancy is and who you want to be involved I. Your care ie. Midwife vs. obstetrician and if you want an elective Caesarian or natural birth. If you choose to go as a public patient, most Caesarians are performed on a risk/emergency basis. If you do choose to go private, it’s also important to consider having a NICU close by, in case baby needs it.

Isn’t it just annoying how they consider the dad a “visitor” they really need to change things up & set it up so the dad can atleast have a recliner chair & the choice to stay!

they usually allow partners to stay if it’s not a shared room and they are supportive and helping out etc. Covid has previously affected this in the past, when hospitals had to restrict the amount of visitors/people staying for long periods of time.

If not a complicated pregnancy i would say public. If you go private they really push for C section and also if you do natural and need epidural they charge like almost 1k extra while in public everything is free :))) also if sth go wrong in private, they end up sending you to public 😂😂😂