Why are people choosing to go private for their pregnancy?

You can choose your own obstetrician

One of the big benefits of the private system is having the ability to choose your own obstetrician (OB). You have the freedom to decide who suits you when it comes to caring for you and your baby during this very special time.

Donna advises when you’re a private patient you have the benefit of seeing the same doctor at each appointment, and at the birth. In the public system, you don’t have this choice.

Over the course of your pregnancy, you’re able to build a strong and trusting relationship with your selected OB. This can mean when it comes to the big day, you’ll feel a little more relaxed knowing who will be there.

Flexibility and choice with appointments

Reduced waiting times and consistency of care in the private sector is very important. There’s also the added benefit of being able to schedule your appointments when it suits you best.

“Lots of people come across from public to private around the 24 week mark because they get annoyed with the waiting periods for appointments,” Donna states.

Greater control with your pain relief

During your antenatal appointments with your OB, you’re able to work out your birth plan and what method of pain relief you’re most comfortable with.

Donna says in private hospitals, your obstetrician calls in an anesthetist when you need it and there’s normally little to no waiting time.

In the public sector the anesthetists generally work on a priority based system. “They could have a list of six people and you could be the sixth one, so you can sometimes be waiting a little bit longer,” Donna comments.

Better accommodation and facilities

A private room with your own facilities is one of the added bonuses of staying in a private hospital. A bed for your partner is also usually provided, meaning both parents can bond with the baby in those first few days.

Donna says, “In a public hospital the focus is very much on the mother and baby so there are often stricter visiting hours and usually no facilities for the partner to stay at all.”

Extra recovery time in hospital

The average stay for childbirth in a private hospital is around three to five days, but this depends on your delivery. During this time you’ll be closely monitored by midwives who will help you with your newborn and give you extra guidance and support.

In the public sector, some patients leave the hospital just 24 hours after birth.

Call Health Partners to review your hospital cover and check what is included and any waiting limits. There may be additional fees that your hospital can tell you about ahead of time that your private health insurance won’t cover, like boarder fees (your partner staying with you), or paediatrician consultations.