I can't give you any insight into birth centre options, but I can outline our private fees this time around with DD.
We saved heaps with DS because almost my entire pregnancy fell into a single calendar year, which meant that the MC Safety Net kicked in in a big way.
Our management fee this time around with DD, came to $1800 - I think we got back around $400. She fell over two calendar years.
Most private OBs charge a delivery fee on top of their management fee, my one didn't for DS and hasn't this time around for DD. Delivery fee can be upwards of $2500, I am led to believe. So big saving here and probably why he is as popular as he is
Then obviously the cost of your Private Health premium comes into play, depending on how comprehensive your cover is. Ours is $250, but this is pretty standard.
We also went to what is probably the most expensive sonography place in Brissy, so each scan cost over $300, of which we didn't see much payback. You can do this bit cheaper.
Also, should you need to have an emergency c-section or you select to have an epidural, the anesthetist fees can be a bit crazy...though I can't give you any off-hand figures.
Yes, they are expensive little creatures to have in the private sector!
The RBWH has a birth centre which would be a good option for you. I have loved my care with them with both pregnancies. The benefit of going public is that everything is free - additional scans if needed, lactation consultant, dietician, physio, exercise classes and heaps more good stuff. To get referred to the RBWH your GP needs to send in a referral clearing stating to put you in the ballot for the birth centre (then you should ring up and check that you are going on the ballot list) and then at 16 weeks they draw the raffle. Caboolture and Ispwich also have midwife led care if you fancy a drive!
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks