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!