For us it was one of the key factors in deciding to go private... After having an emergency CS I was really glad we did because DS was able to spend his first night sleeping on my chest because DH was there to look after him while I was bed ridden. I have a friend who had a similar birth in a public hospital and her little girl got put in the nursery the first night because she was bed ridden and her DH couldn't stay with them.

For us it was really important to be able to spend pretty much every minute of those first few days together as a family and for DH and I to learn about this parenting business together. In some ways I think it was really good for DH that I was bed ridden that first night because he was it and he got to do everything. If I had of been physically up to it I'm sure I would of taken over iykwim? But because he was 'in charge' he was able to build his confidence in handling DS very fast. Anyway I'm rambling but I guess what I'm trying to say is I think it is really valuable for the dads to be there 24/7 those first few days, I have some friends whose partners don't have to much confidence with their little ones because mum has always 'appeared' to know best iykwim? I personally do think a lot is set in those first few days...

But all that said, next time around I don't think we will be able to justify the price tag, especially because we have DS which means that DH probably won't be able to stay anymore than one night.

HTH