I would definitely have a chat to a few and see what options are available to you. As Alan mentioned, some midwives do have payment plans, but it does still mean you're spending upwards of $3k still.
Good luck hun
I think you would just have to weigh up the costs to how worthwhile you think a hb would be for you. DF and I have no PHI but will be paying for one anyway, because for us, the 3 or so grand it will cost us for an IM will be SO worth it, money well, well spent. I can understand your concerns about having to need an OB halfway through. Aside from bubs coming a little early, did you have any other complications during your pregnancies? Just as an example (we have had a LOT of time to plan/discuss things lol) DF and I plan to hire an IM from the word go. WE plan to have her do our pre-natal checks AS WELL AS at the hospital; we would like her to attend those appointments with us. That way, if something transpires during my labour which would require me to need hospital care, they have everything on record, all the info about myself and baby throught the pregnancy, so they will be able to treat me accordingly. Just another thing to consider I second what everyone else has said and have a chat to some IM's and see what they have to say about your concerns etc.
Good luck hun and again, soooooo over the moon for you
We payed over 4000 for ours and it pretty much came from baby bonus It was worth it, as far as I'm concerned, particularly if it means giving me the confidence to freebirth the next one
I didn't find ANY PHI that covered PM's so we ditched our insurance.
We had less than no money and I refused to be forced into hospy for lack of money. It's a personal call - how much does it mean to you and what are the reasons? If they are core values, you'll find a way to do it
hey liz! we found ourselves in a similar boat in that the cost of a HB was beyond us. but in talking to dear friends there was a snippet that she said to me as we cooked at the BBQ, you will find a way (to afford it). and that was it for us. despite that we have no savings are in our first year of mortgage we have been scrimping and saving for every appt with the IM...and IT IS worth it! each appt (at home ) lasts for way more than an hour, they include teh other kids in the fun and basically are there FOR you and your family. I spoke to my IM about the early arrival scenario and she is happy to deliver at home from 36 weeks if there are no growth concerns etc. remember that IM bring a whole bag of goodies with them to stabilise both you and bub if the need arises (oxygen, syntocin etc etc). if you are concerned about needing care in the event of something untoward happening, you can do what we have done and have a 'planned homebirth back up booking' with the local public hospital. that way, if you do need to transfer for whatever reason they know who you are and have all your medical/pregnancy details there and then (we have a RWH pregnancy booklet etc that my IM and GP fill out for each of my appts).
for the fees, in our case we pay per appt. because this is my 2nd pg and everything is travelling smoothly we have opted to have appts on a 6 weekly basis (with email/phone in between if needed) until 28 weeks, then we go back to 'normal' spacing. i have felt comfortable with this arrangement. also, other $$ options are to see if your midwife has a rate for visits to her house. mine has a slightly reduced rate if you go to her, so maybe for some appts that could be an option?
the 'big' bill for the IM is the birth planning appt at 28 weeks and the bill for the backup midwife. DH and I have been saving up for this and in fact, hasnt been too scary as we have had loads of time to put our stash of cash away ITMS (appt is the 30 week one). that way we can pay the $1400 for both IMs then.
i also second checking out if they have payment plans. many IMs do, as they really want women and their families to get the best birth possible as they truly recognise the power and benefit of it...
Cassius
I also encourage the kids to be invilved both during the antenatal visits and at the birth. Check out my photos on FB you can see a 2 year old cutting the cord
Liz - WRT your out of pocket costs for an OB, is that based on your last pg or have you checked again? Medicare rebates decreased significantly a little while back and lots of people are finding that theya re a lot more out of pocket now than 12 months ago.
Im not sure of the exact details but I do remember seeing a few threads about this..
Registered User
I second what everyone else has said and have a chat to some IM's and see what they have to say about your concerns etc.
It was worth it, as far as I'm concerned, particularly if it means giving me the confidence to freebirth the next one
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