Homebirth General Discussion #11

[Jennifer13]

My fees were $5k, an extra $500 on normal so I could have all home visits, not just the third tri ones. PHI covers $3k.

I think the 2nd m/w is important, but it didn't cost extra in our case (1st m/w must put some of our fee to her).

It's a shame it isn't more affordable, but with so few (relatively) m/ws available and no govt support it's hardly surprising. Although, our first birth (c/s in private hospital with private ob six years ago) I think still left us out of pocket more than the HB, despite PHI. Once you add the $500 hospital excess, the $350ish for surgical assistant and then I think about $1k for the ob, whatever was the gap for the anaesthetist (sure I've forgotten something), you're on a par. With a much less desirable outcome!!

Private m/w for home is a similar cost comparison to private ob in hospital. You're paying for that extra level of care (supposedly!). What we need are more home birth services through our public health care system. With less rules IMHO. Women should be able to choose whichever they want and then it's up to the care providers to accept them or not, based on their expertise and comfort in the so-called risks.

None of us VBAC mummas would be able to access a hospital HB program. And VBAC risks are lower than repeat c/s, which is about 85% likely to happen in hospital.