I went with the mob that PZ went through and you can be pretty flexible with appts (consider that I only arrived back in OZ at 26 weeks pregnant lol).
With MN (the group i went through) all visits are monthly until they become fortnightly from about the 28-32 week mark (can't really remember...might even be later than that). being that this is not your first pregnancy there is also a bit more room for spacing out appts (ie. instead of doing weekly from 36 weeks i opted to have fortnightly until 38 ITMS).
they are super happy to discuss plans and how many appts and when. you dont have to pay on day. we used to do bank transfer that night...we would save up for the appts through that month ($110 from memory).

do you have anything to ebay?? i seriously started dumping stuff on there to take some of the pressure off lol.

I was super happy with MN and dont have experience with the others (some with MAMA...but not for HB stuff, just other pregnant related stuff: yoga etc. they seem nice BUT apparently super popular and can be hit and miss with who you get...apparently...not sure how true this is...HB gossip and all that hahaha).

Totally AOK with Scott ringing up for you. they generally dont answer and let it go to voicemail anyway. (this was/is the only way that i have been able to call myself...also feel very anxious about calling and 'annoying' people...especially handy anxiety to have when in labour PMSL).