I know what you mean... it is expensive. Once you've worked out that you are spending that money and can let go of that side of things it feels SO good though. Having an IM has given me such faith in the experience I'm about to have. Let us know how you go- I think many midwives will work out payment plans.

Had a great appointment with my midwife on Monday. Feeling great at the moment- apart from the sore pelvis and awkward walking due to baby's head being engaged! Baby is anterior on the left though so hopefully they stay there now

Only downer is my midwife has a gap in her bookings so she's taking the opportunity to go away on holiday when I'm 37 weeks. She'll come back Nov 6th- and I'll be 38 weeks on Nov 4th. She kept asking if I thought I'll go early and she should come back on the 4th but I feel silly saying that when I could go to 41 weeks... who knows? Now I feel like I'll end up having the baby at 37 weeks!! I have great backup midwives but it's a bit of a mental bummer at the moment.