Yup if you choose a private hospital, you need to have a private Ob to to be 'signed in' as your carer. They need to know someone is responsible for your care as you don't get doctors doing rounds in private hospitals.

Yes, their services are steep. Since the government tried to help out with the Safety Net changes years ago, on average, Obs increased their fees 200% because they knew it wouldnt affect their business (women claim most back on the SN).

Yes, they chock themselves up full of many clients and are not guaranteed to be at your birth and midwives do most of the work, and Obs DO miss births. Mine missed both. First birth I pushed quick as I was scared of interventions when he was on his way in, second he was on holidays and I got a cow of a replacement.

The BEST care based on study and evidence? Continuous care by a known and experienced carer. Who is that? An independent midwife. And the government is trying to sweep them under the carpet and stop them from practicing.

At the very least, protect yourself with a birth attendant or doula. They will be on your side in the hospital system which is not woman focused or woman friendly. Sadly, its all about business and getting women in, then women out.