i've had 3 children (14, 10, 4yrs) and i did not have an ob with any of them. I went thru 'shared care' with my first two and midwife care with my 3rd. Even though i had 3 c-sect, I had no pregnacy complications and so there was never a need to see an ob...until delivery time of course.

I am now seeing an ob for my current pregnancy because I have some specific requests with regard to my next c-sect so i wanted to make sure that those requests were met. As a public patient i would have to accept which ever ob was on duty at the time of my delivery and I wouldnt have an opportunity to make sure he/she knew my specific requirements.

But for healthy normal pregnancies and labor, a private ob would not be necessary. A lot of women dont even get an ob at their delivery unless things are not going well. So its really up to you. The cost is due to going private...so its not really because you will get better care IMO.

I also have $2,000 confinement fee to pay along with the regular $70 checkup fee. I havnt paid that fee yet but im curious to know what happens to that money if my Ob is not available for my delivery or i loose the baby in the meantime (im only 22 wks)...i'll be asking that on my next visit.