i suppose that there are many things to consider when making the decision to public or private.
i recommend checking out the services available at each.
Pros (IMO) for Private: As a general rule, private can give you a room to yourself (unless it is mega busy!). it can also give you a longer stay (5ish days), hubby can usually stay overnight at least once post birth. because they do tend to be smaller (and in my experience) you might find that you get better access to the on-call lactation consultant/midwives while you stay there. also, some private hossy's have hotel transfer (like to the hyatt etc) which i have heard are really relaxing while still maintaining full medical backup and midwifery support. Also, going private means that you see the same OB for each pg visit, although his/her presence isnt garuanteed at the birth (they all tend to do public duty/go on holidays LOL!)
On the downside, private costs, public doesnt! we paid nearly $4k upfront. You do need to put in a form if you do decide to go private (i recommend it at least lol) for the medicare levy threshold (not sure if that is the right name, but they will know what you are talking about). and like Rumpleteaser mentioned once you go over the 1500 you get around 80% back.
the BIG issue with private are the high intervention rates (ie ceseareans). because private are usually less well equipped for full-blown emergency situations, they do have really strict policy regarding birth and how long it takes. and this has bred a culture of intervention (in my experience it was an uphill battle to refuse pain-relief...which i just wasnt prepared for as they pushed this on me once i was in labour!).
Also, you are NOT garuanteed to have to your OB there. so despite paying squidloads of cash there will still be the probabilty of a stranger helping you deliver.
Pros for Public: They are equipped for pretty much every situation that might arise if the pregnancy/birth doesnt go to plan. so if bubs decides to make an early arrival, there is no risk of them being transferred away from you (which could be the case in a private).
Public hospitals have lower intervention rates! you may find that you are able to stick your birth plan with alot more success and avoid the pressure to 'perform' to the clock when birthing.
Public is FREE!
Some public hospitals have birth centres!!!!! (this is where i will try to go next time!).
On the downside, the biggest IMO is the feeling of non-continuity of care. but many hossy's are trying to change this by undertaking new models of midwifery team care (where you are looked after by a team of 3 so are garuanteed to know at least one person in the birth room.
it is a public hospital and space is an issue. so shared rooms are the norm (unless you are at the birth centre or transferred from a birth centre where they try their uptmost to room you solo).
there can be really long waits for appointments (a couple of hours at some is not unheard of!).
In any case, i would take a really close look at what each offers and what you would like to have at hand, and also, it might be worth considering what kind of support you want, i highly recommend the services of a birth support/advocate type person like a doula/ind midwife. they can really be amazing source of support and help guide you through some of these massive decisions. but that is JMO of course lol!
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