I also think it's a good idea to do a hospital tour of the private ones in your area and the public hospital. For us there was only really one option (private) and that is mainly because dh and I want to stay together for the whole time and we want a room to ourselves plus I really want a water birth and that is only possible at the private hospital. Is cost a factor for you? If you don't have private health insurance cover for pregnancy etc for 12 months prior to the birth date the private hospital fees would be thousands of dollars. That is also something to ask about. If it is only a matter of support than as PollyA said I'm sure there would be midwife support in your area you can organise