I gave birth in a public hospital but had a private OB just for appointments. I felt I would feel more secure having the same OB see me for all my appointments but was happy to have the midwives deliver the bub. I was only out of pocket about $20 for each appointment. No pregnancy management fee. No hospital costs. I don't know if I'd bother with an OB again though as they don't do any special - just order tests & measure you. The midwives at the practice took my BP each time. I'd see him for maybe 5 minutes a visit.

If your pregnancy becomes high risk in the public system you will see an OB.

Regardless of what way you go midwives are the ones who you spend your labour with. The OB only comes in right at the end (or if it's a long labour will pop in to check on you here and there). You have no guarantee your own OB will arrive in time, or that he/she will be on call if it's out of hours.

My pregnancy was low risk throughout but an OB was required to deliver bub. It was the on duty OB & he did a fabulous job of it.

I never minded having to share a room. I never had to wait to use the loo or the shower. Food was fantastic & I'm mega fussy.

If I was to do it again I'd go public in a heartbeat.