Private/Public??? help

[dusty]

I have decided to go with a private OB, but I think the next time I come to do this I would consider all other options. I sort of felt like it was the expected thing to do after falling pregnant by IVF (sort of felt like my IVF clinic encouraged it).

Janie that was my experience too, the IVF clinic gave us an early pregnancy handbook and the only recommendation was to book an Ob ASAP - no mention of the multitude of other options. There seems to be this assumption that because it took so much effort to get us pregnant in the first place then we must need high level of care in pregnancy and birth. Sure some women going through IVF will need a higher level of care because of any pre-existing conditions, but in our case there is absolutely no reason we couldn't have a fairly intervention free pg and birth (except for my age which increases my risks).

Rach as you know I am going the midwife care program through the birth centre adjoined to our region's biggest hospital. We have PHI of the highest kind, but I figure ALL women should have access to the best care and the public system shoud (and in the ACT) does cater for us all. We don't have the option of shared care which DH was very very keen on, but the more he learns about midwife care from others the happier he is we have chosen this option.

It is such a personal choice but I do wish that IVF patients were given more choice, abilityand encouraged to ask questions in the transition of their care from IVF clinic to the next step of pg and birth.

Like you I have found AC all too invasive and now I am choosing to take a different path for our pg and birth. I am glad you are comfortable with your choice.

Happy to chat anytime.
xx

[Malyna]

Hi Rach,

I went through IVF, but am going through midwifery program attached to the largest hospital in the region.

Plus I've had experiences with private hospitals in the region, and if we did go private and the worst case scenario happened then all of the specialists are in the big public hospital. Also the midwifes reassured us that all of the specialists you could ever need are just 90 seconds away.

My advice to you is to think about what model of care you want, and just pursue it. If you feel comfortable with an OB, then get one. If you want a midwife, then use one.

The midwifery program has one midwife who cares for me all the way through my pregnancy from 15 weeks onwards. She organises all the tests, and spends at least 30 minutes with me each visit. I call her anytime day or night if I have a problem, and get personalised advice. She will be with me during the labour (depending how long it is to how long she stays with me) and then she comes to visit for up to 4 weeks afterwards to make sure we are doing well.


Midwives can have just as many years experience in baby delivery and probably have more experience in 'normal' labours more than OBs who usually get called in when things get hairy.

[tippytoes]

Hi Tarkine,

DH and I made a choice to go through midwives at the Womens and Childrens Hospital, which is public. We are really happy with this choice and feel at ease with midwife guided care. I am a big believer that women should be able to birth their babies as naturally as possible, should they wish to do so, and if it is safe for mother and child of course! I am excited about my first appointment in January.

Thanks for you advice and response all the best with your little bundles arrival - NOT LONG TO GO!!!

Rach xx

[Malyna]

Rach,
I have heard many really good stories about the W&C in Adelaide. My SIL had her baby there, simply because of all the specialists there, and they went public and didn't have any problems!
Enjoy your pregnancy. I hope it goes smoothly for you

[farmgirl77]

Rach - congrats on your decision - sounds like the right one for you! Good luck!