Midwife involvement in private hospitals

Hi :)

I'm just wondering what the midwife involvement is like in private hopsitals for birth. I've heard some people say that the ob really just 'catches the baby' and isn't really there for the labour. Is this true?

After seeing my sister give birth with an amazing midwife last night,I'm hoping I will have mid wife support for the most part and my ob there for the 'just in case' things. Is this realistic?

Thanks :)

Hello,
I have to agree with the OB "catching the baby" we were a little annoyed that we spent almost $3000 and he was there for 5 mins he almost missed the birth they were screaming out for him as I was crowning. I did have a quick labour but I was in the hospital for just under 3 hours so there was no real excuse for him to almost miss it. The mid wives were great though, they were involved heaps

Yes this is usually the case.
I've attended a few births with private OB's now and basically a midwife will care for the mum while she labours and the OB may (or may not) pop their head in from time to time to check on you depending on whether or not they're around.

Then they will just come in when you're pushing the baby out.
This was also the case at one of my own births where I went private as well.

I know!!! me too that's what bothers me, as the Obt just get there at the last minute, that's what i've understood!!! So what's the point of going private!
My hubby wanted to go private, as it's our first child! Okay i do understand for the services etc.

But i was very upset, as I got the flu last sunday and my appoint. was on wednesday i've phoned to get to see him one day before and they told me nooooo they don't treat flu, and i have to see my gp. WHAT"S the point!!!!!!! of having a "private doctor", i quote "private doctor" as my Obt said any problem you have just give a call. And they didn't give me any choice by getting me another appoint. for another week, and said if im still sick do not come soon!!!!!!!!

IM VERY UPSET!!! In my country when you have your obt he assist you all the way through, and till the end, he is always around not like here, its like a money factory!

Sorry you are unhappy Ti Lionne.

Thanks for the info. I'm actually glad a midwife will be there all of the time and my ob 'just in case' and just popping in to check if that makes sense.

Thanks again!

I think we also have to remember that private obs run their own practices too, so tehy have those patients to see, as well as other women in labour also.

I think we would all complain if our obs spent 3 hours at hospital with a lady in labour, while we were waiting for appointments with them, they are only one person and can only be in one place at once, and we pay the extra for the care we get during the pregnancy, not so much him "being there in labour".