[oreomama]

Hi all,

We have just found out on new years day that we are pregnant after 1 year of TTC . I have PHI but it seems that the pre-pregnancy $$$ will cost us an arm and a leg as well.

I have a headache now trying to find an OB that would not cost a bomb. I was referred to one by my GP and this OB's out of pocket cost is $4800

If anyone have a recommendation of a good OB that would cost around/less than $3K, will be able to PM me his/her details? I live around St Kilda East/Balaclava in Melbourne bay side.

Oh and rec on which hospitals would also be most welcome for this very green mum-to-be. I am very excited, but also nervous at the same time.

Thank you for reading this! and hopefully, PM-ing me!

[Beancat]

Congratulations, how exciting.

I had my first and second at Francess Perry and absolutely loved it. for my second I got to stay at the Hyatt....fantastic.

I could recommend my ob but she is around $3700ish after medicre. I couldnt really afford her third time round but when we discovered I was pregnant again we thought it wasnt worth finding another ob that might be cheaper when we have so much trust in her. She is now delivering at Epworth Freemasons in East Melb if you are interested

This post has been edited by Beancat: 03/01/2013, 11:00 AM

[oreomama]

Congratulations, how exciting.

I had my first and second at Francess Perry and absolutely loved it. for my second I got to stay at the Hyatt....fantastic.

I could recommend my ob but she is around $4500 out of pocket, minus about $600ish from medicare. I couldnt really afford her third time round but when we discovered I was pregnant again we thought it wasnt worth finding another ob that might be cheaper when we have so much trust in her. She is now delivering at Epworth Freemasons in East Melb if you are interested

Hi Beancat, thanks for your reply.

Hyatt? wow! Yours is still cheaper than mine. Would you mind PM-ing me her details? East Melbourne is near me too so that would be handy. Thank you!

[lsolaBella]

Have sent you a PM.

Cabrini in Malvern is great.

[oreomama]

Have sent you a PM.

Cabrini in Malvern is great.

Thank you IsolaBella!

Yes, Cabrini is the top of my list right now. Thanks for your PM. Yours sounds great. I just phoned and unfortunately no more patient for August .

[ubermum]

Are you high risk? If not, I would actually recommend the Family Birth Centre at the Mercy. It's not private, but I felt like I had very individualised care. It's not zoned, but fills up very fast. The midwifes there are lovely, and if there is any problem, you are in a tertiary hospital with experts at the top of their field on hand.

[oreomama]

Are you high risk? If not, I would actually recommend the Family Birth Centre at the Mercy. It's not private, but I felt like I had very individualised care. It's not zoned, but fills up very fast. The midwifes there are lovely, and if there is any problem, you are in a tertiary hospital with experts at the top of their field on hand.

Hi ubermum,

Thats a very good question. What classified as high risk? I am 33 with no prior medical condition (I dont drink, smoke, etc). I guess I'm low risk?

I am considering public hospital as well as private, keeping my option open for now. So with the Family Birth Centre at Mercy, do I just call them up and make an appointment?

Sorry, I am very new at this. I went to my GP yesterday and she just referred me to an OB. But if there are other options, I would definitely consider. Thank you so much.

[ubermum]

Yep, just call them up. You may have to do a tour before you book in. You don't get as many nights stay, but with the extra $4K in your pocket, you could go to the Hyatt and call up a lactation consutant if you need one and still have plenty of change. I did the private thing at Frances Perry the first two times. My care wasn't any better.

....and yes, that would make you low risk.

This post has been edited by ubermum: 03/01/2013, 11:34 AM

[oreomama]

Yep, just call them up. You may have to do a tour before you book in. You don't get as many nights stay, but with the extra $4K in your pocket, you could go to the Hyatt and call up a lactation consutant if you need one and still have plenty of change. I did the private thing at Frances Perry the first two times. My care wasn't any better.

....and yes, that would make you low risk.

I really do like the Hyatt idea . There is a lactation consultant?? Boy, there is so much I dont know.

Thank you ubermum. Very informative.

[lucky 2]

Sorry, I am very new at this. I went to my GP yesterday and she just referred me to an OB. But if there are other options, I would definitely consider. Thank you so much.

Your GP hasn't even tried to fully inform of your pregnancy and birth choices if she simply referred you to an OB.
The following is an EB article from 2008 but most of it will still stand today.
http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/birth/birt...80506-2bj8.html
There is no reason to opt for expensive private care unless you really want to, public care is staffed by the same health professionals (ie MW's and OB's) with Resident and Registrar Drs.
If you click into the public hosp link in the article above it gives you a range of possible models of care but you will need to check with your local public hosp to see which ones they offer.
http://www.alfredhealth.org.au/Page.aspx?ID=668
? Sandringham may be your closest Public hosp with Maternity services.
All the best, I hope the links help.