[MrsShine]

Hi all, (Long - sorry!)

You've probably seen my other posts looking at specific OB's & asking for recommendations for POw in Randwick.

I'm still very newly pregnant (5 wks) but know that many obstetricians book out early so hoping to get this decision made sooner rather than later.

I have called RHW and booked in for the Midwife program, at the moment I'm just on the list for October and apparently when the list is full it will be divided into the 4 groups and a midwife will call me to discuss. I probably won't see anyone or have a tour of the birthing centre until 12 weeks.

I've called a number of Obstetricians and got their fee structures, I have a list of 3 or 4 that I'm leaning towards at the moment. All based of the cost, the friendliness of their receptionist, independent research and recommendations. I don't want to go see them all however as the charge upwards of $200 for an initial consultation!

DH had always steadfastly said we were going public as he's from the UK and doesn't understand paying for giving birth. But I think he's a tad freaked out now and wants me to have the best care and all of a sudden is justifying the costs and saying he thinks its better we have the additional support of an experienced OB.

I tend to be a bit of a hypercondriac, and like to know everything that's going on - DH jokes that I visit the Dr for a paper cut (not true) so also thinking maybe its better for me. I was also a bit put off by how difficult it was to get through to the midwives, the phone rang out then I was out on hold 3 times etc. and I was thinking how this wouldn't be good if I have an issue or am in labour.

So what I want to know is if I go private should I still use RHW? I know the Nicu is vey good, and have heard the midwives are better. I do like the idea of having my own room and be able to stay a bit longer, plus I've paid the top cover to be bale to have this so wonder whether I may as well take advantage of it?

The OB's I have narrowed down are below: in accordance to EB guidelines please don't post about them specifically but if you have any comments PM me.

- DR Alan Kaye
- DR Alex Szirt
- DR Rahul Sen
- Dr Suraya Krishnan

Thanks for your help!

[R2D2]

I'm not going to comment on the obs you've suggested as everyone has their own opinions etc. I used Dr Leo Leader, and delivered as a private patient at RHW.

As a private patient, your ob attends, but everything else is the same - rooms, midwives etc etc. RHW has the best NICU, so if anything goes seriously wrong, you're in the right place. THere is no guarantee of a private room, it's first in and needs based, so you may well up sharing with someone.

Due to changes to reimbursement of ob fees, RHW is busting at the seams, so prepare to be a bit cramped, likely share a room, bit short staffed etc but still great place to deliver.

I have had friends deliver at POW and say it was v nice, you will get a more "private" experience there, and i believe they have the option of transferring to a hotel for a few days post birth with a midwife on call....

Midwives were fantastic at RHW, i only booked an ob because i am paranoid, and because i knew i would need pain relief, and much easier to get if you have a doc on hand - if i hadn't had him, i would not have had the happy outcome with number two - the midwives would have (probably sensibly) said it was all a bit too late and i should just grin and bear it....