public vs private hospital
(this one could be a bit boring unless you are actively interested in this stuff)
DECISIONS. i had to make em. I had initially thought to go through a private hospital, I was okay with paying the extra cost if it meant I was getting “better” treatment at the hospital. I made an appointment with the private clinic and chatted to a lady there that was incredibly helpful and lovely. She explained that through the private system I would be out of pocket $2,700, excluding any potential anaesthetist (I am not ashamed to admit I had to check the spelling on that word) costs that I may incur if I should need any emergency procedure, or a c-section. Plus I would have to pay for my appointments each visit, between $90-$250 each visit and I was looking at about 20 visits. My private insurance would only cover the hospital stay itself, no additional costs.
Okay, I could handle that. I have savings and stuff, if it is “better” surely it would be worth it? The clinic had a really pretty website I could log into for info and stuff. I liked that part.
But after chatting with two separate doctors, and doing a bunch of reading on those tedious mummy/pregnancy forums I actually decided to go through the public system. (In australia anyone has the choice to choose to use their insurance and go through a private system, or use the public health system).
Both doctors told me that they felt I would get better support in the days after birthing in the public system. As you may know from previous posts I am on an antidepressant, which means I automatically have to stay in hospital with the little alien for three days due to baby withdrawls (which you know, I am kinda stressing about, fucking up your kid from day dot amirite??)
Most women I had read reviews from claimed they had better experiences in public than in private, and claimed to have had pals that had similar. hmm.
In the private system I would possibly have my own suite (theres a first in best dressed policy), and the nurses and midwives would tend to leave me alone unless i actively reached out to them for help. Which would be nice, I mean who doesnt want privacy, but is that what I NEED at that point in time. I am the kinda lady that is prone to withdraw when stressed, I hide and play on tumblr or read.
Whereas in the public system, apparently they are more inclined to automatically book specialists (like the breastfeeding/lactation specialist) to drop by and see me. I would share a pretty spacious room with one other woman, and we would have our own ensuite bathrooms. I probably wouldnt get much of a chance to hide, which for me… might be a good thing?
The private doctors are the same as the public doctors in many cases, and we actually share the same floor of the hospital.
So really I was paying for my own room? I was paying around four thousand dollars for my own room? But in public treatment is 100percent free and potentially more supportive?
hmmm…
yah i chose public. I mean I am happy paying for great treatment, but by all accounts, I would receive great treatment in the public system as well.
I had my first midwife appointment and it was ok. She asked me a million questions which was kinda weird cos my mum was with me, and she wanted to know about my sexual history, past pregnancies, past drug use. needless to say my mama learnt way more about me than a mother should know, and that I blatantly lied when it came to admitting to anything more than “trying pot”. I had to call the hospital back the next day to amend my file ha.
I was given a bunch of information (when I say bunch I mean like several textbooks worth), and a “showbag” with a bunch of samples, nappies, creams and discount vouches for various baby things and was booked in to see a counsellor for extra support, a specialist for medication if I should decide to wean off during my pregnancy, another ultrasound, an OBGYN appointment and a bunch of midwife meetings.
this is all free. i love you australia.
I also was given a schedule for lots of yoga classes, prenatal classes, birthing classes etc. these are charged, but at a minimal price, just enough to cover the hospital actually putting them on.
i gotta admit, its a bit overwhelming. but i am doing pretty great considering.
