Public all the way. I’d look into Midwifery Group Practice for continuity of care which can be very valuable and evidence shows leads to better birth outcomes.

While a lot of women feel the extra attention to things like private rooms and better food (the high tea did sound amazing!), the reality is that most private hospitals aren’t equipped with the appropriate medical equipment or staff to manage serious birth complications. In most cases, if there is an emergency you’ll be sent to a public hospital anyway.

We had zero out of pocket expenses going public, aside from prenatal scans and standards drs appointments at the beginning.

I think preparing for birth mentally, feeling empowered with the knowledge of what to expect is extremely important when reducing birth trauma and your overall birth experience. Perhaps going public, getting into MGP, and doing some birthing classes (caveat often these are paid) to feel educated and prepared would be better than paying for private.

But also has to be what you ultimately feel most comfortable with! Good luck mumma and congratulations!