carzinoz

We're having a baby in Australia

Thank goodness I have a good GP who immediately understood that I didn't have a clue how things work here and thank god for What to expect Australian edition.

But I'm still feeling uncertain about things....do I really have to pay for ante-natal classes??? I can choose where I give birth but how would I know where to choose??? If I make a birthing plan will it count for anything on the day? Am I really not to get regular checks until 36 weeks? and have I really got to pay for a docs appointment for every check or can a nurse do it? Did someone say compulsory enema? ewwww! Will they show me round the ward before I have to go in? What happens after the baby is born, does a midwife visit? do I go to them?

If anyone has had a baby here, please share! Is there anything you wish you'd known? No scary stories please!! but any tips will be gratefully listened to.

Thank you!

paddyo

ooh...good news, congrats!!! I'll let my better half know!

paddyo

Well...according to the mothers circle who have convened here this morning, if you use the bulk billing medical centres and a public hospital then it will be negligible costs. If however you use a non bulk billing doctor and Private Hospital then the costs will soar!

GoldCoastMag

congratulations - exciting news

the more you learn, the easier it will be, a birth and feeding plan will be your wishes and people will try and make your wishes acheivable.


All the best,

carzinoz

Yes, let her know for me We just started telling people. Soooo, if my doc charges me $65 on the day and then I get medicare paying about half that in to my account, that's not bulk billed is it?

I don't understand this bulk billing. First blood test I paid nothing. 2nd I get an invoice in the post for $145 eeeeek! I was able to claim most of it back but not all. Why not all?? The southern IML lady said the doc must have forgotten to tick the medicare box on the form. 3rd test, no charge again.

carzinoz

Thanks! that sounds promising. Is it common here to be able to choose a birthing position? Last time (not here) my request was met with frowns and the ascertion that I must be on my back on the very narrow bed otherwise they wouldn't be able to see what was happening.

moneypenny20

When you see a doc who then sends you off for whatever test, ensure they've ticked the bulk bill box. It may have been a slip up, but normally they do it automatically.

Oh and congrats.

carzinoz

Does anyone know if scans can be bulk billed too?

carzinoz

Oh, also, I'm wondering about costs from the hospital. We have no hospital insurance and so will be going public. I have no idea what is covered by medicare and what I have to pay for....doctor, midwide, aneathnatist, meals?? what if I need blood or tests while there?

Stu Ward

Caz !!!
That's brilliant news.

Speak to Lou, she had Evie at Wollongong public and was all good.
Don't think we had a single bill !

Stu

paddyo

Wollongong Public is common to a lot of kids around here and they seem ok!! The only difference between NHS and Medicare, generally speaking, is that Medicare needs bills to be raised and in some instances you get that bill yourself but it is almost all reclaimable.

Jilliebee

Depending on your circumstances at the time, your choice of position should be accommodated if possible. I've delivered babies on the bed, in the shower and even on the loo x

carzinoz

Wow, on the loo?? Hope it was a comode and not a flush toilet!

carzinoz

Thanks Stu, we're stoked. I'll need to pick Lou's brains when I see her

Jilliebee

Lol it was a flush but did use a towel xx