pregnancy experiences

[acbenson]

Hi,

recently been granted our visas, and one of the considerations as to when we get to Perth is regarding healthcare support available during pregnancy.

the other half has it in her head that it would be better to have baby here rather than in situe.

Not sure I wholly agree, so was hoping to get opinions about healthcare specifically regarding support etc that may be available to new arrivees.

I am assuming that the standard of care available is the same if not better than the UK, but would be good to get real world opinions

thanks
Tony

[Guest4182]

Hi,

recently been granted our visas, and one of the considerations as to when we get to Perth is regarding healthcare support available during pregnancy.

the other half has it in her head that it would be better to have baby here rather than in situe.

Not sure I wholly agree, so was hoping to get opinions about healthcare specifically regarding support etc that may be available to new arrivees.

I am assuming that the standard of care available is the same if not better than the UK, but would be good to get real world opinions

thanks
Tony

Depends Tony on what type of visa you have....if its a 457 visa you may get private health cover for when you are on your visa, as we did....it covers you for everything basically, even if you go into labour, I think you can use private hospitals on your private health cover. Not sure about any other visas, but I know if you have a 457, the company that sponsors you may offer private health cover while you are here. Ours was about $5,000 a year so it was very good cover, it obviously stops if and when you decide to apply for permanent residency while you are on your 457 Visa!!!....good luck with the new arrival be it an aussie babe or an english babe!!!

[acbenson]

we have a 176 so perm res, which entitles us to medicare plus have read advisable to get private medical as well.

I guess it was more a question about peoples experiences of Australian health care, good bad or ugly.

[Guest4182]

Ermmmm like most things its personal experiences....some good nurses some bad ones....some great hospitals...some not so great...Some private health schemes are very good and worth looking into especially for orthodontist cover(ie for braces and retainers for children, which are very expensive here)and for dentists....then theres cover for physio/podiatry(chiropodist).....maybe look into the various companies and the cover that you would require, it might be worth having it...I think ours is with CBHS...and its a good one...theres HBF too....probably there will be a few people on here that will have other companies for you to have a look at...good luck!!!

[ali]

I've no experience of having a child here but haven't heard anything bad. I guess the things to consider are maternity leave (may be better in the UK) and access to support after baby is born - would family and friends be there for you in the UK - it can feel very isolating when you're new here and don't have the same networks to fall back on.

[Guest4182]

I've no experience of having a child here but haven't heard anything bad. I guess the things to consider are maternity leave (may be better in the UK) and access to support after baby is born - would family and friends be there for you in the UK - it can feel very isolating when you're new here and don't have the same networks to fall back on.

Really good advice there Ali....support after the baby is born is a 'biggie'....I think that the support from family and extended family is priceless and not to be taken lightly when having a baby!!No matter how good the health service is...the support from family and friends is what will be the most important thing!

[ali]

I remember a friend coming round and telling me not to bother washing up as she'd do it for me, it was my first baby and the first few weeks of being a new mum, I couldn't seem to get organised before lunch time lol

[chris_and_miriam]

we have a 176 so perm res, which entitles us to medicare plus have read advisable to get private medical as well.

I guess it was more a question about peoples experiences of Australian health care, good bad or ugly.

Hello! Is the missus pregnant at the moment or is this for future reference?

With almost all private medical insurance you will have a waiting period of (usually around 12 months) before you can claim for anything 'obstetrics' (pregnancy) related. We found this out not through reading the small print but by calling up and trying to make appointments for a scan, doh! So before you sign up to any insurance plan check what the limitations and waiting time on pregnancy is if you wish to have the baby private.

So we are going the medicare public (nhs-esque) route instead now. We are on a 457 and so have access to medicare through the reciprocal health agreement between oz and the uk. Working with some Ozzies who have had their children on the public system they have been very complimentary about it, especially st edwards. According to these folks the only difference with having a baby on private insurance is that you a wider choice of hospitals (though still limited by your particular plans partner agreements) & you get a private room. Im sure there may be more to it than that but I can only go on the hearsay!

So unfortunately I dont have any real experience to draw from and pass onto you right now as we are just beginning the journey but will certainly let you know should anything seem untoward with the public stuff, but heck I hope not as its the way we are going!

[Har00n]

very interesting post.

My wife and i have been married 10 years, but alas no kids yet.
We've been through the assisted conception services here in scotland, been through 2 rounds of IUI, and a round if IVF, but still no success.
We're actually about to start another round of IVF, and yesterday i was told i've been accepted for 457 visa, so am really interested in pregnancy support.

The posts regarding family support is something i hadn't considered, (thank you for the post ALi!) and as we will have NO friends and family, i'm now wondering wether it will be best if my wife stays here and gives birth here. (assuming this round is successful)

Anyway, i'll be keeping an eye on this post. All the best for your new arrival acbenson!

[Pingpongpom2]

Hi..our little lad was born in Perth, at King Edwards and i've got to say the care we received was second to none. We were not first time parents, as he was a huge surprise after a 14 year gap, but we were a little nervous as we didn't know how much things had changed. We were invited to a session at the hospital before the birth, where we were able to discuss childbirth and different options, and also meet other couples expecting babies. Before and after the session we had a call from the midwife who led it, to make sure all was well. I had a planned C-section, and was given a private room with bathroom for my recovery. The staff were always available to help me with bub, and there was support for my family. I had a bad reaction to medication while i was in hospital, and the midwife who was taking care of me was due to finish her shift, but stayed on to see me through it. Excellent care. The Health Visitor came to see us several times after leaving hospital and was very caring. I think the question of support from family and friends is to be considered, as it could be quite difficult being in a new country and experiencing having your first child. We have alot of close family in Perth, so that was great. My brother was born in King Edwards 35 years before!!! All the best to you for your future in Aus..have a great time!
Hats off to the hospital and staff at King Eddie's