Pain relief - Public service

Shop40

Hi all
This is probably a stupid question so sorry in advance.
My last baby was born in NMH and I went semi private. Because baby needed an extra night on the ward, we had to pay for the extra night for both of us. This coupled with a midwife delivering the baby anyway, I’m thinking of going public this time.

So I’m wondering, as I had a had an epidural last time practically soon as I asked for it, would it be similar in the public service? Does public/private matter when it comes to pain relief?

scarepanda

It doesn't make one bit of difference. They won't leave you suffering in pain if you've asked for pain relief. Afaik the main differences between private/public is having your consultant at appointments and private room (if your lucky) and obviously the cost!

Shop40

scarepanda wrote: »

It doesn't make one bit of difference. They won't leave you suffering in pain if you've asked for pain relief. Afaik the main differences between private/public is having your consultant at appointments and private room (if your lucky) and obviously the cost!

Brilliant! That’s what I hoped. Thanks for your reply:)

Nerd Queen

Shop40 wrote: »

Hi all
This is probably a stupid question so sorry in advance.
My last baby was born in NMH and I went semi private. Because baby needed an extra night on the ward, we had to pay for the extra night for both of us. This coupled with a midwife delivering the baby anyway, I’m thinking of going public this time.

So I’m wondering, as I had a had an epidural last time practically soon as I asked for it, would it be similar in the public service? Does public/private matter when it comes to pain relief?

Just a question - did your health insurance not cover the extra night costs?

Shop40

Nerd Queen wrote: »

Just a question - did your health insurance not cover the extra night costs?

No, it’s a long story but we had to stay four nights and the first three were covered.

shesty

I had a five night stay, a break of two days, and a four night stay in the Rotunda after my first (semi private) and it was all covered, even though it was me being re-admitted, not the baby.

It is probably too late now I suppose, but I would definitely question that.

Nerd Queen

Yes I would agree with shesty. All maternity hospitals are public hospitals so most health ins plans would cover your stay.

Milly33

We went Public two years ago and got all the pain relief we asked for no problems. Just had to wait for the lady to be free to do the epidural that was it..

Shop40

Milly33 wrote: »

We went Public two years ago and got all the pain relief we asked for no problems. Just had to wait for the lady to be free to do the epidural that was it..

Thank you! Great to hear.

GavMan

And its worth noting that pretty much regardless the type of patient you are, everyone has to wait for an anesthesiologist to become available. You'll be fine going public

zoe 3619

Public,and long labour.
Gas was there as wanted from the start,pethidine offered after a while (which was great)and ended up having an epidural.
Maybe varies according to which hospital you're in,but couldn't fault them.Everything was explained and offered before I asked and I just had to tell them when I needed it.