Melbourne
5 months ago
My experience was fantastic. I was 5 months pregnant when i arrived in Australia. I was referred by a local GP for the 20 week scan which was amazing and around $100 or so after the medicare rebate. This was entitled to us under the reciprocal agreement with britain (and other countries), as we are british citizens. We were able to take away a recording of the scan on DVD and photos. Had the baby at RWH(Royal Womens Hospital) in melbourne - a non-private hospital, which had been renovated and in a new building from 3 months before. So all equipment, beds etc were new. This was all under medicare so i did not have to pay a cent - only had to pay for medication I took away with me after the birth.
Went in via ambulance (we had Ambulance membership and would advise everyone to get this whether or not they are pregnant!) Delivery room was HUGE with sofa, sink, computer and desk, attached ensuite bath, shower, toilet etc. Much better than you could ever imagine in NHS system (for those of you who are Brits reading this!). was given the gas, thats all I had. Was able to use the bath and shower as much as I wanted for pain relief which was great. Even used the gas while in the bath! After the birth, given a private room with a double bed, sink basin, nappy changing area, wardrobe, side tables and a semi-ensuite bathroom (shared in between my room and the next). Staff were all excellent, went in monday morning, came out Wednesday evening as I had a vaginal birth -(else you stay longer).
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Was seen at the hospital as we were so new to the area and also lived local to the hospital so rather than be managed by my local doctor I went in every couple of weeks or so to see the hospital doctor. Which doctor I saw was not my choice although I could have preference of having a female doctor.
I was really happy with my experience and can't think if anything that I would do differently!
Have the baby in the RWH in Melbourne! The breatfeeding advise and help is also fantastic. They even have a clinic for you to come in afterwards if you think you need more help with it!
I also want to mention that unlike the lady who posted having a baby in Sydney and was refused her visa on the grounds of her pregnancy and not able to have a chest x-ray, I was also not able to have the x-ray in the UK being 3 months pregnant when we applied for the visa (March 08). However, this was never mentioned as a problem and I received my temporary visa with no issues at all. I simply had the chest x-ray 2 months AFTER the baby was born in Australia. Plus - being a British citizen, I am entitled to have all the cost paid for me by the Australian medicare system yet that didn't deter them from giving me the visa.
By the way - if you are a 'temporary resident' and have a baby the baby will not be an Australian citizen so not entitled to Australian passport. They will be issued a temporary visa. The baby can get it if you stay here until he/she is 10 years old though.
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Melbourne Index
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Expats in Melbourne, Australia enjoy diverse cultural options on par with many of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. Find some ideas on how to make the most of expat life in Melbourne.
Australia Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Australia on our Australia forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
Contribute
Help others in Australia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Australia.
Expats in Australia offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Australia.
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what digital nomads & expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Australia.
If you're moving to Australia, here's a primer on housing, healthcare, cost of living, choosing a neighborhood and more.
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