By Pei Aui – Melbourne Newborn, Maternity, Family and Couples Photographer


Important note if you’re considering private care: Most private health insurance policies require you to hold a hospital package with obstetrics cover for at least 12 months (sometimes up to 24 months) before you can claim for pregnancy and birth. If you’re newly pregnant and don’t already have this level of cover, you may not be eligible to use private hospital maternity services. Always check with your insurer to confirm your waiting period and inclusions.


If you’re pregnant in Melbourne, chances are one of your biggest questions is: Should I go public or private for my birth? It’s a huge decision, and for first-time mums it can feel overwhelming. Costs, care models, comfort, and even small things like parking or partner accommodation can all make a difference to how you experience your baby’s arrival. This guide will walk you through the key differences between Melbourne’s public and private hospitals for birth, what to expect from each, and how to decide what’s right for you. 

Profile views of a newborn baby's face arranged in a horizontal sequence against a light background taken by Melbourne newborn photographer

Public Hospitals in Melbourne

For many women, going public is the most straightforward and affordable option.

What you can expect:

  • No hospital fees if you have Medicare – Birth and inpatient care are covered, though things like parking or private antenatal classes may cost extra.
  • Midwife-led care – Many women are cared for by midwives, sometimes through special continuity programs where you see the same midwife throughout pregnancy and birth. These are popular, so it’s best to book early.
  • Shared or private rooms – Shared rooms are common, though some hospitals have private rooms (these can’t always be guaranteed).
  • Strong breastfeeding support – Most public hospitals have lactation consultants and postnatal follow-ups.
  • Tertiary care if needed – Major public hospitals often have NICU or special care nurseries for babies who need extra help.

Pros: Cost-effective, great continuity midwife models, access to neonatal specialists.

Cons: Less control over which doctor you see, fewer “hotel-style” comforts, shared rooms more likely. You may be asked to go home on the day of birth itself if you have no other complications or issues.

A newborn baby lies on soft white fabric in multiple artistic poses for a professional newborn photo shoot in Melbourne.

Private Hospitals in Melbourne

If you choose the private route, your care is usually led by an obstetrician you’ve selected yourself.

What you can expect:

  • Your own obstetrician – This is one of the biggest draws: you see the same specialist throughout pregnancy and they usually deliver your baby.
  • Private rooms & extras – Most private hospitals offer guaranteed private rooms, partner overnight stays, and more comfort (like better meals and hotel-like facilities).
  • Higher out-of-pocket costs – Even with insurance, many families pay gaps for obstetrician and anaesthetist fees. It’s worth asking for a fee schedule upfront.
  • More options for elective choices – Private hospitals generally allow for elective caesareans and rapid access to epidurals.
  • Special care nurseries – Many private hospitals have these, though not all have NICU facilities. High-risk pregnancies are often referred to public hospitals with specialist units.

Pros: Consistency with your chosen obstetrician, private rooms, more flexibility with birth options.

Cons: Expensive (even with insurance), higher intervention rates on average, limited NICU access at some hospitals.

A couple in white clothing embraces tenderly against a bright window backdrop taken by Melbourne maternity photographer.

Comparing Costs

  • Public: Free for Medicare card holders (inpatient birth and care). Extra costs may include antenatal classes, scans, parking, or hiring a private room if available.
  • Private: Insurance can cover a lot, but you’ll often still face out-of-pocket costs. Obstetrician fees, anaesthetist fees, paediatrician visits, and hospital gap fees can all add up.

👉 Tip: Always ask your hospital and obstetrician for a detailed cost breakdown before committing.


Other Practical Things to Ask

Here are some questions worth considering when touring or calling hospitals:

  1. What is your policy on VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean)?
  2. Can my partner stay overnight after birth?
  3. What breastfeeding support do you offer?
  4. What level of neonatal care do you provide?
  5. Are antenatal classes included or extra?
  6. What are visiting hours like for family?
  7. How long is the average postnatal stay?
  8. What parking or public transport access is available?


So… Public or Private?

At the end of the day, both systems in Melbourne provide safe, professional maternity care. For many families, it comes down to balancing cost, comfort, and continuity of care.

  • Choose public if cost, strong midwife support, and tertiary-level neonatal care matter most.
  • Choose private if you want your own obstetrician, private rooms, and more comfort (and you’re okay with the higher price tag).


Capturing This Special Season

No matter where you give birth, one thing is certain: this moment is fleeting. The hospital choice is about safety and comfort — but the memories of your pregnancy and those first newborn days deserve to be held onto, too.

That’s where photography comes in.

  • Maternity sessions are best around 28–34 weeks, when your bump is round and you still feel comfortable.
  • Newborn sessions are usually within the first 2-3 weeks, while babies are still tiny and curled — though beautiful family photos are possible at any stage.
  • Some hospitals allow first-day photos in your room; others don’t. If not, an in-home newborn session is the perfect alternative.

If you’re planning your hospital choice right now, it’s also the perfect time to book your maternity or newborn photos because those early days go by faster than you think.