Private Hospitals?

Hi,
I've recently moved to NZ from Australia and have just found out I'm pregnant with our 2nd baby.

In Oz, I went through the private system where I chose my OB and then had the baby in a small private hospital with a maternity floor. It meant I had my own room etc and after a c-sect I was there for 6 nights. I was very happy with that setup but I don't know anything about how it works here. The GP was pretty unsure about the OB thing and I haven't contacted the local midwives yet. As we are in Wanaka, it further complicates things. I did find 'mercy hospital' in Dunedin but it doesn't say whether they offer maternity services.

I have been recomended an OB in Auckland through a friend but it seems nuts to do that. I'm hoping someone can shed some light on how it works here if you choose an OB. As I ended up with a c-sect with my first I will schedule one this time so birth centres etc aren't an option.

Thanks in advance for any snippets of info. Everything is appreciated.

L

I think auckland is the only place that has private maternity. Based on what I've been told, in Hawke's Bay you can have an OB for visits but done will do on call. But they share a day at the hospital for being on call and have to be there within 10mins and there is a registrar on duty the whole time. It's the downside to being in the provinces :(