What to Consider When Choosing a Private Obstetrician
By Dr Stephen Cole, Obstetrician & Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist – Melbourne
Choosing an obstetrician is one of the most personal and important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the options and unsure about where to start.
As an expecting parent, it’s natural to have questions spinning in your mind:
Will I like the doctor?
Will they listen and take time to explain things?
Do they actually do a good job!?
These are completely reasonable concerns. Pregnancy is an incredibly intimate and sacred journey—you’re entrusting someone not just with your medical care, but with one of the most significant events of your life.
As a certified obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Melbourne, I’ve delivered thousands of babies over the past few decades. I specialise in all types of pregnancies—from healthy, low-risk pregnancies to high-risk situations, including twins and more complex cases.
While I am well known for my work with high-risk and multiple pregnancies, I also care for many women with normal, uncomplicated pregnancies. In fact, I truly enjoy supporting women through healthy, straightforward pregnancies and encourage those women to choose us as well. Every pregnancy deserves expert care, attention, and a personal approach.
So—What Should You Look For in a Private Obstetrician?
1. Someone Who Aligns With Your Values
Every pregnancy is different, and so is every person’s vision for birth. Some women want a highly structured, medicalised approach. Others hope for a more natural experience. A good obstetrician will take the time to understand your values and goals, and provide guidance and support that respects your wishes—while always prioritising safety for you and your baby.
2. Experience and Clinical Confidence
It’s helpful to choose someone with the right experience—especially if your pregnancy becomes more complex than expected. I have a particular interest in high-risk obstetrics and twin pregnancies, but I also manage many healthy, low-risk pregnancies. Whether you’re navigating health challenges or simply looking for trusted care, experience counts.
3. Continuity and Personalised Care
One of the biggest benefits of private care is continuity—you’re usually seeing the same obstetrician for every appointment, and they’ll often be the one attending your birth. That consistency means we build trust over time, and you don’t have to repeat your story at every visit. I value getting to know each woman and her family personally. That relationship allows for tailored, reassuring care at every stage.
4. Hospital Affiliation and Facilities
Ask where your obstetrician delivers and what kind of support is available. I deliver at leading private hospitals in Melbourne, with excellent facilities and neonatal care. Whether you’re planning a vaginal birth, a caesarean section, or need extra monitoring, it’s important to feel confident in the environment where your baby will be born.
5. Communication and Trust
You should feel safe, seen, and heard. That’s the foundation of a good obstetric relationship. I’m a big believer in clear, calm, and respectful communication. You’ll never be rushed through appointments—and I’ll always take the time to explain your options, answer your questions, and ensure you’re fully informed.
6. Transparency About Fees
Private obstetric care involves out-of-pocket expenses, even with private health insurance. Ask about fees, rebates, and payment plans early on. We provide all this information up front, so you can make an informed choice with no surprises.
7. Patient Feedback and Reviews
Reading real reviews can help you get a feel for what to expect. The reviews you'll find about me and my team are recent, honest, and written by real patients. They speak to the kind of care we aim to provide—professional, compassionate, and personalised. You can see many real time reviews of myself and my team via Doctify.com
My Vision for Obstetric Care
My goal has always been more than just delivering babies. I see obstetrics as a chance to support and empower women through one of life’s biggest transitions. Whether your pregnancy is smooth or challenging, you deserve expert care, empathy, and a plan that’s made just for you.
If you’re looking for a trusted, approachable, and experienced obstetrician who will walk with you every step of the way, I’d be honoured to be part of your journey.
Dr Stephen Cole
Obstetrician