When I was pregnant, one of the biggest decisions I had to make was whether to go for a government hospital or a private hospital for my delivery. On paper, both have their pros and cons. But for me, the choice came down to comfort, personalized care, and peace of mind—and that’s why I chose Cloudnine Hospital in Gurugram for my delivery.
Looking back, I can confidently say it was the right decision for me and my family. Here’s my personal experience. Today, I will tell you why I choose a private hospital to give birth instead of a public one. I will also tell you a little about why my sister’s delivery at a government hospital influenced my decision.
Why I Opted for a Private Hospital
The day of delivery is itself a life-changing milestone, filled with anticipation, anxiety, and countless emotions all at once. I just wanted to make sure that I get the best care and a caring environment, so I chose a private hospital. Let’s find in detail why I took this decision:
1. Comfort Was a Priority
I realized that giving birth would be among the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences of my life. I didn’t want to have to concern myself with tight quarters, loss of privacy, or access to scant amenities during such a time.
At Cloudnine, the room I was allocated was tidy, clean, and spacious, with a good bed, a sofa for an attendant, and even a television. Having these small comforts made a huge difference in how I felt during my stay.
2. 24×7 Nursing Support
One of the greatest reliefs for me was that there were nurses on call at all hours. Whether I needed help at 3 a.m. or had a breastfeeding question, there was always someone there to answer it.
Having that kind of support took my worries away and made me feel nurtured—not only as a patient, but as a new mother finding her footing.
3. Good Quality Food
I realize hospital food has a terrible image, but at Cloudnine, I was surprisingly impressed. The food was fresh, healthy, and specifically designed for post-childbirth healing. It may seem like a small thing, but when you’re recuperating from giving birth, having good, healthy food without the hassle of providing it yourself is a godsend.
4. Shorter Wait Times
I’ve spoken to friends who have delivered at government hospitals, and they report that waiting periods—both for consultations and for the procedures themselves—can be lengthy. Government hospitals offer basic care, but they tend to have a heavy patient load.
Cloudnine allowed me to schedule my check-ups and appointments at convenient times for me. When I went in to deliver, everything was running smoothly and was properly planned out, with no slowdowns.
5. Personalized Care
At a private hospital, you generally get to select your own obstetrician—and that mattered to me. I wanted to get to know the doctor who would walk me through pregnancy and deliver the baby. Having one physician the whole time gave me reassurance and peace of mind.
6. Distance from My Home
Finally, but certainly not least, the location of the hospital significantly influenced my decision. Cloudnine was only 2 km from my home, and that was a major plus. Labor can start unexpectedly, so being within walking distance allowed us to not worry about waiting for an extended period of time for transportation or being stuck in traffic at that pivotal moment.
Later, this proximity became even more important when my baby developed jaundice shortly after birth—a fairly common condition in newborns. Because the hospital was nearby, we could quickly take her back for treatment and monitoring without added stress. It gave me peace of mind knowing that immediate medical help was just minutes away whenever needed.
Also Read: My Honest Pregnancy Journey: Real Symptoms, Emotions, and Milestones
Let me take you through my sister’s experience of delivering her baby at a public hospital.
My Sister’s Experience at a Government Hospital
My sister delivered her baby in a government hospital, and while the medical care itself was adequate, her overall experience was far from ideal. She told me, “The nurses were so rude, and no one was there to accompany me to the washroom. I was alone, and there were around 10 women in the room, all shouting in pain.”
- Staff Attitude: The nurses were not friendly or patient. She felt hesitant to ask questions because their responses were often curt or dismissive.
- Cleanliness: The ward was not well-maintained. There were stains on the floors, and the overall environment did not feel hygienic—something you definitely don’t want to worry about right after giving birth.
- Overcrowding: The hospital was packed with patients, which meant less privacy and a lot of noise, making it hard for her to rest.
Her experience was a big factor in my decision to go for a private hospital. I didn’t want to risk being in an environment that could add stress to an already overwhelming time.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Your Delivery Hospital
If you’re currently deciding between a private or public hospital for your delivery, here are a few things you might want to consider:
- Budget: Private hospitals are more expensive, so weigh your comfort needs against your financial situation.
- Facilities: Look at room types, food options, and support services available.
- Doctor Availability: Will you have the option to choose your obstetrician?
- Support Staff: Are nurses and lactation consultants available 24×7?
- Cleanliness & Hygiene: Visit beforehand if possible to check the environment.
- Location: Consider proximity in case of emergencies.
Also Read: Essential Things to Pack for Delivery: Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom & Baby
Private Hospital Birth Cost
When it comes to private hospitals like Cloudnine, one of the biggest considerations is cost. From my experience, here’s a breakdown of the approximate expenses:
- Normal Delivery: Around ₹50,000
- C-section Delivery: Around ₹75,000 (this can increase depending on your case)
- Additional Charges: Medicines, tests, and room upgrades are usually billed separately, so the final amount may go higher.
- NICU Charges: If your baby requires specialized care, the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can cost around ₹18,000 per day.
In my case, these costs were a real eye-opener. While the services and facilities were top-notch, it’s important to plan ahead financially so you’re not caught off guard after delivery. Now, at the end, let’s know the quick differences between the two types of hospitals. This will surely help you make a better decision.
Private Hospital vs. Government Hospital – Pros & Cons for Delivery
| Factor | Private Hospital | Government Hospital |
| Cost | ❌ More expensive; charges for room, doctor, and services are higher. | ✅ Much more affordable; subsidized by the government. |
| Comfort & Amenities | ✅ Private rooms, AC, TV, better bedding, companion seating, and good food. | ❌ Basic facilities; often shared wards and limited amenities. |
| Cleanliness | ✅ Generally well-maintained with higher hygiene standards. | ❌ May lack proper cleanliness; overcrowding can worsen hygiene. |
| Doctor Choice | ✅ You can choose your obstetrician and have continuity of care. | ❌ Assigned doctors; you may see different doctors each visit. |
| Staff Behavior | ✅ Nurses and staff are usually more attentive and polite. | ❌ Staff may be overworked and less responsive. |
| Waiting Times | ✅ Shorter waits for appointments and procedures. | ❌ Long queues due to high patient volume. |
| Specialized Care | ✅ Access to advanced facilities, private labs, and specialized treatments. | ❌ Limited access to some advanced procedures unless urgent. |
| Accessibility | ❌ Usually located in premium areas; may be farther for rural patients. | ✅ Often spread across cities and towns, easy to access. |
| Emergency Handling | ✅ Equipped for emergencies, though not always the first option for trauma. | ✅ Strong emergency care network, especially for critical cases. |
My Final Take
So, now you know why I chose a private hospital to give birth. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (or a few times, if you’re lucky). For me, choosing a private hospital like Cloudnine in Gurugram was about more than just luxury—it was about ensuring I had the right environment, medical care, and emotional support when I needed them most.
While it cost more than a government hospital, the peace of mind, comfort, and quality of care I received were worth every rupee. So, let me know what mattered most to you while choosing your hospital—was it budget, facilities, location, or simply trust in your doctor?
