1. I agree the earlier the better, especially this year might have more babies due to dragon year. After clearing the FTS, we booked. Whether agency or private, there is full refund should anything happen to the pregnancy.
2. Sorry I don't know about confinement angels, but for PEM agency can choose nanny if she is available, but top up $250 for choosing, and top up $400 for gold nanny. Hence we decided to go private.