LoveToKnow Pregnancy:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Pregnancy

Comments

Tabitha, it's hard to say exactly since costs can vary depending on health care costs, breastfeeding vs. purchasing formula, etc. The average, though, that I've read is about $5,000 for the first year.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

how much would it cost for raising a baby from it's birth to its first birthday ?

-- Contributed by: Tabitha

I am also a single mother. My daughter is now two years old and I was able with the help of programs, family. church and friends I have very successfully been able to care for my daughter. I would suggest looking into programs like WIC (women infants child) though it may be hard to do look into welfare (even if for just a short time to help you through the first months and to get on your feet) and food stamps. Though they may be tedious to get into, they are extremely helpful and you and I are the reason these programs were started in the first place so take advantage of them and DON'T feel bad or down on yourself for doing so! They are there for YOU and were not meant for the people that abuse them and you are not one of them so don't hesitate to get help if you need it and don't be afraid of just using it for a little while. You can do it and don't let anyone tell you differently!

-- Contributed by: Cass

first of all this article makes it sound like having a baby is a horrible thing. Its NOT. you learn what your doing as you're going along. Lee If you don't want to give your baby up for adoption(i couldn't imagine doing that) Keep it

-- Contributed by: Brittany

Lee-- I know you may not like the idea of someone else raising your child, but it's not about you anymore. Now you have to make decisions that are best for this unborn child. I would suggest doing all the necessary research in order to determine what the right answer is for this baby.

-- Contributed by: j

Lee,

there may be support programs in your area that you will qualify for. Also, you should consider getting financial support from the baby's father.

Look up social services in your town and try to get in touch with a woman's resource center. They can provide you with the best information about local help.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

hi, i'm 18 years old and not married. im expecting a baby in february and dont have a job. any tips on what i should do?..most of my family and friends say i should give the baby up for adoption but i dont want to think of someone else raising my child. what can i possibly do to keep my child under my care?..

-- Contributed by: Lee

Mego,

I believe that most hospitals and free clinics will treat a patient regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status in an emergency situation, like being in labor. I don't know, however, if that women would would qualify for other care, like prenatal visits, without having legal do...entation.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

Hi, i just wanna ask could agirl have a baby on one of the U.S clinics or healt center with free charges or pay a little specially if she is not having health insurance becuase she is not either an american citizen or legal residant.Or there is anyway else like delivery in home with a nurse if it is not risky.

-- Contributed by: Mego

Tom,

does your girlfriend have any insurance of her own? If not, it might be tough to find an insurance company that will cover her at this point. If they do, the premiums will probably be very high.

The average delivery costs between $5000-10,000. That's just for the labor and delivery costs, assuming that everything goes well and there aren't extra costs. Doctor visits vary greatly based on your location and the individual practice, but probably around $100 per visit with an average of two visits per month.

I'm not going to tell you what to do, Tom, but you might consider getting married at your local court so you can put her on your insurance. She might be eligible for some state benefits and she should contact her local women's health organization for advice.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

My name is Tom me and my girl friend just recently found out that she was pregnant and not looking to get married anytime soon. Me being in the active duty military I am not currently living in the same state as her and also deploying before the baby is born i just had questions about how much having a child will cost from her first doctors apointment till when the child is born? Also curious on the best kind of insurance she could get until the baby is born and i am able have the child put under my insurance. If anyone has any suggestions id be more than happy to hear.

-- Contributed by: Tom

Annie,

I'm more traditional, so I'd say to get married first. If money is tight, you could always have a small civil ceremony and plan for a bigger wedding later. Babies do cost a lot, but being officially married will at least make sure you and your husband can qualify for each other's insurance policies so you at least have that taken care of.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

I am the oldest of seven so i know first hand that babies are expensive. My high school sweetheart and i have been together for five years. we have been saving up to either get married or have a baby. Which would you recommend doing first, getting married, or having a baby??

-- Contributed by: Annie Paige

Patrice: You're scared for a very good reason. Wait until you finish college. I can't tell you how many women I know who got pregnant in college (even with a super-supportive husband) and ended up dropping out after the baby came along. You're 19, and even if you're only going half-time and won't finish before you're 25, you've still got plenty of time after that.

College, work, baby. Choose one, maybe two. Doing all three well is just about impossible for very long. It'll put a lot of strain on your marriage.

I'm going to be 29 in a few weeks and just got married this past fall. We're intentionally waiting until after a big trip to South America next fall to even try. I'll most likely be 30 before we get lucky. I'm not worried, as my mother had me, her first child, at the ripe old age of 35. She is very happy she had us, but she does not regret having a blast in her 20's :)

Part of my being so (relatively) old before even trying to have kids was chance (didn't meet my husband until I was 25), but partly choice. We wanted to save up about a year's worth of living expenses before going into this.

Finish college, work a year or so in your chosen field, then try to get pregnant. It'll make it easier to rejoin the work world when your kids are older, and give you the chance to lay aside a small nest egg for when (not if) times get tough after you have kids.

You'll be a fine mom, either way, though. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: Amanda

My boyfriend really wants to have a baby and I wouldn't mind giving him one. The only problem is that there are so many things to think about. The ecomony is bad and our jobs really aren't safe nor are they secure. We don't have any savings and the housing market is really bad right now. I really love him and I know he loves me, but I don't think we are ready to become parents just yet. Besides he just made 21 and I just made 26. He hasn't truly begun having fun. This really helps us out a lot especially with me explaining why waiting until next year or waiting until 2010 would greatly benefit us in having a baby.

-- Contributed by: Ms. Richardson

I have this project to take care of a baby egg for Family Consumer Science class and i have to make a baby book for my "newborn baby" for its first year!

-- Contributed by: No babies yet just a student

Dear firsttimemommy, I really want to have a baby next year when I'll be 20 but I'm, of course, very scared about expenses because I'm also financing my college, rent, etc. I feel that I can do it and I want to be a mother so bad!!!!! My husband does not think we can do it, but I like your advice and I am very confident. Advice please??

-- Contributed by: Patrice

firsttimemommy, Thank you for easing my mind. My husband and i have been talking about starting our family, but we were really nervous about expenses. You make some very good points about raising a baby. thank you!

-- Contributed by: AmandaFaun

firsttimemommy,

thanks for sharing your story. It sounds like you've done a wonderful job taking care of your baby. Thanks for passing your tips along to other new moms.

-- Contributed by: HollySwanson

...or, you can opt for a home birth, use cloth diapers, feed your baby on pureed fresh foods (as recommended by Le Leche League) and dress him or her in hand-me-downs. Presto! Your expenses are now manageable.

I'm 19 and a first time mom, and if I can do this, anyone can. I spent a lot of time at the beginning of my pregnancy reading about all the expenses and responsibilities of being a parent and really frightened myself into thinking that I couldn't handle this. The truth is, however, anyone can handle anything if they are willing to try.

Don't be fooled into thinking that you have to be the woman at Babies 'R' Us who needs four strong men and a moving van to get all of her purchases home. Your baby will only be small and helpless for a year; they grow very quickly. You don't need to redecorate and entire room in your home in order to make it through this year. In fact, you really don't need very much at all.

Babies are resilient, and necessity teach us mothers to be resourceful. Women and babies have been successfully coexisting with one another for a very long time, without the help of government approved mattresses and toys that play the same annoying, high-pitched jingle over and over.

All you need is love, my friends. Love, and a well-rested mind and body. If you're awake past midnight worrying yourself sick about your new bundle of joy, please turn off your computer and get some rest! You will succeed, one day at a time.

-- Contributed by: firsttimemommy

children cost A LOT of money!

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-- Contributed by: no name :D
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