The overall cost of having a baby in the United States hovers around $10,800 if you don’t have health insurance.
Are you planning to expand your family with a pregnancy? If so, it is important to know the financial cost and how it might impact you.
You don’t want to bring a new life into this world if you are unable to afford all of the costs associated with care.
Keep reading to learn more about the breakdown of costs for having a baby in the United States.
Average Costs for Having a Baby
It can be very exciting to find out you’re having a baby, but realizing the costs associated with becoming a parent can quickly becoming overwhelming.
Here are some of the things that you will have to consider when thinking of how much money you will need to have a baby. Remember that there are other costs, such as baby clothing, car seats, or furniture, that are not included.
Maternal Clothing
A few months into a pregnancy is when most women realize they can no longer fit into their regular clothing. After this, maternity clothes need to be bought to accommodate the larger stomach.
Women, on average, spend about $500 on maternity clothes for each pregnancy they experience.
Prenatal Vitamins
Right after a woman realizes she is pregnant, it is important to start taking some prenatal vitamins to ensure the baby gets all the nutrients needed.
The OB/GYN will likely be able to recommend (and even supply) these vitamins during that visit.
These vitamins can cost as much as $90, depending on whether you get an OTC brand or a prescription brand.
Type of Birth
Many soon-to-be parents have a preference regarding the type of birth, but have you considered how these factors play into the overall cost of having a baby?
A c-section delivery can cost as much as 50% more than a vaginal delivery because it is major surgery. It involves a longer hospital stay and anesthesia, which means more resources and more money.
If you are having your baby in a hospital and there are complications or an emergency arises, the cost rises even more.
Is having a baby at home less expensive than having one in the hospital? In most situations, it is less costly, but there are risks involved that must be considered before you choose this option.
Diapers and Feeding
Current parents will tell you that the cost of diapers is a little overwhelming when you have a new baby. A newborn baby, on average, will use 10 to 12 diapers every day for the first few months.
If you’re planning to use disposable diapers, this can mean you are paying somewhere between $30 and $90 a month just on diapers alone.
For a new mom that plans to breastfeed, investing in nursing bras and a pump is important.
Breastfeeding is known to have cost-saving perks, but for mothers that are unable to breastfeed, using formula is the next best thing.
Formula will cost somewhere between $68 and $243 per month. That doesn’t include the price of bottles that will be needed or any formulations for special dietary needs.
How Health Insurance Can Help Ease the Burden
Getting health insurance is the smartest thing that you can do if you plan to have a baby and don’t want to pay for everything out-of-pocket.
Here are just a few things that having insurance can do for you, in addition to helping with the cost of labor and delivery in a hospital setting.
Prenatal Care
Insurers are not allowed to charge a premium for pre-existing conditions any longer due to the Affordable Care Act.
All women that are pregnant can now get free folic acid supplements, immunizations, pregnancy checkups, and life-saving screenings.
These proper prenatal care recommendations help to ensure the baby and the mother are both safe.
Wellness Care
After the baby is born, the monthly wellness checks, yearly check-ups, and vaccinations from your in-network family doctor don’t cost any money with health insurance.
Thes same is true for mom’s mammograms, Pap smears, and screenings as well.
Postpartum Depression Help
If you need help with mental health services following the birth of the baby, the Affordable Care Act requires that every insurance plan covers the services you need.
You may want to see a counselor or psychotherapist after the baby is here because it is a very emotional time. It can be hard for new mothers that are struggling, so remember that you have options if you need them.
Are You Expecting?
If you’re having a baby or planning a pregnancy, congratulations! This is an exciting time for you and we would love to be able to help.
To get more information on health insurance plans that fit your needs, contact us today.