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Formula alone in the infant stage could come in at $50/wk. Right now it's $23/can. If my 9 month old goes through a can every 4-5 days, I can only assume a newborn is going to go through at least 2 cans a week. That's $50a wk in formula. $200 a month.
And just to reiterate, if you breastfeed you eliminate all this cost. If you buy a good double electric breastpump for when you go back to work, it may seem expensive at first, but just think of it as just one month's worth of formula and you'll quickly see the savings!
Thank you all for your posts. Getting a variety of perspectives, experiences, and world views has helped me a great deal. Many of you inspired me to think about all sorts of things that hadn't crossed my mind (yet) like making my own baby food, and what's my back up plan in case I can't go back to work (wouldn't it be great if I didn't have to?) after the 12 weeks off, etc. If you have any additional ideas/thoughts, feel free to share. And again, my heartfelt thanks. I learned so much.
If you are going to have the baby in a hospital, what is the % you will have to pay?
This is a separate cost than checkups with the OB/GYN, which will fall under a specialty doctor in health insurance terms.
Your OB will charge you for delivery but the hospital will charge you for use of the room, equipment, any meals, xrays, etc.
Even though this "technically" isn't what you will be needing for the baby the first several months, the hospital bill willl arrive within 1-3 months of having the baby & it's one lump sum that is due. You can contact the billing dept at the hospital to see if they offer payment plans.
I'm throwing out a number, but I'd also save $3,000 for OB/GYN charges + delivery charges + hospital charges.
This relates only if you go the convential route & again a very estimated number. I had #1 in a military hospital & total costs after 9 months were $28.50 & that's only b/c I didn't NOT request meals
There are many on here who have gone the home birth route & probably have lots of good econ info on those cost.
And yes, making baby food is the way to go. Very easy, healthier & will save you some money.
And just to reiterate, if you breastfeed you eliminate all this cost. If you buy a good double electric breastpump for when you go back to work, it may seem expensive at first, but just think of it as just one month's worth of formula and you'll quickly see the savings!
Hospitals sell very good ones at decent prices. Depending on your economic status, they also will sell them at a discount.
Hospitals sell very good ones at decent prices. Depending on your economic status, they also will sell them at a discount.
Yes, that's true - and if you are on WIC you might be able to rent one from them for free/cheap too.
You probably won't need to buy/rent a hospital grade pump unless you have a preemie or some other type of issue, but that is also an option.
Most folks who go back to work and pump tend to either buy the Medela Pump In Style or the Ameda Purely Yours, both of which are around $200-300 (depending on which accessories you get), with the Ameda somewhat cheaper than the Medela. I would not recommend a manual pump for going back to work, but they work well enough if you end up staying home and are way cheaper.
If you are going to have the baby in a hospital, what is the % you will have to pay?
This is a separate cost than checkups with the OB/GYN, which will fall under a specialty doctor in health insurance terms.
Your OB will charge you for delivery but the hospital will charge you for use of the room, equipment, any meals, xrays, etc.
Even though this "technically" isn't what you will be needing for the baby the first several months, the hospital bill willl arrive within 1-3 months of having the baby & it's one lump sum that is due. You can contact the billing dept at the hospital to see if they offer payment plans.
I'm throwing out a number, but I'd also save $3,000 for OB/GYN charges + delivery charges + hospital charges.
This relates only if you go the convential route & again a very estimated number. I had #1 in a military hospital & total costs after 9 months were $28.50 & that's only b/c I didn't NOT request meals
There are many on here who have gone the home birth route & probably have lots of good econ info on those cost.
And yes, making baby food is the way to go. Very easy, healthier & will save you some money.
Check w/your insurance company before you concern yourself with this.
I paid $200 to have my daughter. It would have been $215, but the first appointment copay was waived because it happened to be with a nurse. It doesn't get much cheaper than that.
The point is, it can cost you a lot or a little or somewhere in between. It really is best to contact your insurance to find out EXACTLY how much they are going to pay. This way you are not shocked if you get a huge bill. I do think my cousin paid around $5,000 for one of her kids.
Cotton diapers = $40 - $50 initial (guessing), plus Dreft or Ivory (Dreft recommended, Ivory leaves film)
I'd recommend a free and clear detergent like ALL Free and Clear. They make a baby one, but they just add baby perfume (kinda defeats the point). Plus it's cheaper than Dreft and you can wash everyone's clothes together.
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