What can I do to stay at home with my new born for a couple of months?

Question

I am 19 yrs old and am 4 months pregnant. I live on my own with my boyfriend. I am working full time and going to school full time. I am a Jounior in college and plan on graduating asap. The problem is that at my current job I am a temp and no paid maternity leave will be given. I want to be able to stay at home with my baby while my bf works and then go to night classes. However we cannot afford this, and we wouldn't be able to afford proper day care either. What can I do?! I just want to be a good mother before anything else.

By the way, Telling me that I should have never got "knocked up in the first place" isn't a answer or suggestion. Thaks to everyone who gave me a real answer. It means alot to me.

Answer 1

For me, I looked at the cost of childcare vs how much I would make per hour working.

Basically if you don't make at least $1.50 for each $1 you spend on childcare it isn't worth working. And that is generally if you don't want to loose a good job. Realistically it needs to be more like $2 for each $1 you spend on childcare.

So I stay home, and hubby and I aren't rich. Mind you I did get matleave, but that has since run out, and my family helps me out. However there are things you can live without. You don't need TV, or extra features for your phone. You can probably even get by with a free internet server, but it depends how much research you and your boyfriend need to do. Look into cheaper apartments.

Look into what help is available to you. If you are American start with WIC they should know most of the programs available to you. Don't feel ashamed for taking help, your tax dollars pay for it and will continue to pay for it the rest of your life. You will put far more in than you ever get out.

Consider doing some work from home, baby sitting, typing, proofreading. Mayb some of your classmates would pay you to proofread. Also most large chain fast food places employ people to work from home answering phones, mind you that would need to be done while your child sleeps and even then it may not work out. Think about what skills you have and try to find a market. I know it's hard to push yourself to find work at home, but it is worth it.

Answer 2

If you are asking how to get income while home with your newborn- there's not much you can do quite honestly. You'll be on very little sleep for a while and you'll probably have your hands pretty full just with baby and whatever effort you might make towards minor chores and keeping yourself fed.

It's a big misconception that permanent jobs offer paid leave, so just because you're a temp, doesn't mean that you'd be missing out on a benefit that other permanent workers get.

Forget about what the FMLA says unless you work for a company with more than 50 employees, are permanent and have already worked through the company's probation period for new hires. BUT the FMLA or whatever the state law on maternity leave says, that just guarantees you your job back after how ever many weeks youre allowed to be out- it doesn't mean you get paid anything, unless your EMPLOYER offers paid leave- and this is really rare- or if you live in a state that offers state disability insurance.

Yes there is public assistance that you could probably take advantage of while you are home with your baby. If you don't wish to do this, you will have the difficult task of trying to find a permanent position that offers health care, short term disability (so you can be paid at least something while you are out on leave) and will consider you eligible for these benefits before the time that you're required to give notice that you will need maternity leave (about 1-2 months before youre due). It's a tight squeeze because you're already 4 months, but you may be able to do it. Otherwise, you might just have to try and get by on what your bf earns until you are ready to work again.
Good luck and hope everything works out for you.

Answer 3

I am 24 and 37 weeks pg and I am done with my job next week for 6 months because we can't afford day care at this time are selves, not only that there is none close by. Apply for temp assistance which we have done and we are getting it. Section 8 pays for part of your rent if you can't afford it we have that its a years wait but your boyfriend could be a problem check into to it it is worth a shot your state may have different rules for this. Is there not a day care at your college for mothers they might have a sliding scale fee. check out the link below for section 8 hope this helps and good luck with your baby.

Answer 4

Check with your school and see if they offer reduced childcare for students. Also check wiht local churches. Or you could et a student loan to cover household expenses while you are out of work so you can be home. Just remember that you will have to pay for these loans after you graduate, but the interest rates are pretty low. If you are not wanting to get a loan, check your local social servies agencies to see if they offer childcare help. Good luck and you are being a good mother by preparing now for your baby. Good luck in school and as a mother.

Answer 5

Try appling for public assistance for the time you are off. I am not sure what is available but a lot of states offer a maternity "benefits". Even by going back to work that doesn't make you a bad mother.

Answer 6

I'm not trying to be mean but this is why you should have planned this out before getting pregnant and gotton married first. Since it is too late for that why don't you stay home with the baby during the day and let your boyfriend care for the baby at night while you work? It is going to be tough in the beginning. I don't know what you are studying but you can also consider getting a job in a child care center and bring your baby with you. At least you can check on him while you are working.Good luck

Answer 7

Go to your local social services office and explain your situation. They should be able to give you support during the normal 6 weeks off. and help you find suitable childcare, or help you maintain your living situation until you can get back to work. (this should be around 2-3 months). I hope this helps you. Goodluck!

Pray and the Lord will provide for you and your new little family.

Answer 8

Look into Healthy Start/Medicaid

(http://www.healthystartassoc.org/) &

WIC (http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/)

Healthy Start can help pay medical expenses for you and your baby, and WIC provides food for you while you are pregnant (basics like eggs, milk, cheese, peanut butter), and will provide formula for your baby once he/she is born (if you decide to go with formula) ... they will also give you a breast-pump if you plan to breastfeed.

You can also apply for food stamps & money through the State (you can do this at the same time you apply to Healthy Start) to help with expenses ... but be forewarned, you can only request to receive cash aid once in your life. Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of, and I think it's commendable that you want to stay at home with your child for a couple of months.

Best of luck, and congratulations! :)

Answer 9

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Answer 10

You can stay at home. Cut your budget. Don't go out.

Cut your budget:
Get rid of extended cable, save on electricity by turning off things you aren't using (lights, etc.), shop for groceries at Aldi's or save a lot type stores.

Don't spend money on going out to eat or out on the weekends.

Go to WIC if needed.