I'm scared of having a baby because i'm not sure how much it will cost to take care of one.?

Question

also, I work full-time and study part-time and my husband works full-time. what should someone earn in a month to be able to support a baby? What should i do if i want to have a baby? am i meant to see a gp before i conceive? what insurance should i look into? Is it hard to find a child care facility? I don't have family around. What are the responsibilities of being a mother?

Answer 1

honey it takes a lot & your life changes drasticlly, so if you want to finish studying then i suggest do that before mother hood

Answer 2

You are putting way to much thought into all of this, honestly!! I am 18 years old and just had my daughter 4 1/2 months ago and have only had 2 jobs my whole life which were fast food and just got my GED this past week. I am currently living off well-fare (which is only $440/MO) and have NO help at all. Her father is away for the year so I am alone! You don't really need to worry so much about all the big things you are concerned about until after your child is already here. You can get medical insurance for your child through the state. And child care isn't so much as difficult to find as it is more sifficult to leave your child! Thats truly the worst part of it all once you found the perfect child care! So trust me if I can live off of $440/mo with no family no friends nobody period to help me and am just now starting college full time and will soon be working full time!! YOU CAN DO IT!!! dont think so much about the big things in the future. You need to decide if you really want to take on the responsibility of a child now. THat's the hardest part.. no matter how prepared and rich you are your never prepared for the sleepless nights and all the work it takes! ITS TOTALLY WORTH IT though!!! so ask yourself are you ready?

Answer 3

Whew, those are some heavy questions!!

It sounds like you are pretty busy right now and I am wondering if you maybe should wait a few years to have a baby, although that does depend on your age. If you are 30 or older, I'd say you need to be thinking about having a baby soon. If you all are financially strapped and have no extra money and no place to cut expenses, now is not a good time to have a baby. You do not need to go see a dr before getting pregnant as long as you have no medical issues; just make sure you are taking folic acid [in any multivit] because that will help prevent birth defects, also stay away from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, etc. You should DEFINITELY have some type of insurance BEFORE you get pregnant, or it will cost a whole lotta money, like $10,000+ in most places.

The responsibilities of being a mother: well, your life will no longer be your own. You will have a tiny, soft, lovable little baby that will HAVE to be taken care of before you take care of you. You're both hungry? Feed the baby first. You're tired but the baby isn't? You don't get to sleep. Want to go to a movie? Not until you find a sitter. I am not trying to be negative - children are WONDERFUL and so fulfilling, but they are a constant responsibility.

Answer 4

Just so that you know, a baby takes a LOT out of you in the beginning. So you'll be so exhausted you probably won't feel like studying after she's born.

But as far as how much you "should" earn to raise a child, it all depends on what you do. My husband and I agreed that I should be a stay at home mom (SAHM), and he has, since becoming pregnant with our (now) 2 year old, worked in the military, at Wallyworld, and at a well known computer company (where we work now). We managed to make it through 2 moves AND get her what she needed.

You generally don't need to see a gp until you think you are prego, or unless you are having problems getting prego. We used military insurance, then none except WIC, and then Cigna (which we have now). I don't know about child care facilities, but in all of our moves, only once did we have family near us.

The responsibilities are many and varied, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Kids are awesome, and where else will you get a job where the "employer" looks at you as if you could hurl mountains at the mere mention of him/her being sad? *grin*

Ultimately, this will be a decision for you and your hubby. You'll never regret it, and you'll find a way to make it work no matter what. But I won't lie and say it's not a challenge sometimes. Just do a lot of research on the internet and with women who DO have children, and trust yourselves to do what's best. :)

Answer 5

I would recommend finishing your studies before you think about having a baby. They are A LOT of work. Of course, you can make it work... there are tons of assistance programs and childcare facilities. However, I think if you have the choice, you should wait.

Maybe contact a GP or go to the hospital to talk to someone about what it means to raise a child. It is A LOT of work. Babies don't understand that you need to study!

As far as the cost, you need to think about doctor visits (they go many times in the first year), shots, food, formula (if you don't breastfeed), clothes, diapers, a place to sleep... those are just the necessities. It really does add up...

That said, I love being a mommy. It is the best thing in the world. However, I am glad that I waited a bit... I finished my studies, traveled a little bit with my husband... it is worth the wait.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you!!

Answer 6

If you aren't ready, don't force yourself into it!
All the baby stuff is expensive, but if you economize (eg, breastfeed, use cloth nappies, except second hand goods that are safe) you can get away with it!
You sound like you are in a good position to having a baby money-wise, but if you don't feel emotionally ready, don't rush it! With two full-time incomes, you should be fine. Practice by living on one wage and saving the other for baby.
Do your research. Find out if you can get paid maternity/paternity leave from work.
See your doctor and get yourself as healthy as possible, this will help you through your pregnancy.
You will make a lot of sacrifices are a mother, but it is exceptionally rewarding! You have to be ready to put the needs of a totally dependent being before your own... Are you ready for that?
Arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can prior to conception!

Answer 7

when you have a child they become your priority. That always need. Money will help but really time spent will do more justice in the long run. Children will squeeze every drop on patience, money, time, and energy..but the smile you get at the end of the day from your child is priceless..Really don't get pregnant until you are ready to devote your life to someone else that needs you constantly. Check you local DSS for referral on child care in your areaor ask other parents that you may know. I would suggest you finish school and both you and hubby take a vacation before you plan on children.

Answer 8

it sounds like you have alot on your plate right now..but please don't be scared..just calm down and think it through.
with two incomes you should have no problems supporting a child, if you are strapped you just need to cut out the frills in life,,try to drop as many expenses as you can or at least cut them down a bit. cable tv, dsl and cell phones are not necessities nor are brand new cars and brand name stuff.
as far as insurance and stuff like that you definantly want to have it in effect before you get pregnant because it is very expensive in the way of medical bills,, and yes the first year is hectic with doc visits, probably about 8 for just general check up and shots and stuff.
just relax and take your time,,no one is really ready no matter how much you plan and stress over it.. it's never exactly what you think it will be like. no pregnancy or child is ever the same as someone else's experience.
my parents always told me " don't have kids until you are prepared to give up 20 years of your life raising them"
but anyway, my husband and i are supporting our 5 children on 1 income(less than 30,000 a year), no welfare and no assistance programs at all and we are doing great. so if we can,, you can but only if you are ready and willing to put that child in the 1 spot on your priority list.

Answer 9

You don't seem to be financially in capable of having a baby. Why don't you consult your mom, aunts and friends for good advices. Don't worry so much about having one. It's a blessing to have a baby. In the end everything will be OK. Trust yourself and trust God, whatever your religion is. God will not abandon you. My parents have 9 kids and were poor when I was a boy. But we end up OK. Now I have over a dozen nieces and nephews. It so much fun for all of us if we remember the old time. My parents feel blessed to have so many kids. Good luck!!!

Answer 10

hi. don't be scared to have a baby it is the most wonderful moment happening in your body. u sad both of you work. me & my hubbie have two children at first i worked early mornings, came home then he would go to work. yes i would be lonely some times, miss my husband but i had to think positive, i would find things to do places to go. we started out just $500.00
a week. i always looked for things go on sale before i got pregnant like dippers,wipes, nursing pads, etc. so u realy need to sit and make your self a list for the future.
good luck to u. and both of u should descust this future together....

Answer 11

If every one waited until they had enough money or the situation was perfect a lot of us wouldn't be here. It sounds like you and your husband are off to good start. Start saving know and when the baby gets here take it as it comes.