Chandler, Arizona
Sweet Pea ​Births
Sweet Pea ​Births
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
Blog
Planning for Baby - Part 1
| Posted on July 12, 2011 at 10:00 AM |
 We
just had the privilege of attending our first “First Birthday Party”
for one of the babies that was born to students from our first Bradley
Method® class series. She was also the first baby born in our career as Bradley Method® instructors - it was so fun to be part of the festivities!While
we were there, one of the other moms from their class mentioned that
they were already trying for baby number two. Which prompted Bruss to
suggest that I write a post about things to consider when you are adding
to your family. I would add that this list is probably applicable
whether you are thinking about or planning for your first child or
additional children. Thank you to my fellow Bradley® instructors Victoria Calleja, Lisa Pearson and Rachel Davis for helping me round out my list for today! Money, money, money.
The first and most crucial question is can you afford to have a child, or an additional child,
right now given your current financial situation? I’m not talking about
are you and your partner living your dream life yet, or close to what
you imagine is perfect. Sometimes people do that and wait so long that
they are unable to have the family they want, even with the myriad of fertility
treatments that are available. I am talking about, can you comfortably
support a growing family without having to add an extra job or extra
shifts to your current work situation? A baby is not a short term
commitment - they belong to you for a lifetime, and yours will be the
exclusive bank account that bankrolls their expenses for at least the
first 18-22 years of their life. Here are some of the costs associated with starting or growing, a family... Medical Costs of Pregnancy Care: Most
care providers work under a “universal” plan, which means that you pay
one fee that includes all your pre-natal care after the pregnancy
confirmation visit until the time your baby is delivered. If your care
provider is a traditional OB/GYN, your insurance company will probably
cover the fee, no questions asked. You will probably pay a co-pay for a
percentage of that total cost. The percentage of that cost you will
bear depends on the type of insurance coverage you or your partner has. If
you choose a home birth or birth center birth, you may be paying more
out of pocket, although the cost of care is less. Expenses in this case include midwifery care and/or the care providers at the birth center and delivery. Our midwives also include four postpartum visits in their fee. Again, depending on
which insurance carrier you have and their contract with you or your
employer, the cost of non-traditional care may or may not be covered.
In addition, there are co-pays if you opt for or are “supposed to have”
blood tests, pregnancy screenings and genetic screening or genetic testing. You may have
costs involved for any ultrasounds - “it depends on your insurance
plan”. A
couple of other “medical” costs to factor in are the cost of pre-natal
supplements and doula care. Pre-natals vary in cost depending on
whether you buy name brand, generic or prescription supplements. There are also a variety of herbal supplements and teas that you may want to consider for use through pregnancy and labor. We
encourage students to budget for a doula based on our great experience
with doula care. Continuous doula care has been shown to have the
following potential benefits according to research studies: reduced
stress and anxiety in mother/partner, shorter labor with fewer
complications, reduced need for interventions (epidural, vacuum
extraction, forceps), reduced C-section rate, increased positive
feelings about your birth experience, decreased incidence of postpartum
depression, better success with breastfeeding the newborn and a stronger
relationship with her partner. Our experience has been that is well
worth the investment, especially if you are planning a hospital birth. Non-Medical Pregnancy Costs: How
about non-medical costs you might incur before your baby arrives? You
will have to invest in maternity clothes at some point - you can always
save money by shopping re-sale stores or doing an exchange with a friend
who isn’t pregnant at the moment. Keeping
in mind that mom is growing a whole new person - it is worth evaluating
your grocery habits. Nutritious and whole food for mom, organic when
possible, are the best way you can lower the risk of complications with pregnancy and
labor and have a healthy outcome for mom and baby. Nutrition is the one
thing we can completely control and have a positive impact on our
pregnancy and our child’s physical profile for the rest of their lives.
(read more) When
it comes to getting ready for baby, there is a lot of “gear”. Thankfully, these costs are usually defrayed by the wonderful tradition
of showering the new family with gifts before the blessed occasion. At
a minimum you will want to consider a good, safe car seat, a
pack-n-play, a stroller, a diaper bag, baby layette (0-6 mo clothing,
receiving blankets, burp cloths), some kind of baby carrier, a pediatric
first-aid kit, a baby-safe bathtub. Have you thought about doing
disposable or cloth diapers? If you know what you are going to do
before your baby shower, you can include the necessary supplies on your
registry. Here’s
a short list of add-ons: a baby monitor, nursing supplies (nursing
covers, breast pads and breast cream), a nursing pillow, a nursing
stool, breast pump, milk storage bags, bottles, bottle warmer, wipe
warmer, pacifiers, baby clothes hamper, swaddle blankets, organizers,
activity centers, activity chairs, a swing, nursery decor, a crib, a
crib mattress, baby bedding, crib mobile, changing station, an armoire
or dresser chest of drawers, a rocker/glider and a high chair. Depending
on the depth of the circle of your family and friends, you may or may
not complete your registry. Bear the costs of completing your registry
in mind as you budget for baby. What do you think you really need,
versus the things that you want but are not really necessary? Are you
willing to shop yard sales, resale or consignment to save money? Another
consideration is the expense of child-proofing your home. At a minimum
there are outlet covers to buy. Depending on your space, you may need
baby gates, bumper pads, rubber edge guards for hard corners. Do you
want to install toilet clamps to keep little hands out of the toilet?
The good news about child-proofing is that it can be done in stages.
You could add all the items to your registry and hope for the best with
the knowledge that you can always budget for and build on child-proofing later as
baby gets older and more mobile. I almost forgot! Budget in tuition for an informative and comprehensive childbirth class! The Bradley Method® covers
many different topics about pregnancy, labor, childbirth and
breastfeeding. We strive to prepare moms and their coaches for the
healthiest possible pregnancy and the foundation they need to make
informed choices about their labor, birth and parenting. Along with childbirth preparation classes, there are also other classes and services that are available to help you have an easier, more comfortable pregnancy: chiropractic care, prenatal massage, yoga classes, prenatal exercise programs or water aerobics classes. Some you will need or want a professional for, others you can do through self-study to save money - just check in with your care provider before taking advantage of these classes or services. Lastly, have you considered documenting your pregnancy? Pregnancy photographers vary in price range. I have also had students use high-quality cameras and have very nice pictures turn out - how much you spend depends on what exactly you want to capture and the quality of the prints you want. There is also belly-casting, when someone makes a plaster-of-Paris cast of your pregnant torso. You can read up and do this on your own, or you can pay an experienced belly caster with an artistic eye to create a piece of art you can proudly display on a wall. Here is a list of costs to consider after your baby is born: Placenta Encapsulation
- Benefits as per PBi (see link below): pills contains your own natural hormones, it is
perfectly made for you, it balances your system, replenishes depleted
iron, gives you more energy, lessens postnatal bleeding, has been shown
to increase milk production, helps you have a happier postpartum period,
hastens return of uterus to pre-pregnancy state, shown to be helpful
during menopause. Cord-blood Banking From the National Cord Blood Banking site: "Cord blood offers a number
of advantages to donors and transplant recipients. It is easy to
collect, often more likely to provide a suitable match and is stored frozen,
ready to use." There are fee-for-service companies, as well as companies that store blood on a donation basis at no charge to you. The trade-off there is that you have no guarantee that your baby's blood will be available should the need arise. (see links below) Lactation Consultant
- A lactation consultant is a professional who can answer your
questions about breastfeeding and help you overcome breastfeeding
challenges. Prices vary based on their training, experience, and
certification levels. If you are serious about sticking with
breastfeeding, hiring one to help you overcome any hurdles is a must.
On a budget? Attend free La Leche League meetings. You will receive
reputable peer-to-peer help from trained La Leche League Leaders. They
are a group of volunteers who hold monthly meetings and also have a
24-hour helpline. Know that if they feel something is out of their
realm, they will refer you back to a professional lactation consultant. Continued great nutrition for mom
- Especially if mom is going to be breastfeeding her/your newborn baby.
The better the mom’s diet, the better nutrition she will supply for
the baby that is going to double in size the first year alone, and
continue to develop it’s mental capabilities throughout the first year. Mom will also want to continue with prenatal pills or some kind of vitamin and/or herbal program...all it takes is money! Which brings me to... Take-home Pay
- If you are both working, do you need both your incomes to keep paying
your bills? If one parent wants to stay home to raise the child, do
you have a good plan to make that possible? Have you tried to live
within your new, pared-down budget before you conceive? How realistic
did you and your partner find this budget? If you can’t make it work on
a double-income or single-income, and you still feel like now is the
“right time” to have a baby, is one of you willing to add the extra job
or extra shift while the other one essentially becomes a single parent?
I have great respect for couples who make this decision and make it
work - they are my heroes. Every baby is a blessing and I take my hat
off to parents who take this responsibility seriously. Childcare
- if both parents continue to work, there has to be a provision for
childcare in your budget. You can plan on spending a minimum of $200/week in most
areas here in Arizona. It is best to find a reputable provider with
whom you feel 1000% comfortable. You will be leaving the care and
nurturing of your most precious gift in their hands for the extent of
time you drop them off, commute to work, complete your work day, and
commute back to pick them up. Clothing
- Your baby will be outgrowing their layette before you know it - some
parents find themselves buying 18 mo. or 24 mo. clothing before Baby
reaches their first birthday. How about mom - will mom need a
post-pregnancy size of “bottoms” clothing? Then their are nursing bras
and nursing “tops” if mom plans to breastfeed. Again, you can save
money by participating in a clothing swap group, or buying consignment
or resale. Medical Care
- If you are going to a traditional pediatrician, there is usually a
"universal" coverage for the first year of visits and vaccines. If you
want to look for “green” care, there are pediatric naturopaths. We
also start chiropractic care in infancy. You can ask an alternative care
provider if they offer "family plans" that would make regular visits
affordable if they don’t take insurance coverage. Entertainment
- Museums, zoo, and field trips usually cost money. Some
establishments offer a Free Day every month, or maybe it’s a “free”
period of time during the day. Looking for more "free"? Libraries and
hospitals are also a great source for free educational programs. I also
found a great resource here in the Phoenix area that helps me find free
or low-cost activities to enrich our children's world! Check out
Active Moms Magazine (see link below) - they have both a print and digital version that
is published on a monthly basis. They provide listings for
family-friendly things to do on every day of the month. Transportation
- Will you be needing a larger car? If yes, how will you pay for it?
Can you pay cash or will you have to finance it and add another bill to
your list of monthly outlays? As your children grow, they will continue to factor into your family budget for things like: Extended Travel, College
fund, Furniture for their big-kid rooms, Groceries for growing children
(teenage boys!!), Utilities for kiddos that are bathing and using
household electricity everyday, Schooling expenses, Hobby, Sport and
Team expenses...maybe you will eventually want a larger home or yard for your children to be able to spread out... Since
this post is already full of food-for-thought, I will wait for Friday
to discuss considerations such as Child Spacing, Nursing Relationship,
and Sibling Preparation as you add to your loving family. Until then,
break out your calculators and let me know how your baby prep is adding
up! Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It
is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider
to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own
situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in
Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The
Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily
reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of
Husband-Coached Childbirth®. References and Resources: Doula Care Placenta Encapsulation Cord-blood Banking Lactation Consultant Active Moms Magazine Cost Calculator for Raising a Child |
Categories: Birth center, Birth place options, Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding support, Chiropractic Care, Doulas, Homebirth, Hospital Birth, Information Center, Midwife, Midwifery Care, Nursing and Maternity Bras, Parenting, Placenta Encapsulation, Planning for Baby, Pregnancy, Support Groups, The Bradley Method®, The Bradley Method® classes
Post a Comment
Oops!
The words you entered did not match the given text. Please try again.
99 Comments
Reply
hermes birkin bag
4:35 PM on March 16, 2022
I intended to create you one very little note to be able to say thanks a lot over again for all the pleasant strategies you've shared in this article. It's so wonderfully generous with you to convey unhampered exactly what many of us would have offered for sale as an e-book to help make some bucks for their own end, specifically considering that you could have done it if you ever wanted. These techniques in addition worked to provide a fantastic way to realize that other individuals have the same dream much like my very own to realize a great deal more in terms of this condition. I'm certain there are many more pleasant situations in the future for individuals that read through your blog.
hermes birkin bag http://www.hermesbirkins.com
hermes birkin bag http://www.hermesbirkins.com
Reply
off white hoodie
4:37 PM on March 16, 2022
Thank you a lot for providing individuals with remarkably superb possiblity to read critical reviews from here. It can be so fantastic and as well , stuffed with a great time for me and my office co-workers to search your site nearly 3 times in a week to learn the latest guides you will have. And definitely, I am just usually fascinated for the exceptional concepts you give. Some two areas in this post are honestly the very best I have ever had.
off white hoodie https://www.offwhitesoutlet.com
off white hoodie https://www.offwhitesoutlet.com
Reply
goyard outlet
4:37 PM on March 16, 2022
Thanks for every one of your work on this web site. Debby delights in engaging in investigation and it is easy to see why. A lot of people know all about the dynamic form you offer informative tactics via this web site and therefore strongly encourage contribution from other people on this point while our favorite girl is undoubtedly starting to learn a whole lot. Have fun with the rest of the year. You are always performing a brilliant job.
goyard outlet http://www.goyardshandbag.us
goyard outlet http://www.goyardshandbag.us
Reply
yeezy boost 350 v2
4:38 PM on March 16, 2022
Thanks for your own effort on this web page. Debby enjoys setting aside time for research and it's really easy to understand why. All of us learn all regarding the compelling form you provide efficient guidance via your website and therefore cause participation from people on that issue and our own simple princess is truly becoming educated a whole lot. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You're doing a powerful job.
yeezy boost 350 v2 http://www.yeezy-350.us.com
yeezy boost 350 v2 http://www.yeezy-350.us.com
Reply
kd 10
4:38 PM on March 16, 2022
I in addition to my friends have already been examining the nice guides from the website and so the sudden I had a terrible feeling I had not expressed respect to the web site owner for those tips. These young men were for that reason thrilled to read all of them and have now definitely been loving those things. Appreciate your actually being well thoughtful and for opting for this sort of decent areas most people are really desperate to be aware of. My honest regret for not saying thanks to you sooner.
kd 10 http://www.kd10.us
kd 10 http://www.kd10.us
Reply
paul george
4:38 PM on March 16, 2022
I simply wanted to write down a remark to be able to thank you for all of the precious tactics you are showing at this site. My prolonged internet investigation has finally been recognized with incredibly good concept to write about with my friends. I 'd express that most of us visitors actually are really endowed to exist in a decent place with very many perfect people with very beneficial basics. I feel pretty fortunate to have discovered your entire web pages and look forward to tons of more amazing times reading here. Thanks a lot again for a lot of things.
paul george http://www.paulgeorge.us.com
paul george http://www.paulgeorge.us.com
Reply
kobe sneakers
4:38 PM on March 16, 2022
I would like to show some thanks to the writer just for rescuing me from this matter. Just after surfing around throughout the world wide web and finding thoughts that were not pleasant, I figured my entire life was well over. Being alive devoid of the solutions to the issues you have resolved as a result of your main report is a serious case, as well as ones that would have in a wrong way affected my career if I hadn't discovered your web page. The ability and kindness in maneuvering every aspect was valuable. I'm not sure what I would've done if I hadn't discovered such a stuff like this. I can now look ahead to my future. Thanks for your time so much for the impressive and results-oriented help. I will not be reluctant to endorse the website to anybody who should have recommendations about this problem.
kobe sneakers http://www.kobesneakers.com
kobe sneakers http://www.kobesneakers.com
Reply
retro jordans
4:39 PM on March 16, 2022
I would like to get across my affection for your generosity giving support to those people that have the need for help on this important issue. Your real commitment to passing the solution all over came to be extremely productive and have really allowed most people much like me to reach their pursuits. Your entire warm and helpful recommendations denotes a great deal a person like me and still more to my peers. Warm regards; from everyone of us.
retro jordans http://www.retro-jordans.us.com
retro jordans http://www.retro-jordans.us.com
Reply
golden goose sale
4:39 PM on March 16, 2022
Thanks a lot for giving everyone an exceptionally superb chance to read in detail from here. It's always very pleasant plus packed with a great time for me personally and my office acquaintances to search your site nearly 3 times weekly to see the latest things you will have. And lastly, I'm certainly amazed with all the sensational solutions served by you. Selected 1 areas in this post are completely the simplest we have ever had.
golden goose sale http://www.goldengoosessale.com
golden goose sale http://www.goldengoosessale.com
Reply
yeezy supply
6:02 PM on March 27, 2022
I have to express thanks to this writer just for rescuing me from this particular matter. Just after looking out throughout the the net and meeting thoughts which were not pleasant, I assumed my entire life was well over. Existing devoid of the answers to the issues you have sorted out by way of your good review is a critical case, and the ones that would have in a wrong way damaged my entire career if I hadn't discovered your web page. Your own skills and kindness in playing with all things was very helpful. I'm not sure what I would have done if I hadn't encountered such a subject like this. I can also at this time look ahead to my future. Thanks a lot so much for this reliable and sensible guide. I will not hesitate to endorse your blog post to anybody who would need tips about this subject matter.
yeezy supply http://www.supplyyeezys.com
yeezy supply http://www.supplyyeezys.com
Reply
MarkKneew
12:36 AM on May 28, 2022
url=https://buydoxycycline.shop/ says...
doxycycline 200 mg tablets
Reply
JaneKneew
1:12 AM on May 28, 2022
url=http://accutane.digital/ says...
generic accutane for sale
Reply
UgoKneew
7:32 AM on May 28, 2022
url=https://ivermectin.properties/ says...
ivermectin pills canada
Reply
MiaKneew
12:05 AM on May 30, 2022
url=http://trazodone.cfd/ says...
buy trazadone non generic on line without a prescription
Oops!
Oops, you forgot something.